Jeep Cherokee vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements that Subaru had been implementing since the model's inception. The third-generation Crosstrek maintained its attractive appearance, with subtle updates that included a frameless grille and aerodynamic enhancements around the wheel arches. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, featuring durable materials and thoughtful design elements like orange contrast stitching on the seats and chrome-trimmed power window switches. The cabin's straightforward design prioritized function, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics in key areas.

In contrast, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee adopted a boxy shape reminiscent of the classic XJ Cherokee, aiming for a less polarizing look than its predecessor. While the exterior design was somewhat generic, the rear-end treatment successfully combined aerodynamic surfacing with distinctive taillights. Inside, the Cherokee offered a mix of cloth and leatherette upholstery, with muted finishes that avoided smudges and glare. The interior exceeded expectations for style, featuring a concave dashboard and a rotary shifter reminiscent of the Grand Wagoneer. However, the Cherokee's interior was primarily plastic, which was expected at its price point.

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 improved acceleration and smoothness 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 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, provided superior capability on variable terrain compared to competitors.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid system, producing 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The AWD system used a clutch-based rear-axle disconnect for improved fuel economy but lacked the capability of Jeep's traditional 4WD systems. Selec-Terrain drive modes and impressive approach and departure angles enhanced its off-road potential, although the test drive didn't include off-roading. The hybrid system offered smooth power transitions, but the steering had significant play, and regenerative braking was limited. The Cherokee was comfortable but not particularly engaging in corners.

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. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 36.7 inches of legroom, significantly more than some competitors. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and deep door pockets.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee provided comparable headroom and legroom to its rivals, with comfortable seats despite a wide center console. Rear-seat legroom was less than some competitors, and cargo space measured 33.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.3 cubic feet with them folded. The Cherokee's towing capacity of 3,500 pounds was notable. The dashboard maintained important analog controls, but some buttons were hard to find, and touch sensors for climate controls lacked feedback.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system lagged behind competitors in terms of responsiveness and ease of use. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the software was slow, and many controls were touchscreen-based. The Limited Hybrid trim featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, but the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, running the stable Uconnect 5 system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. The digital cluster's graphics were plain, and vehicle settings were split between the touchscreen and dashboard buttons. The native navigation system was laggy, and the audio system differences between trims were minimal.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. The 2025 model received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from IIHS due to marginal crash test scores. The 2026 model had not yet been rated.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Active Driving Assist and traffic-sign recognition were standard on the Overland model, with a surround-view camera system available. Crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing.