Subaru

These days, adventure seems to be one of the most seductive marketing promises in the automotive world. Manufacturers love to show their SUVs climbing mountain passes, kicking up dust on remote trails, and escaping civilization entirely. But for most owners, the reality is far less theatrical. The typical adventure vehicle spends far more time navigating parking garages and grocery store lots than it does conquering the wilderness—but people still appreciate having the ability to flee the routine of city life on a whim, should they so desire.

These marketing angles aren't necessarily a bad thing. Vehicles like the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland and 2026 Subaru Trailseeker exist in the ever-so-human space between aspiration and reality. They're electric SUVs designed to evoke exploration and freedom—even if their daily lives will unfold mostly on paved roads. I had the opportunity to drive both back-to-back, and what quickly became clear is that these two vehicles are incredibly difficult to distinguish between. In fact, by the time I stepped out of the second car and had learned the entire story, there was no doubt in my mind that, whether you buy the Toyota or the Subaru, you're essentially buying a Subaru. So, if you've found yourself wandering down to your local showrooms in search of a new, all-electric, almost-wagon adventure crossover, and are having a tough time trying to decipher why you should buy one of these over the other, allow me to offer some guidance.

Subaru

There is no hiding the fact that these two SUVs are more like identical twins than fraternal ones, despite wearing different badges, slightly altered cosmetic cues, and unique packaging offers. Both vehicles ride on essentially the same electric architecture. Both use a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and dual electric motors mounted on the front and rear axles. Those motors combine to produce 375 horsepower, giving both SUVs an identical claimed 0–60 mph time of roughly 4.4 seconds.

Range estimates are identical, too. The Toyota bZ Woodland is rated for up to 281 miles of driving range, dropping to about 260 miles when equipped with all-terrain tires. The Subaru Trailseeker lands in essentially the same territory, offering approximately 281 miles of range depending on trim level. I can't stress this enough: In case it's not already obvious, these two SUVs are essentially the same car under the surface. Where they will differ most is in how they are equipped, depending on trim level, and in their comparative pricing.

Toyota

Many comparison drives highlight dramatic differences between vehicles. This one didn't. Driving the bZ Woodland and Trailseeker back-to-back reveals that their personalities are nearly identical (as you'd probably expect). Acceleration feels strong but controlled, the electric motors delivering immediate thrust without the theatrical violence some performance EVs aim for. With 375 horsepower and dual-motor all-wheel drive, both SUVs move with the confident, silent urgency you’d expect from a modern electric crossover.

The chassis tuning follows a similarly pragmatic philosophy. Steering is light but precise, body motions are well managed, and both vehicles ride with a calm composure that makes them pleasant daily drivers. Neither vehicle tries to masquerade as a sports car, and that's entirely appropriate. These are vehicles designed for practicality and versatility first. Both use MacPherson struts up front and multi-link or double-wishbone setups in the rear. In short, if someone blindfolded you and asked you to identify which vehicle you were driving based purely on steering feel or ride quality, you'd have almost no way of telling them apart, aside from the shape of the steering wheel.

At our partner site, Road Ethos, we often consider how modern automotive development has blurred the lines between brands in ways enthusiasts rarely acknowledge. The bZ Woodland and Trailseeker are a perfect example of that reality—two badges, two design philosophies, but ultimately the same mechanical idea expressed through slightly different lenses.

Subaru

Despite the suburban reality many adventure SUVs live in, both of these EVs come equipped with genuinely useful off-road technology. The Toyota bZ Woodland includes X-MODE with Grip Control, which adjusts motor output and braking distribution to improve traction on slippery surfaces. Subaru, unsurprisingly, takes a similar approach. The Trailseeker's X-MODE Dual-Mode system offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings along with Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control.

Toyota

Ground clearance sits at 8.4 inches for the Toyota and 8.5 inches for the Subaru, making them well-suited to gravel roads, snowy mountain passes, or the occasional muddy trailhead. Interestingly, the Subaru boasts ever-so-slightly higher ground clearance—a common trait of the brand's many adventure-focused products. Both vehicles can also tow up to 3,500 pounds, opening the door to hauling small trailers, bikes, or camping gear. From a capability standpoint, neither vehicle significantly outclasses the other, which brings us back to the underlying premise: these vehicles share far more than they differ.

Toyota

Inside the cabin, the similarities continue—but here, the Subaru manages to inject a bit more personality. The Toyota bZ Woodland's interior follows a clean, minimalist EV design philosophy. A large 14-inch touchscreen, dual wireless charging pads, ambient lighting, and SofTex-trimmed seating create an environment that feels modern and tech-forward.

The Trailseeker's cabin layout is similarly dominated by a 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite. But where the Subaru stands apart is in small, charismatic details, such as its available blue leather upholstery, which brings a welcome sense of character to the cabin. In an era when many EV interiors lean toward stark minimalism, that minor splash of colour gives the Trailseeker a slightly more distinctive personality than the Toyota lacks. If the Toyota's cabin feels like a sleek, modern dental office—clean, efficient, and perhaps a little sterile—the Subaru feels more like the pediatric dentist down the street. The bright colours and softer atmosphere don't change the fundamentals of the experience, but they make it feel a little more welcoming.

From a practical standpoint, both vehicles are extremely usable. Cargo capacity approaches 74 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making them capable of swallowing camping gear, luggage, or a week's worth of home improvement supplies. Rear passenger space is similarly generous, ensuring both SUVs work well as family vehicles.

