Toyota Land Cruiser vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two trim levels, with the base model named the 1958, a nod to its North American debut year. This version featured a retro aesthetic with round headlights and basic equipment, offering a nostalgic appeal. Despite its lower price point of $73,270, the Cruiser trim was often recommended for its modern, upscale appearance and additional off-roading capabilities. The Cruiser trim, priced at $82,030, included larger screens and a more refined interior, with options for a Premium Package that added leather and advanced technology. The Land Cruiser's design emphasized off-road functionality, with a traditional two-box SUV shape and dark grey cladding underscoring its utility. The interior was utilitarian yet advanced, with dual 12.3-inch screens and intuitive controls, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of tradition and technology.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations, maintaining its attractive design. The 2026 model carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction, with subtle updates like a frameless grille and aerodynamic enhancements. In Canada, the Crosstrek Hybrid was offered in a single, top-tier trim, combining rugged utility with refined comfort. The interior featured consistent material quality, with black leather upholstery and thoughtful design elements like chrome-trimmed power window switches. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to a comfortable and airy cabin atmosphere. The Crosstrek Hybrid balanced practicality and style, making it a strong contender in the hybrid market.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time 4WD system and electronic locking differentials, allowing for a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with features like Downhill Assist Control, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select modes. However, real-world fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, with observed consumption at 15.0 L/100 km compared to the official 10.1 L/100 km rating. Despite its off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser struggled with handling on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning. It excelled in urban and off-road environments, offering a high driving position and excellent visibility, but required a slow and steady approach to driving.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor, producing a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than its gas-only counterpart. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop functions and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 7.6 L/100 km, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru’s AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, provided superior off-road capability compared to competitors. The Crosstrek’s steering was light yet precise, thanks to a revised steering rack, and it exhibited less body lean than previous models. The hybrid’s performance and efficiency made it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a more luxurious interior in the Cruiser trim, with SofTex artificial leather and ventilated front seats. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked support, and the high load floor made cargo loading challenging. The Land Cruiser provided 1,062 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,324 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the rear window design and centre console’s cool box were seen as drawbacks, limiting storage space and cabin airflow.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with seats folded, it provided ample storage without compromising on fuel tank size. The Crosstrek Hybrid’s 63-litre tank allowed for long-distance travel, enhancing its practicality. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. While front storage was limited, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a well-rounded interior with thoughtful design elements.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser’s Cruiser trim featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and connected service plans. The Premium Package included a 14-speaker JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charger, and advanced features like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror. The system’s voice recognition performed well, providing accurate navigation and assistance.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its software lagged behind competitors. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system’s slow response and reliance on touchscreen controls were drawbacks. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, but limitations in navigation display integration were noted. Despite these issues, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a visually appealing tech setup.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the system’s performance varied, with some features proving unreliable in certain conditions. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with mixed results in specific tests.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight ADAS, offering adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-centring assist. Despite not receiving a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, the Crosstrek Hybrid scored well in NHTSA testing. Subaru addressed previous safety concerns by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats, enhancing overall safety.