Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements that Subaru had been implementing since the model's inception. The third-generation Crosstrek maintained its attractive appearance, with subtle updates that were hard to spot at first glance. The most noticeable change was the front fascia, where a frameless grille with a curved wing bar created a visual connection with the headlights, giving the car a distinctive smile. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches were a thoughtful touch, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design philosophy that prioritized function. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a subtle design flourish, while the chrome-trimmed power window switches provided an upscale accent.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, available in XLE and Limited trims, offered a choice between single-motor front-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive, with two battery sizes. The XLE test vehicle featured front-wheel drive and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus. The restyled 2026 bZ looked better with body-color trim, and the new dashboard and center console imparted a higher sense of quality. The fabric seats in the XLE had an upscale pattern, and the center touchscreen was increased to 14 inches, integrating climate control with the display. However, the digital driver display was mounted far away, making it challenging to read. The bZ's interior was designed for comfort, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated options, and ample storage solutions. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed plenty of legroom, and the cargo space was generous, with 27.7 cubic feet behind the power rear liftgate.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a 2.5-liter engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with quicker and smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop functions and charging the battery, while the other assisted with driving and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA estimate of 36 mpg. The Crosstrek's mechanical AWD system provided better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. Subaru's X-Mode traction management system, standard on all Crosstreks, offered specific settings for different terrains and included hill-descent control.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options. The XLE with front-wheel drive and a 57.7-kWh battery provided 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models with the larger battery produced 338 hp, with a range of 288 miles for the XLE AWD. The bZ's charging capabilities included compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and a CCS adapter for other stations. Efficiency tests showed the bZ performed better than EPA estimates, averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode. The bZ's driving experience was agreeable around town, with good visibility and standard parking sensors. However, the front-wheel-drive model struggled with traction in certain situations, and the ride could be choppy on undulating pavement.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The cargo volume behind the rear seats measured 18.6 cubic feet, expanding to 50.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 36.7 inches of legroom, significantly more than competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, featured 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it easy to enter and exit. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, with heated and ventilated options. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with a large bin under the center armrest and a sizable tray beneath the console. Rear-seat passengers had ample legroom, though foot space was tight. The cargo area offered 27.7 cubic feet of space, with an underfloor storage well for additional room. Folding the back seats expanded the cargo capacity to 56.9 cubic feet.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The software was slow, and the screen was a fingerprint magnet. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume and temperature controls. The Limited Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The driver display was difficult to read due to its location and cramped data. The infotainment system was generally user-friendly, but lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with several connected service plans available. The Drive Connect system powered native navigation and voice assistant features, which worked well during testing.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The 2025 model received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, but IIHS ratings were less favorable. The 2026 model had not yet been rated by either organization.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. Proactive Driving Assist provided subtle braking and steering inputs, enhancing safety without being intrusive. The Limited trim added Traffic Jam Assist and other advanced features. IIHS ratings for the bZ were mixed, with high marks for front-crash avoidance but lower ratings for headlights and frontal-impact crash tests.