Subaru

This is where the comparison begins to tilt more noticeably. The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker starts at $39,995, positioning it competitively within the electric SUV segment. The Toyota bZ Woodland, meanwhile, begins at $45,300 before destination charges. That roughly $5,000 price gap is difficult to ignore—especially when the two vehicles' underlying hardware is so similar. While Toyota offers two trim levels of the bZ Woodland—Base and Premium—Subaru offers three: Premium, Limited, and Touring. Here's the lineup across both offerings:

Subaru Trailseeker

• Premium: $39,995
• Limited: $43,995
• Touring: $46,555

Toyota bZ Woodland

• bZ Woodland: $45,300
• bZ Woodland Premium: $47,400

That means Toyota’s base Woodland starts $5,305 above the Subaru Trailseeker Premium, and even Toyota's base trim is $1,305 more than a Subaru Trailseeker Limited. The Toyota Premium is only $845 more than a Subaru Touring before Subaru's optional blue-and-black leather.

Subaru

Despite being priced so comparatively low, the Trailseeker Premium is not stripped in the old-school sense. It still comes with the important hard points: 375 horsepower, dual-motor AWD, about 281 miles of range, a 74.7-kWh battery, 14-inch touchscreen, X-MODE Dual-Mode, roof rails, heated front seats, dual wireless phone chargers, power rear gate, EyeSight driver-assist tech, and durable StarTex upholstery. That is why Subaru's base price is so compelling: the fundamentals are all there.

But this is also where the savings happen. Compared with Toyota's base Woodland, the Trailseeker Premium gives up a few desirable comfort and convenience items. Toyota's base trim includes heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic view monitor with multi-terrain monitor, Digital Key, an 8-way power front passenger seat, SofTex seating, and front/rear parking assist with automatic braking.

So what do you sacrifice to save those five grand with the Subaru Premium? Mostly the nicer everyday stuff. You still get the platform, the powertrain, and the core capability. What you lose is the sense that the base trim has already been padded with creature comforts. That is why the Subaru starts at a lower price.

Toyota

Toyota's base Woodland is expensive, but it also comes with a lot already on board. Standard equipment includes 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia, dual wireless chargers, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, Digital Key, panoramic view monitor, front/rear parking assist with automatic braking, SofTex upholstery, power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, power-folding mirrors, and the same 375-hp AWD setup with up to 281 miles of range. In other words, Toyota's “base” trim appears less like a budget trim and more like a mid-grade model, given the amenities it offers as standard.

So is Toyota charging extra for the badge? Partly, probably, because Toyota knows it can. But more concretely, Toyota is charging extra because it has eliminated the cheaper, simpler version of this vehicle from the Woodland lineup, whereas Subaru will still let you buy that version.

Subaru

Here is where Toyota's value argument starts to wobble even further. For $43,995, the Trailseeker Limited adds Harman Kardon audio, panoramic view monitor, 20-inch wheels, heated rear seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, digital key, a hands-free kick-sensor tailgate, and a 120V AC outlet in the cargo area. Read that again, then look at Toyota's base Woodland price.

The Subaru Limited is not only cheaper than the Toyota base trim, but it also offers features similar to those of Toyota's base trim. Toyota still gives you SofTex and some Toyota-specific trim details, but Subaru's Limited closes most of the comfort/convenience gap while staying $1,305 cheaper. That makes the Subaru Limited arguably the smartest trim in this whole comparison. It gets to the heart of the question you're probably asking: if both vehicles are fundamentally the same idea, and one brand is offering a better-equipped version for less money, how much are you really willing to pay for Toyota's own hammerhead styling, infotainment interface, and badge?

Toyota

At the top end, the gap narrows, but Subaru still looks strong. The Toyota bZ Woodland Premium adds JBL 9-speaker audio, ventilated front seats, a radiant foot-and-leg heater, a driver memory seat, a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink, mirror memory/tilt functions, and a panoramic fixed-glass roof with a power sunshade.

The Subaru Trailseeker Touring, at $46,555, adds a panoramic glass roof with motorized shade, ventilated front seats, radiant leg warmers, and optional blue-and-black leather upholstery over the Limited. Sounds pretty much identical, doesn't it? So what are you paying Toyota's extra $845 for at the top end? Mostly: JBL branding on the audio system rather than Harman Kardon (which you'd even get in the mid-grade Trailseeker Limited anyway), a digital rearview mirror, some Toyota-specific mirror and seat-memory details, and Toyota's version of the trim and materials mix (SofTex).

What Subaru gives you instead is the more appealing interior option you might already prefer: the available blue leather, which arguably makes the cabin feel more special than anything Toyota offers here. And if you spec that blue leather for the Subaru Touring at $300, it lands at $46,855, still below the Toyota Premium's $47,400.

Subaru

Subaru is willing to sell you the same basic vehicle with fewer niceties at the bottom of the range, and because Toyota likely thinks it can bank a few extra bucks on its badge alone. That is the simplest answer.

The Trailseeker Premium does not try to disguise itself as a heavily-equipped luxury trim. It gives you the things that matter most in the brochure war—power, AWD, range, big screen, safety, roof rails, charge-port access, and adventure pretensions—then stops short of piling on every unnecessary comfort feature just to pad the spec sheet. Toyota, by contrast, appears to have decided that the Woodland should feel more upscale from the start. So even the base car gets features that Subaru makes you step up to Limited for, and in some cases, Touring-adjacent ambience. That is not inherently cynical; it's just a different product-planning decision. But it does mean Toyota's pricing can feel inflated once you realize just how much shared DNA there is beneath the surface.

Toyota

After driving the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland and 2026 Subaru Trailseeker back-to-back and examining their trims, pricing, and equipment, the conclusion becomes surprisingly straightforward, at least in my mind. These two SUVs share the same bones: the same 375-horsepower dual-motor drivetrain, the same 74.7-kWh battery, nearly identical range figures, and nearly identical capability. The differences largely come down to packaging and price.

