Toyota 4Runner 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. The interior of the Crosstrek Hybrid was a blend of rugged utility and refined comfort, featuring durable materials and thoughtful design elements like the distinctive orange stitching on the gray StarTex seats. The cabin's straightforward design prioritized functionality, with soft-touch surfaces and chrome-trimmed accents adding a touch of upscale flair.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner shared design elements with the Tacoma pickup, presenting a muscular and rugged look. The 4Runner's exterior featured pronounced haunches and deep creases, with off-road models sporting black wheel flares and heritage-inspired front ends. Inside, the 4Runner's utilitarian design was evident, with chunky control dials and an abundance of hard plastic surfaces. While cloth upholstery was standard, higher trims offered synthetic leather or leather options, though the cabin never quite achieved a high-end feel. The 4Runner's interior was functional but lacked the refinement seen in some of its competitors.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid offered a notable improvement in performance with its hybrid powertrain. The combination of a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine and a 118-hp traction motor resulted in a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made the hybrid the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration compared to its gas-only counterpart. The Crosstrek Hybrid utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop functions and regenerative braking, contributing to its efficiency. Despite falling short of the EPA's fuel economy estimates during testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid demonstrated improved capability on variable terrain, thanks to Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two powertrain options, with the i-Force turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The i-Force Max hybrid system increased output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Our TRD Off-Road Premium tester featured the hybrid powertrain, which, despite its impressive torque figure, delivered a mid-to-low seven-second 0–60 mph time. The 4Runner's eight-speed automatic transmission and Sport drive mode enhanced throttle response, while its off-road capabilities were bolstered by features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain System drive modes. However, the 4Runner's on-road dynamics were compromised by its off-road focus, resulting in a less refined ride.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more cargo space and a larger gas tank. With 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats and a total capacity of 50.6 cubic feet, the Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample storage without the compromises of previous models. The 16.6-gallon gas tank allowed for an impressive range, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed 36.7 inches of legroom. Up front, storage was limited, but the cabin featured practical elements like a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered a choice between two-row and three-row configurations, with the latter accommodating up to seven passengers. The front seats provided the best comfort, with power adjustments and heated options available on higher trims. The second row offered decent space but lacked comfort due to low seat bottoms. Cargo space was competitive with midsize rivals, though less accessible. The hybrid powertrain reduced cargo capacity slightly, with 42.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 82.6 cubic feet behind the first row. The three-row configuration, available only with the base gas engine, offered limited space and comfort for rear passengers.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, standard in both Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims. While visually impressive, the infotainment system lagged behind competitors in terms of usability. The software was slow, and the screen was prone to fingerprints. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Limited Hybrid trim featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map display had limitations.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with larger screens available on higher trims. Our tester had the 14-inch touchscreen, which, despite lacking design flair, was easy to use and responsive. The 4Runner offered a range of tech features, including Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and Service Connect subscriptions, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provided customizable information displays, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. While the 2025 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, it did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to marginal and acceptable crash test scores. Subaru addressed these issues by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. Despite being redesigned for 2025, the 4Runner received mixed crash test scores, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and marginal results from the IIHS. The 4Runner's safety features were comprehensive, but its crash test performance fell short of expectations.