Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Buick Envision

The 2019 Buick Envision was considered one of the most attractive vehicles in Buick's SUV lineup, boasting a more athletic and taut appearance compared to its siblings. Its design featured strong body lines and an upright rear section, reminiscent of a BMW X1. Inside, the Envision's cabin appeared clean and straightforward, but upon closer inspection, it fell short of the luxury expectations set by Buick. The use of matte-finish materials, particularly around the climate controls and steering wheel, detracted from the overall aesthetic, making it feel less premium. Despite offering a range of trims with various features, the Envision's interior details, such as the power window functionality, suggested some corners were cut in its design.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid stood out with unique visual elements distinguishing it from its gas-powered counterpart. It featured bright gray inserts and blue frames around the headlights, with the exclusive "Lagoon Blue" color option catching the eye. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered blue inserts and two-tone leather seats with blue stitching, providing a stylish touch. The cabin was well-equipped with standard features, including heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat. However, the hybrid's battery placement reduced rear cargo space compared to the conventional Crosstrek. Despite this, the Crosstrek Hybrid came with a comprehensive list of standard features, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking a hybrid crossover.

The 2019 Buick Envision offered two engine options. The FWD, Preferred, and Essence trims were equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 197 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This setup felt underpowered and sluggish in various driving situations. In contrast, the Premium and Premium II trims featured a more robust 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, delivering 252 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission, provided solid acceleration and came standard with AWD. The Envision's steering was responsive, though it felt top-heavy in corners. Fuel economy for the 2.5-liter engine with FWD was rated at 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, while the turbo AWD model achieved 20/25/22 mpg.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid utilized a 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and two electric motors. Its 8.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack allowed for an electric-only range of 17 miles at speeds up to 65 mph. The Crosstrek Hybrid's AWD system was as capable as any modern Subaru, providing excellent traction and handling. However, its acceleration was underwhelming, with a 0-60 time of around 8 seconds. The hybrid components added 500 pounds of weight, affecting handling and refinement. Despite these drawbacks, the Crosstrek Hybrid excelled in off-road capabilities, offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance and rugged suspension. It achieved an EPA rating of 90 MPGe and a combined 35 mpg on gas alone.

The 2019 Buick Envision provided ample interior space, with a high driving position offering excellent visibility. The second row offered generous legroom, and the seats could recline for added comfort. With the rear seats up, the Envision offered 27 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 57 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparable to the Acura RDX. The Envision featured useful cargo tie-downs, deep door pockets, and a cargo tray above the glove box, maximizing its utility.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an upright seating position, providing a commanding view of the road. Rear seat space was adequate, even for taller passengers. However, the cargo area was smaller than the conventional Crosstrek, offering just 41 cubic feet due to the battery pack. The interior layout was similar to the gas-powered model, with deep door pockets and center console compartments. The electronic parking brake allowed for a more efficient use of space, accommodating cupholders and control toggles.

The 2019 Buick Envision came equipped with GM's Intellilink infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with a straightforward layout. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with seamless connectivity. The system also offered wireless charging, though the phone pocket design was unconventional. Below the touchscreen, touch-capacitive controls for climate and seat functions were less responsive, detracting from the user experience.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured Subaru's premium Starlink infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Starlink offered large icons, a sensible menu layout, and no lag. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the USB port placement could have been more convenient. The Crosstrek Hybrid also featured a color multi-information display atop the dash, controlled by a steering wheel button, providing useful information without unnecessary complexity.

The 2019 Buick Envision came standard with ten airbags, including side-curtain and knee airbags, and a reversing camera with Rear Park Assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features, such as GM's Safety Alert Seat, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Driver Confidence Package on the Premium II trim included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. However, many features required additional cost, unlike competitors offering them as standard.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. It also came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, offering forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. EyeSight provided semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities and included features like adaptive high beams and blind-spot detection. These features enhanced driver awareness and safety.