Toyota includes more comfort features in its base trim, which partly explains the higher starting price, but once you move up Subaru's lineup—particularly to the Trailseeker Limited or Touring—you're getting essentially the same vehicle for less money, often with more personality in the interior. In other words, if you prefer Toyota's styling or simply trust the brand more, the bZ Woodland is still a solid electric adventure SUV. But viewed through the lens of value and authenticity, the Subaru makes a stronger case. If both vehicles are fundamentally Subaru-built EVs anyway, you might as well buy the one wearing the Subaru badge.

At our partner site, Road Ethos, we tend to believe that the most compelling vehicles aren't necessarily the ones with the biggest horsepower numbers or the most luxurious interiors. They're the ones that feel authentic to the idea they're trying to represent. In this case, both SUVs deliver the same electric adventure formula—but one of them happens to embody its own platform more honestly than the other.

If you combine those three words together, it can only be one car. For those who still need a hint, that's none other than the Subaru WRX. Okay, the Forester was available with a turbo, but the WRX is the definitive car that has those key ingredients.

The WRX, then known as the Impreza WRX, was born out of necessity. Subaru wanted to mount an even more serious challenge in the World Rally Championship, and the larger Legacy wasn't cutting it anymore. So, the company took its Impreza, itself a chopped Legacy, and gave it the same turbocharged boxer engine from its big brother to create the WRX. It then needed to homologate it, hence why we ended up with these cars in the first place.

America was denied the first-gen WRXs, but Subaru of America made amends by finally launching the second-gen model stateside in 2001 for the 2002 model year. Not long after that, America finally got the WRX STI models. The cars gained more tech and power through the years, but the formula remained the same: Turbo, boxer, all-wheel drive.

Cars & Bids

The current WRX was launched in 2021 for the 2022 model year. Starting at under $35,000, it's a performance bargain and stays true to its attainable sports-compact roots. That said, it's sad that hopes for a full-on STI model are quickly diminishing, and our longing for it isn't helped by Subaru's knack of giving the world 'STI-lite' models instead of the real deal.

But it appears that the sporty compact is at a crossroads at the moment. There's no doubt that mobility is getting more and more electrified these days, be it as hybrid or EV, but the next-gen model might be getting some battery-powered assistance. The worrying part? It might lose the turbo in the process.

Subaru

A few examples of the redesigned WRX have been spotted in Japan, with a couple of them snapped by eagle-eyed spies. One photo of it was recently shared by Australian publication Drive, and there's something missing in the picture.

If you clicked the link and saw the photo, you might have noticed the lack of a hood scoop on the car shown. Granted, it's the Levorg or WRX Sportswagon, as it's called in most places, but those cars also have that distinct feature in their current guises. Even the higher-riding Levorg Layback with fewer performance ambitions has the hood scoop.

Drive says the new WRX will instead utilize a more powerful version of Subaru's 'Strong Hybrid' system that's currently used in the Forester. While we're all for more power, we fear that going in that direction will result in less character.

Of course, it's hard to say for certain what Subaru really has in store for the future WRX. It's possible that the intercooler will simply be moved to the bottom by the front bumper, which is highly uncharacteristic of the brand. There's also the possibility of it having an integrated air scoop in its grille, just like the Japan-only Forester Turbo.

Let's also not discount the likelihood of Subaru adapting a turbo-hybrid powertrain for the WRX. The idea isn't new, and many automakers have adapted to that kind of configuration. However, going for that means we might not see a manual transmission option. That said, Subaru has filed a patent for a simulated manual transmission, and it might be applied to hybrids, too.

Subaru

Subaru has announced its first foray into the hands-free driving era. The first model to benefit is the Outback, which recently entered a new generation. The automaker’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite has already been available across Subaru’s lineup, but the Outback’s new Hands-Free Assist Driving system is far more advanced. As with other hands-free systems like Ford’s BlueCruise, Subaru’s system supports hands-free driving on most interstate highways. It can be used at speeds of up to 85 mph (5 mph higher than BlueCruise), which exceeds the speed limit in most states across the country.

Related: Hands-Free Driving Is Surging — Even After High-Profile Crashes

Subaru

Subaru’s system uses a combination of GPS, HD maps, radar sensors, and cameras for its hands-free system. The automaker says it has been refined through 100,000 miles of testing, ensuring the system’s accuracy. 

Hands-free operation can be engaged once the adaptive cruise control system is active. Still a Level 2 system, this means the driver needs to pay attention to the road at all times, which is monitored by the Subaru DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation system. If this notices a distracted driver, the hands-free system will disengage and the driver will be prompted to resume manual control. A wider-angle, higher-resolution camera and infrared LEDs can detect a driver’s eye gaze, even through sunglasses.

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Active lane change assist, automatic resume assist, and pre-curve speed control on highways also form part of the highway system’s capabilities. Emergency stop assist and safe lane selection are also offered, while easily identifiable green and blue icons in the digital gauge cluster communicate the status of the system.

The new Highway Hands-Free Assist system is available as a no-cost update on the Touring and Touring XT trims for the 2026 Outback. Any models sold after January 19, 2026, will already have the update installed.

Related: 2026 Subaru Outback Debuts With New Tech, New Look, and Higher Prices

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Subaru, a brand better known for its Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and rugged dependability, has finally entered the hands-free race. It joins Ford’s BlueCruise, GM’s Super Cruise, and Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot system. Tesla, of course, is a prominent presence in this arena, as its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) suite can handle point-to-point hands-free driving, even through urban areas.

