Volvo XC60 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 the aesthetic appeal that had been a hallmark of the vehicle, with subtle yet effective updates. The most noticeable change was the front fascia, where a frameless grille and a curved wing bar created a visual connection with the headlights, giving the car a distinctive look. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches were a thoughtful touch, enhancing both 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 Volvo XC60 T5 Ultra was a testament to Volvo's commitment to luxury and design. The exterior, with its new Forest Lake paint, glinted with blue flecks and undertones in sunlight, while the 22-inch wheels added significant presence. The nearly decade-old design of the XC60 aged gracefully, maintaining its appeal. Inside, the XC60 Ultra's interior was a showcase of Scandinavian design, featuring plush Nappa leather, premium wood trim, and classy metal speaker grilles. The robust metal door release handles, Orrefors crystal shift knob, and Bowers & Wilkins “tweeter-on-top” hardware added to the luxurious feel. Minimalism ruled the interior, which some might find frustrating when it came to controls, but over time, the layout became second nature. The XC60 proved to be an excellent road-tripper, with its compact dimensions making it easy to park, though care was needed to avoid scraping the expensive wheels.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with acceleration that was noticeably quicker and smoother than 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, possibly due to the test route's dirt roads. 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 steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the vehicle exhibited less body lean than previous models.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 T5 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with regenerative braking. The XC60 T5 could sprint to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, though turbo lag and transmission reluctance sometimes caused uneven power delivery. The official EPA rating was 26 mpg combined, but real-world testing returned 24.7 mpg. The optional 22-inch wheels impacted ride quality, but the air suspension in Comfort mode filtered most unpleasantness. In Firm mode, the XC60 handled corners with grace, though the light steering lacked feedback, and the brakes faded under hard use. The XC60 was equipped with Standard and Off-Road modes, but its low ground clearance and large wheels limited off-road capability. It excelled as a road-tripper, with compact dimensions aiding in parking.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space without compromising on fuel efficiency. The cargo volume behind the rear seats measured 18.6 cubic feet, expanding to 50.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The gas tank remained a generous 16.6 gallons, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refueling. Rear-seat space was ample, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders, supplemented by deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 excelled in long-distance travel comfort, thanks to its top-shelf front seats with Nappa leather, heating, cooling, massage, and extending leg supports. Rear seats were less comfortable, with firm cushions and low positioning. The four-zone automatic climate control system and panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin experience. In-cabin storage was adequate, with a tamboured cover for cupholders, embedded trays in armrests, and large front door bins. The rear offered less storage, but the center armrest included cupholders and a storage space. The cargo area provided 21.6 cubic feet of volume, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the 40:20:40-split folding back seat.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, standard in both Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims. However, the infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with slow software and a tendency to attract fingerprints. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, offering an alternative to the Starlink software. The Limited Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 introduced a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen with Volvo Car UX software and a four-year subscription to Digital Services, including Google built-in apps. The infotainment system functioned well, though navigating saved radio stations was cumbersome. Voice recognition and Google Assistant were effective, but Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system offered 15 speakers and 1,410 watts of power, providing lush sound quality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick due to Marginal and Acceptable ratings in crash tests. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking, but lacked a semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable side-impact crash test rating. Despite this, it was equipped with advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning with large animal detection, oncoming collision mitigation, and intersection braking assist. The Pilot Assist system was less sophisticated than competitors, with issues in lane tracking and braking. The XC60 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.