Toyota 4Runner vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner showcased a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul, maintaining its rugged off-road SUV persona. The exterior featured a bulkier, industrial look with deep beveled creases and flared wheel arches, giving it a broad-shouldered stance. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner retained the slanted rearmost window and sliding rear window for easier cargo access. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Tacoma pickup's design, with a focus on durability and comfort. Hard plastics were prevalent, but light cushioning was strategically placed for comfort. The materials were superior to those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations. The 2026 model carried forward the changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets around the wheel arches improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Canadian models came with black leather upholstery, and the cabin included upscale accents like chrome-trimmed power window switches. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The standard 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in higher trims. The Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling improved significantly, with reduced body roll and better composure on pavement. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of off-road prowess.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain combined this engine with an 118 hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 hp. The hybrid offered quicker and smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The Crosstrek Hybrid's powertrain utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other assisted with driving and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management enhanced its off-road capabilities, though the steering remained light and somewhat disconnected.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grew nearly 13 centimetres longer, with a 6-centimetre increase between the axles. While front passenger space was ample, the middle row offered only adequate legroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped. The cockpit featured logically placed controls, with oversized knobs for climate control and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, cupholders, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack supported up to 360 kilograms.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on previous iterations, offering more horsepower and cargo space. The trunk floor was not raised, providing 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The fuel tank remained a generous 63 litres, allowing for long-distance travel. Rear-seat space was ample, with 926 millimetres of legroom. Up front, storage was limited to a small tray with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, deep door pockets, and a standard-size glove compartment.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens offered logical menus and quick responses, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Off-road models included external camera views and automatic camera activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system and a portable Bluetooth speaker were available. Remote monitoring, a digital key function, and a smartphone app added convenience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though the software was slow and prone to fingerprints. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map did not display Google Maps.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, scoring "Marginal" in the moderate overlap front crash test and "Acceptable" in the side-impact test. NHTSA awarded the 2025 Crosstrek five stars overall. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more.