You’ll need to pay for Subaru’s system, though, as the cheapest model it’s offered on is the Outback Touring at $45,395. We expect the capability to eventually make its way into other Subaru models. Moreover, we hope to see more Subarus transition to the Outback’s redesigned user interface, as the Forester Wilderness we drove alienated us with some of its controls.

The new functionality broadens Subaru’s appeal—as more models receive the hands-free system and the Outback’s latest user interface, it can grow into a brand that can compete in tech and not just rugged capability.

Related: Hands-Free Showdown: BlueCruise, Super Cruise, Autopilot. Which One Owns the Highway?

Key Points

• The Forester and the Outback were redesigned just one year apart. The Forester is the brand's leader, but the tech in the Outback outranks it.
• The Forester still relies heavily on its touchscreen for basic functions, a carry-over from the previous generation.
• The Outback represents a tech-forward move for the brand, showing off what it can do when it rethinks the user experience.

By all accounts, the Subaru Forester that was redesigned last year is a huge hit with the car buying public. Its sales were just as strong in 2025 as they were in 2024, with around 175k units sold, continuing its reign as the brand's best-selling vehicle. More SUV-like but also more refined in its appearance, the Forester departed from some of its weirdness (the crab-claw headlights and taillights) but kept its famous upright appearance, massive greenhouse, and interior styling and tech.

Amos Kwon

I recently drove a 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition and not long before that, the 2026 Subaru Outback Limited. The user experience in the Outback is unequivocally better, ditching the portrait orientation and the screen-reliant climate controls. Was it a misfire to keep the old tech and cabin setup for the brand's hottest seller? For 2026, Subaru gave its larger Outback model a full redesign. Which is also why it’s frustrating that the Forester didn’t receive the full interior and tech overhaul that arrived with the all-new 2026 Outback. Because if any Subaru deserves the brand’s best ideas in cabin design, screen layout, and usability-first technology, it’s the model the brand's cash cow.

Amos Kwon

It's commonplace for automakers to redesign one model while leaving another model alone. It happens all the time. Redesigns are staggered. I can't seem to recall many situations where two models are redesigned only a year apart, and the first one keeps the tech from the previous generation while the other model gets fresh new tech. I'm talking about redesigns, not refreshes here. That's what Subaru did with the Forester. It has the same in-car tech setup as the 2024 model, and it's not a great system to begin with.

Amos Kwon

The system looks fine. That's not really the problem. It's just far too reliant on the screen for climate controls. It's also painfully unresponsive for the first minute after starting the car. No joke. Every time I started the Forester Wilderness in my possession, the screen would simply not respond to touch inputs. I tried using the screen to turn on the heated seat, change the temperature, and alter the fan speed. No response. What's worse, it actually played catch-up. I pressed the heated seat control three times to try to get it to work, and 20-30 seconds later, it would cycle through all of my inputs and then shut off the heated seat. That's unacceptable and dangerously distracting.

Amos Kwon

And because it's the sales leader, the interior usability and tech execution matter more in the Forester than anywhere else in the lineup. You’re interacting with it when you’re tired, distracted, rushed, and wearing gloves. You’re adjusting the climate controls in traffic, a dually is bearing down on you, and the kids are hitting each other. You’re connecting your phone in a hurry. You’re relying on the interface to stay out of your way.

You bought the 2026 Forester, which is still a very good crossover, but then you see that the brand gave the Outback a more cohesive, modern interior strategy—better screens, a cleaner layout, and better physical controls—it feels like a badly missed opportunity not to have led with the Forester instead.

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The Outback is a game-changer for Subaru when it comes to switchgear. It has a dedicated physical climate control panel with big temperature adjustment knobs, two lines of buttons, and a easily decipherable display screen that clearly shows the temperature setting, vent control, and fan speed. That's all you need, folks. It doesn't rely on the Forester's style of on-screen controls where they're all mashed together at the bottom of the touchscreen, just waiting for you to repeatedly tap them to no avail.

Subaru

The 2026 Outback is easy, logical, and quick. Its responsiveness is appreciably better than the Forester's, as are the graphics. It eschews too many bright colors and replaces them with a more muted menu with a more logical layout. Physical controls are superb. Driving both models within a month of each other highlights the differences, and they are stark.

The Forester needs this setup badly, to the point where I would pay the extra money for and Outback just to not have to suffer the cabin experience of the Forester. If Subaru truly believes it’s moving toward a more user-friendly cabin philosophy, the Forester should be the model that benefits first and most consistently.

The Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition is family-friendly and practical, but it still suffers from the same tech setup that drops it a notch in my book. Here's hoping the Outback's tech trickles down to the Forester when it's due for a mid-cycle refresh. The Outback’s redesigned interior feels like the brand totally rethought its interiors, and it represents a serious leveling up rather than just a small change. The screens, switchgear, layout, and ergonomics all feel designed to work together. The Forester, meanwhile, still feels like it’s halfway between old Subaru and new Subaru. It offers modern features, but they don’t always feel unified into a single, intentional experience.

This isn't the Mustang-versus-Camaro kind of rivalry, nor is it Coke versus Pepsi. Rather, it's the kind where two almost-identical products exist in the same segment, solve the same problem, and are separated not by better or worse, but by the types of buyers they chase. If you've found yourself choosing between the 2026 Toyota C-HR EV and the 2026 Subaru Uncharted, then you might feel a bit confused when it comes time to visit showrooms.

On paper, they're almost exactly the same. They're both compact electric crossovers with comparable range, similar power outputs depending on trim, and roughly identical price positioning. Both deliver strong, sub-6-second 0–60 mph performance in their higher trims. They quite literally share the same bones and are both produced in the same factory. These two electric SUVs are so closely matched that crowning a universal champion would miss the point. The real question is simpler, and perhaps more useful: Which one fits you? Let's break that down.

