Volvo XC60 vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements seen in its predecessors, maintaining a familiar yet subtly refreshed appearance. The most noticeable change was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar that seamlessly connected with the headlights, creating a distinctive smile-like expression. The aerodynamic enhancements, such as the black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches with integrated air inlets and outlets, contributed to improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a harmonious blend of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design that emphasized functionality. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, complemented by black leather upholstery in Canadian models. Upscale accents like chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats added a touch of luxury, while standard features such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof enhanced the overall driving experience.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 Ultra exuded a sense of elegance and sophistication, with its Forest Lake paint glinting beautifully in sunlight and 22-inch wheels adding a commanding presence. Despite its nearly decade-old design, the XC60 aged gracefully, akin to a well-maintained classic. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, featuring plush Nappa leather, premium wood trim, and classy metal speaker grilles. The attention to detail extended to robust metal door release handles, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and Bowers & Wilkins "tweeter-on-top" hardware, creating a serene and luxurious atmosphere. Minimalism reigned in the cabin, which some might find challenging when it came to controls, but over time, the layout became intuitive. The XC60 proved to be an excellent choice for family road trips, offering comfort and ease of parking, although the rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre Boxer H4 engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor, delivering a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with acceleration that was noticeably quicker and smoother than its gas-only counterpart. The hybrid powertrain utilized two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km, likely due to the test route's dirt roads. The hybrid's AWD system, with a mechanical connection, offered superior capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. Subaru's X-Mode traction management system further enhanced off-road performance, with specific settings for dirt, snow, and mud. The Crosstrek's steering was light yet precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and body lean was reduced compared to older models.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system contributed to a claimed 6.9-second sprint to 100 km/h, though turbo lag and transmission hesitation affected power delivery. Fuel efficiency was below expectations, with a recorded 9.5 L/100 km compared to the official 9.0 L/100 km rating. The XC60's ride quality was impacted by the 22-inch wheels, but the air suspension in Comfort mode mitigated most road imperfections. In Firm mode, the XC60 demonstrated agility on mountain roads, though the light steering lacked feedback, and the brakes showed some fade under hard use. The XC60 featured Standard and Off-Road modes, but its low ground clearance and large wheels limited off-road capability. On highways, the XC60 excelled as a road trip vehicle, offering comfort and ease of parking.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid marked Subaru's third attempt at a hybrid model, addressing previous compromises with improved horsepower and cargo space. The absence of a large battery allowed for a lower trunk floor, resulting in 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a 63-litre fuel tank, enabling a range of 829 kilometres between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and two cupholders, supplemented by deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 excelled in long-distance travel comfort, with top-shelf front seats featuring Nappa leather, heating, cooling, massage, and extending leg supports. Rear seats were less comfortable, with firm cushions and low positioning, causing discomfort for taller passengers. The XC60 offered a four-zone automatic climate control system and a panoramic sunroof. In-cabin storage was adequate, with a tamboured cover for cupholders, embedded trays in armrests, and large front door bins. Rear storage was less generous, but the centre armrest included cupholders and additional space. The XC60 provided 613 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats, accommodating a family of four on road trips. The 40:20:40-split folding back seat allowed for versatile cargo configurations, with a total capacity of 1,410 litres.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen, though its infotainment system lagged behind competitors like the Kia Niro Hybrid and Hyundai Kona. The software was slow, and the screen was prone to fingerprints. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, offering an alternative to the Starlink software. Physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls were appreciated but limited. The Crosstrek Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 introduced a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen with Volvo Car UX software and a four-year subscription to Digital Services, including Google built-in apps. The infotainment system functioned well, though navigating saved radio stations was cumbersome. Voice recognition and Google Assistant were effective alternatives. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system offered 15 speakers and 1,410 watts of power, providing a rich sound experience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Marginal" in the moderate overlap front crash test and "Acceptable" in the side-impact test. Subaru addressed these issues by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats. The NHTSA awarded the 2025 Crosstrek a five-star overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more, though it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS due to an "Acceptable" side-impact crash test rating. Despite this, the XC60 was equipped with advanced safety features, including forward collision warning with large animal detection, oncoming collision mitigation, and intersection braking assist. However, the real-world performance of the driver assistance tech was lacking, with Pilot Assist and lane keep assist systems showing limitations. The XC60 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five-star ratings in individual crash tests except for rollover resistance.