Volvo XC90 vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Volvo XC90 maintained its reputation for timeless elegance with a refresh that subtly modernized its classic design. The updated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights appeared more robust, and the grille's new asymmetrical, woven design added a sophisticated touch. The XC90's exterior, available in Denim Blue and Bright Dusk, featured large wheels that filled the arches beautifully, emphasizing its elegant stance. Inside, the XC90 offered a comfortable and understated cabin with notable updates, including a repositioned infotainment screen and a more symmetrical centre console. The interior materials, such as quilted Nordico and perforated Nappa leather, added a touch of Swedish luxury, while the new herringbone weave textile provided a cozy and eco-friendly option.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the Crosstrek's tradition of evolutionary improvements with its third-generation model. The exterior changes were subtle, with the most noticeable update being the frameless grille that seamlessly connected with the headlights. The Crosstrek Hybrid's interior balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Canadian models came with black leather upholstery, and the cabin included thoughtful touches like chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. Standard features such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof added to the overall comfort and convenience.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 offered two powertrains in Canada, both with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B6 mild hybrid, a turbo- and e-supercharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combined a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery, producing a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV offered up to 53 kilometres of pure electric range on a full charge. The XC90's suspension featured Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology, providing improved ride comfort and stability.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 hp. The hybrid powertrain included two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other for driving the wheels 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, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, offered enhanced capability on variable terrain, while the revised dual-pinion steering rack improved handling.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's redesigned centre console improved practicality by relocating the wireless charging pad below the centre stack, freeing up space for cupholders. The XC90 offered generous interior space, with 922 millimetres of headroom and 810 mm of legroom in the third row. The panoramic roof provided a shared view for all passengers, while USB-C charge ports were standard in the first and second rows. The XC90's interior dimensions compared favourably with competitors like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Infiniti QX60.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The hybrid model featured a 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for an impressive range of 829 kilometres between fill-ups. Cargo volume measured 527 litres behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample rear-seat space with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage options included a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and deep door pockets.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's infotainment system featured a larger touchscreen with sharper resolution and a new user interface. The system emphasized a fewer-taps approach, with key functions accessible from the homescreen. The Android-based system included Google Built-In, with standard Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Ultra package added a head-up display and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system, offering four distinct listening modes.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and lagged when swiping between screens. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Crosstrek Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which could display navigation maps, although not Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and scored five stars overall from the NHTSA for the 2024 model. The XC90 featured standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, and blind-spot information. However, it lacked a hands-free highway-driving system found in some competitors.

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. The NHTSA awarded the 2025 Crosstrek five stars overall. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.