Cole Attisha

The Toyota C-HR EV hopes to be somewhat of a spiritual successor to the famed Toyota sports coupés of the past. It's more aggressive-looking than the Subaru, prioritizing visual drama over traditional crossover ruggedness. That intention carries into the way it drives, too. The steering feels heavier and more defined, if only marginally. When you guide it through a series of corners or even just weave through highway traffic, there's a cohesiveness to the chassis tuning that makes it feel appropriately tied together. It doesn't pretend to be sporty in the hot-hatch sense, but it does offer the kind of precision and power that made cars like the Celica so enjoyable to drive.

Cole Attisha

The C-HR's power delivery is immediate, as you'd expect from a modern EV, yet the calibration avoids feeling abrupt or artificial. Instead, it builds smoothly, reinforcing the sense that this is a vehicle engineered for drivers who still care about driving. In day-to-day commuting, that translates to a compact SUV that feels alert rather than sedated. If your world is primarily urban or suburban—if your daily rhythm involves structured roads, tight parking garages, and the occasional spirited backroad detour—the C-HR EV feels tuned with you in mind.

At Road Ethos, we often talk about the idea that engagement doesn’t require excess power; it requires clarity. The Toyota delivers that clarity in small but noticeable ways.

Cole Attisha

The Subaru Uncharted approaches the same segment from a different angle. Where the Toyota feels urban and design-forward, the Subaru feels purpose-built for people who don't want their EV to limit where they can go. Subaru's X-MODE and grip control systems give the Uncharted a genuine edge when conditions deteriorate. Snow-covered roads, muddy trailheads, and steep gravel inclines are environments Subaru has built its brand around for decades, and the Uncharted carries that DNA into the electric age.

Cole Attisha

The Toyota, for all its composure on pavement, doesn't offer that same depth of terrain-focused calibration. It's confident on the road, but the Subaru feels confident beyond it. That difference shifts the entire ownership narrative and works in Subaru's favour, as the brand understands that many of its owners actually do take their vehicles off paved roads. Behind the wheel, the Uncharted still feels quick and modern, particularly in dual-motor configurations, but its demeanour feels slightly more relaxed. The steering seems lighter, the suspension a touch more forgiving, and the overall character more adaptable to unpredictable surfaces. It doesn't encourage aggressive cornering so much as it projects stability, especially when traction becomes uncertain.

If you live somewhere that sees serious winter weather, or if your weekends involve unpaved roads, mountain passes, or ski resorts where the parking lot isn't always plowed perfectly, the Subaru's hardware advantage becomes more than theoretical; it becomes practical.

Cole Attisha

Inside, the philosophical split is subtle but still recognizable. The Toyota's cabin feels styled with function at the forefront of its mission. The dashboard architecture is horizontal and modern, and the infotainment integration is clean and cohesive. Materials feel solid, and the overall execution suggests Toyota wanted this interior to feel contemporary without veering too far into sterile minimalism. It's an environment that doesn't feel flashy, but purposeful instead.

Subaru

The Subaru's interior leans more into its own campiness. The layout is straightforward and ergonomic, but minor visual details, such as orange accents, a square-shaped steering wheel, and optional patterned StarTex upholstery, brighten up the space and enhance ergonomics. As I stated in my focused review of the Subaru Uncharted, "If the C-HR's cabin is a stark dental office where everything is white and silent, the Uncharted feels more like a pediatric one—still sterile and minimalist, but with enough colour and distraction to make the impending root canal feel less terrifying." Much like the C-HR, the Uncharted's cabin is designed with functionality first, but Subaru's efforts to tailor it to the unique needs of their own loyal buyers haven't gone unnoticed.

In isolation, both cabins are competitive for the segment. In direct comparison, the Toyota feels more function-driven, while the Subaru feels more emotion-driven. Again, neither approach is superior in a vacuum—it depends on what you value most.

Subaru

Base FWD EV

N/A

$34,995 Premium FWD (221 hp, 308 mi range)

Mid-Level AWD

$37,000 SE AWD (338 hp, 287 mi range)

$39,795 Sport AWD (338 hp, 287 mi range)

Top AWD

$39,000 XSE AWD (338 hp, 273 mi range)

$43,795 GT AWD (338 hp, 273 mi range)

As you can see from the comparison table above, pricing and packaging strategy are what most separate the two SUVs. Although the Subaru Uncharted can be had, in base form, for thousands of dollars less than the C-HR, the Toyota offers more heavily equipped trim packages for less than Subaru does. That's not the full story, though.

Opt for the Toyota, and you'll quickly learn that additional features don't come free. Choosing the top-trim XSE comes with the caveat of paying extra for the Cold Weather Package ($450), 9-Speaker JBL Premium Audio ($600), and a panoramic roof ($1,000), bringing the total MSRP to $43,000 when all boxes are ticked. The top-trim Subaru, on the other hand, comes pre-equipped with heated rear seats (most of what Toyota's Cold Weather Package consists of), a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a panoramic glass roof. Both SUVs offer premium paint colours at $475-$970. So, in fully-loaded, all-options-ticked guise, the Uncharted costs just $795 more than the C-HR—a price difference attributable to the Subaru's adventure-ready hardware and drive modes. If you'll be driving through rough stuff, maybe that's a worthy price to pay. If not, then perhaps it isn't. That depends entirely on you.

