Chevrolet Equinox vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements seen in previous models, maintaining its attractive 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 look. 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 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 Chevrolet Equinox, positioned between the Trax and Trailblazer and below the Blazer and Traverse, showcased a familial styling that was both appealing and distinctive. Its broad fenders, squat roofline, and tall grille, accentuated by high-mounted daytime running lights, gave it an authentic SUV character. The Equinox was available in LT, Active, and RS trims, each with unique styling features. Inside, the Equinox's cabin was well-assembled, with neat details that elevated its feel. The Activ model featured a Maple Sugar and black two-tone treatment, while the RS trim offered sportier touches like a flat-bottom steering wheel. Despite mostly plastic surfaces, the Equinox's interior felt more than basic, with supportive seats and ample storage space.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, delivering a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with quicker and smoother acceleration compared to the gas-only version. The hybrid system 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 achieved 31 mpg, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided superior capability on variable terrain compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine producing 175 horsepower. The AWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering 203 lb-ft of torque. While the engine's output was adequate, the transmission occasionally hesitated to downshift, requiring the use of paddle shifters for smoother power application. The Equinox's suspension provided a comfortable ride but resulted in poor body control during quick steering inputs. Despite these limitations, the Equinox excelled as a highway cruiser, aided by active noise cancellation. The AWD models included an Off-Road drive mode, although the Activ trim's all-terrain tires were the only significant off-road upgrade.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded, it provided ample storage without the high trunk floor of previous models. The 16.6-gallon gas tank allowed for an impressive range of 597 miles. Rear-seat space was generous, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, but the cabin featured a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered nearly identical headroom and first-row legroom to its competitors, with spacious rear seats. The Equinox Activ test car included the Convenience Package III, adding features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and heated rear seats. The driver enjoyed an elevated seating position, although forward visibility was somewhat limited. The Equinox provided ample storage space, with a wireless phone charger and a spacious center console bin. Cargo space measured 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the rear bench folded, slightly behind segment leaders. The maximum towing capacity for AWD models was 1,500 pounds.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The software was slow, and many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Limited Hybrid trim featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The cluster offered various displays, including a navigation map, although it didn't support Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered excellent value in terms of technology, with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen. The Android-based infotainment system included Google built-in apps, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with easy-to-identify icons and a shallow menu structure. While the Equinox lacked options for a head-up display or a more elaborate audio system, it provided a well-rounded tech experience for the average user.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick designation due to a Marginal score in the moderate overlap front crash test and an Acceptable score in the side-impact test. However, the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS included features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking, although it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. GM-specific features included a vibrating driver's seat and the Teen Driver system. The Safety and Technology Package added a surround-view camera system and other advanced features. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with Good ratings in some tests and Acceptable ratings in others. The NHTSA had not yet released safety ratings for the 2026 model.