Toyota

If your driving life is centred around pavement—city grids, suburban sprawl, structured roads—and you value steering feel, chassis composure, and a slightly more expressive design language, the 2026 Toyota C-HR EV will likely feel more aligned with your priorities. If your life regularly extends beyond pavement into winter weather, gravel roads, ski trips, or trailhead parking lots, and you value terrain management systems like X-MODE and Grip Control, the 2026 Subaru Uncharted becomes the more compelling choice. The Toyota feels engineered for drivers who want their EV to feel modern and composed, whereas the Subaru feels engineered for drivers who want their EV to feel capable and prepared. Neither dominates the other in absolute terms, but one will make more sense the moment you picture your typical weekend routine.

What's striking about driving these two back-to-back is how mature this segment has become in such little time. There are no glaring weaknesses here, nor are there any dramatic compromises—only philosophical differences. Toyota leaned into on-road refinement and cohesive dynamics, whereas Subaru leaned into adventure-readiness and traction intelligence. At Road Ethos, our very own spin-off publication led by diehard automotive enthusiasts, our writers often believe that the right car reveals itself not in the spec sheet, but in the way it fits into your life without causing friction. In this case, your decision shouldn't be made by horsepower or charging speed. It should be made based on where you'll go and how you want to feel getting there.

Hybrids are all the rage right now, and buyers are snatching them up for their efficiency and practicality. The good news is that more manufacturers are investing in gas-electric hybrids, providing a wide range of choices. If you want an efficient compact SUV that still works for real-life family duty, the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid and 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid should both end up on your shopping list. They occupy the same space on paper: five-passenger crossovers with good cargo room, available all wheel drive, modern tech, and fuel economy that takes the sting out of long commutes.

Look closer, though, and these two hybrids take very different approaches. One leans heavily into outdoorsy practicality and foul-weather confidence. The other aims for comfort, value, and style, with a bit more polish in the cabin. Here is how they compare and which one will be the better hybrid SUV for you.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors that deliver a total of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of twist. The result is strong acceleration and a healthy slug of torque that gives the Sportage Hybrid authority when you pull away from a stop or merge onto the highway. Front wheel drive is standard on most trims, with all wheel drive available. FWD versions deliver 42 mpg combined, while the AWD gets 35 mpg combined.

Subaru

The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid, a first for the model, combines a flat four cylinder engine with an electric motor for 194 horsepower, 14 more than the gas-only Forester. Along with Subaru’s signature standard symmetrical all wheel drive system and a new smoother CVT, the Forester Hybrid is a game-changer for the model. Rather than chasing big horsepower numbers, Subaru tunes the hybrid system for smooth, predictable response and steady power delivery. In terms of efficiency, the Forester Hybrid matches the AWD Kia Sportage Hybrid at 35 mpg in combined driving, but the FWD Sportage Hybrid wins the fight. At least the Forester Hybrid has AWD as standard equipment, unlike the Sportage.

Kia

On the road, the Sportage Hybrid feels more like a traditional crossover that happens to be a hybrid. The suspension tuning is comfortable and controlled, taking the edge off broken pavement and expansion joints while keeping body roll in check in turns. The steering has a light but accurate feel that makes the Sportage easy to place in traffic and when parking. With the turbocharged engine and hybrid assist, it is the quicker SUV here, which will matter if you frequently drive on highways with fast traffic or load up with passengers and gear. 0-60 in AWD guise arrives in 7.0 seconds, properly quick for an efficient and family-friendly crossover.

Subaru

The Forester Hybrid prioritizes confidence and stability. Ground clearance is taller than the Kia, and Subaru tunes the suspension for composure on rougher roads and mild off pavement use. The steering has a reassuring on-center feel, and standard all wheel drive makes it feel planted on wet, snowy, or gravel surfaces. It will not feel as quick off the line as the Sportage Hybrid, but it is predictable, sure-footed, and less concerned with outright speed. 0-60 times are noticeably slower than the Kia's. It takes 8.6 seconds for the Forester Hybrid to do the same sprint.

K

Inside, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid leans toward a more modern, stylish presentation. Expect a wide digital display layout, available 12.3-inch dual screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment system, and a minimalist dashboard with touch sensitive controls on higher trims. The redesigned steering wheel is one of the best we've seen, and the traditional shifter makes things easy. Materials are generally upscale for the segment, especially on mid to upper trims, with soft touch surfaces where your arms and hands land most often. Front seats are comfortable, and the rear seat offers voluminous legroom for adults at 41.3 inches.

Subaru

The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid favors visibility and practicality over design drama. Large windows, a relatively upright seating position, and a simple dashboard layout make the cabin feel airy and easy to live with. Subaru’s latest 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment system uses its central touchscreen for most operations and physical knobs for volume and tuning. Climate controls are still mostly on-screen, a tad frustrating to use. At least there are temperature control buttons that flank the screen. Materials emphasize durability, especially if you choose more outdoor oriented trims that include water resistant upholstery and rubberized surfaces. Rear legroom stands at 39.4 inches, plenty big but a bit less than the Sportage.

Cargo space is generous in both (73.7 cubic feet in the Kia; 69.4 cubic feet in the Subaru) but the Forester’s boxier shape and taller roofline make it especially useful for bulky items, taller pets, or outdoor gear. The Sportage Hybrid still offers plenty of room for family duty and road trips, but its more stylized rear design can slightly limit vertical cargo space compared with the Subaru’s squared off tailgate.

Kia

Both the 2026 Sportage Hybrid and 2026 Forester Hybrid include a full suite of safety and driver assistance technologies. These typically include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring, with more advanced systems bundled on higher trims. Kia’s systems are also robust and can add extra available features such as highway drive assist and surround view camera systems on upper trims. These can be particularly helpful for urban parking and tight garages.

Subaru

Subaru has built a reputation around standard safety tech, and the Forester Hybrid will continue that pattern. The brand’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is a camera based system that delivers smooth, predictable behavior in stop and go traffic and highway driving. This suite utilizes enhanced camera software to improve safety and simplify driving. Key standard features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Braking, and Lane Sway Warning. For added visibility and steering support, the system also offers available Blind Spot Detection and a 360° View Monitor. The Forester earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, a notch below the Sportage, which edged it out with a better score in crash testing.

Kia has been aggressive in packaging value into the Sportage Hybrid. The base price is $30,290 for the LX trim with FWD. The model tops out at $40,390 for the SX Prestige with standard AWD. You typically get more features at a given trim and price than many rivals, and the hybrid version continues that strategy. Even the base LX provides LED headlights and taillights, full-speed adaptive cruise control, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual 12.3-inch digital screens, and remote start. The top trim Prestige SX offers features the Subaru doesn't, like power-folding side mirrors, a head-up display, Digital Key, and navigation-based smart cruise control.

The Sportage Hybrid is supported by a strong warranty package (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic limited warranty), providing long term peace of mind.

Subaru

The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid's price of entry is $36,595 for the base model, the Premium Hybrid. That's six grand more than the Sportage Hybrid, but you do get AWD standard. Go up to the top trim Touring Hybrid, and you'll pay $43,295, three grand more than the top trim Sportage Hybrid. Standard features on the base model include a sliding panoramic glass roof, LED steering responsive headlights, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, an 11.6-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a foot-operated power rear liftgate with auto close, and advanced adaptive cruise control. One feature the Subaru has that the Kia doesn't is available leather-trimmed upholstery.

The Forester Hybrid's warranty consists of a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the engine, transmission, and drive axle. It also has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty that covers most components. It's not as strong as the Sportage Hybrid's, but Subaru's brand reliability ranks #2 for 2025, several notches better than Kia's #10 spot.

If your priorities are modern styling, stronger acceleration, great in-car technology, a feature packed interior, and maximum fuel economy, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the better hybrid SUV. It will appeal to commuters, small families, and drivers who rarely leave paved roads and want a comfortable, refined daily driver with a long warranty and a lower price of entry. Standard all wheel drive, excellent visibility, real world cargo practicality, and a calm, confidence inspiring drive in bad weather or on dirt and gravel, the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid is the one to choose. It is the better fit for outdoorsy owners, snowy climates, and buyers who value straightforward utility and long term usability over a flashy cabin.

Key Points

• The past two years mark a turning point for some SUVs that finally fixed long-standing weaknesses in design, comfort, and practicality.
• Models like the Hyundai Palisade, BMW X3, and Mazda CX-5 now balance style, space, and refinement without sacrificing their core identities.
• These SUVs feel more cohesive, more livable, and more desirable than ever before.

There's no question that cars are improving as technology, design, and safety advances. But no model is perfect, and some get released with flaws that send buyers elsewhere. That's definitely the case with huge crop of SUVs, and sometimes a manufacturer gets hit with feedback from buyers that call out the errors.

BMW

There are a handful of SUVs that have been recently improved with major redesigns. These improvements significantly move the needle to make these SUVs better than ever, having addressed some of the most noticeable issues from both critics and owners, alike.

Subaru

The Subaru Forester has always had a loyal fan base, thanks to its visibility, safety tech, and standard all-wheel drive. The glaring weakness was the powertrain. The combination of a modest engine and a droning CVT made it feel slow, noisy, and a bit coarse, especially when merging or climbing hills. For 2026, it gets a Hybrid variant that changes the game.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and battery in a series-parallel hybrid system designed to improve both efficiency and capability. The gasoline engine uses an Atkinson/Miller cycle for better fuel economy, while the electric motor provides extra torque at low speeds and smooth, quiet acceleration. Together they deliver around 194 horsepower through a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This setup boosts efficiency and refinement while maintaining the Forester’s trademark traction and versatility.

Subaru

Subaru also used this update to address some interior gripes. While the cabin was always practical, it could feel basic and a little cheap in some trims. The 2026 model introduces nicer materials on the touch points, better seat padding, and a more cohesive center screen interface. It still feels like a Forester, but one that no longer punishes you with constant droning when you put your foot down.

Hyundai

When the Hyundai Palisade debuted, it impressed shoppers with its value and practicality, but one area always held it back from true luxury status—styling cohesion. Earlier versions mixed sharp angles, chrome flourishes, and blocky shapes that made the design feel a bit disjointed compared to more elegant rivals like the Volvo XC90 or Acura MDX. It looked upscale from certain angles, but never truly harmonious.

The 2026 Palisade fixes that with a complete design refresh that ties everything together. Hyundai refined the SUV’s proportions and gave it a sleeker, more unified look. The front fascia now features slimmer LED lighting integrated into a cleaner, more vertical grille that flows naturally into the hood and fenders. Flush door handles modernize the silhouette, while the rear end adopts minimalist horizontal taillights that stretch across the liftgate for a balanced finish. The overall result is a Palisade that finally looks as expensive as it feels.

Hyundai

Inside, Hyundai doubled down on the upscale theme with a simplified dashboard design, continuous ambient lighting, and a panoramic curved display that replaces the old, separated screens. The materials have been elevated—real metal trim, richer leather textures, and cleaner switchgear now give the cabin the sophistication of an entry-level luxury SUV.

Mazda

For years, the Mazda CX-5 has been the driver’s choice in the compact SUV class — sharp handling, premium feel, and great looks — but one flaw always held it back: limited space. Rear-seat legroom and cargo volume lagged behind rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, forcing many buyers to trade driving enjoyment for practicality.

For 2026, Mazda finally fixes that problem. Built on an updated platform, the new CX-5 stretches its wheelbase and slightly widens the body, translating into noticeably more room for passengers and gear. Rear legroom grows by several inches, and the cargo hold now swallows family-sized luggage or outdoor gear with ease. It also does so without compromising driving thrills, something the brand refuses to trade for anything.

Mazda

Inside, Mazda preserved the minimalist elegance that fans love, but with more usable space and better visibility. Details like a new steering wheel design, better tech, and even cleaner styling make the Mazda CX-5 a near-luxury vehicle for non-luxury prices. The largely touchscreen functions for climate and audio might be controversial for Mazda loyalists, but Mazda promises excellent functionality and quick responsiveness from the system.

BMW

For years, the BMW X3’s biggest flaw wasn’t how it drove—it was how it looked. While it always delivered class-leading handling and strong performance, the design was often criticized for being too conservative, especially next to bolder competitors like the Genesis GV70 or Mercedes-Benz GLC. It was competent and polished, but not the kind of SUV that turned heads the way other Bimmers do.

The current X3 changes that in a big way. BMW finally gave its best-selling SUV the same visual confidence as its driving dynamics. The redesigned exterior adopts sharper surfacing, thinner LED headlights, and a radical grille. Optional two-tone paint and larger wheel designs add to the visual drama, while the rear now wears a distinct LED signature that makes it instantly recognizable at night.

BMW

Inside, the transformation continues with BMW’s latest curved display, ambient lighting, and refined materials that make the cabin feel more futuristic than functional. It borrows dramatic trim elements from its much pricier XM stablemate, and the result is a truly premium cabin. Now, even the X5 and X7 will have to play catch-up in terms of a design-forward interior that leads the segment.

It's always encouraging to see automakers make important changes that meet the needs and desires of buyers. Little changes can go a long way, and these four SUVs are now at the head of the pack and not just because of brand or model loyalty. They're easily some of the best SUVs available today, made even better thanks to improved powertrains, head-turning design, more space, and improved interiors. We'll see how these play out when it comes to sales figures, but we're sure buyers will notice the improvements.

By now, everyone knows about Toyota and Subaru’s collaboration projects, and how they work well together to create some seriously cool stuff, like the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ, the Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ, and so much more. Subaru’s first PHEV, the Crosstrek PHEV (and also the company’s second try at a Crosstrek hybrid), was made up of Toyota’s leftover hybrid technology. It performed well, but it was expensive at well over $40,000, so it didn’t last very long. With Toyota still sitting at the table, Subaru developed its own hybrid system with Toyota’s influence and created the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid with a true, mechanical all-wheel drive, compared to Toyota’s electronic on-demand system. They put the same system in the new Crosstrek, offered it for a much better price than the last two iterations, and moved on.

Kristen Brown

Toyota decided to reveal the Corolla Cross, a compact SUV that essentially put a Corolla on stilts. Their intent was simple: offer an affordable SUV that would appeal to first-time car-buyers who wanted something with high ground-clearance, optional all-wheel drive, and family-friendliness that didn’t compromise on safety features. Later came a hybridized version that comes at a very competitive price and excellent mileage, but with a surprising lack of luster. So, which is better? Let’s take a gander.

Because the goal of the Corolla Cross is to be affordable, even at the top-of-the-line, the Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE starts at $35,280. There are three trims of the Corolla Cross hybrid: the S ($28,495), SE ($30,615), and XSE. Paired with the addition of Toyota’s latest safety suite and the excellent mileage that comes with the hybrid system, the Corolla Cross drives a hard bargain. However, the corners that were cut to get to that price certainly show themselves in interior quality, ride quality, and creature comforts compared to the more expensive (but still affordable) Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.

Kristen Brown

The Crosstrek Hybrid comes in two trims, the Sport Hybrid and the Limited Hybrid. The Sport Hybrid starts at $33,995, and the Limited Hybrid starts at $34,995, so the difference between the budget-conscious and the “fancy” Crosstrek Hybrid is just $1,000. Still, the difference between the starting price of the Corolla Cross Hybrid and the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is about $5,000. And in today’s economy, the disparity can make or break a decision to purchase. However, I would say that the Subaru Crosstrek’s interior, ride quality, and technology felt miles ahead of the Corolla Cross. In my opinion, the $5,000 difference was made very clear.

Related: 2025 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross: Which is the Better Value?

As I said before, Subaru was very careful and made it a point to mention that both the Forester and the Crosstrek Hybrid have a traditional, mechanical AWD system paired with their in-house hybrid system. Because there’s a physical connection between the engine, front, center, and rear differential, and all four wheels have power 100% of the time, it doesn’t get as good mileage as the Corolla Cross with its on-demand system–but it’s still noticeably better than the gas-only Crosstrek.

Kristen Brown

That’s not to say that the all-wheel drive in the Toyota is bad, though. It comes with the same all-wheel drive as the RAV4, so there’s an electric motor in the rear that essentially makes it a FWD car until slipping is detected or it’s put into a drive mode that deems AWD with a 50/50 split necessary, like Snow or Trail. The serious benefit to this is that the Corolla Cross gets significantly better mileage, but the lack of a physical connection means the all-wheel drive system isn’t as robust as Subaru’s, so it’s not as suitable for tougher off-road trails or serious snow or ice.

The Corolla Cross hybrid, because it’s FWD until the rear motor is needed, averages over 30 mpg. On the highway, between 42 and 45 mpg combined between highway and city driving. The Subaru, on the other hand, is estimated to get about 36 mpg on the highway, 36 in the city, and 36 combined. During my time with it, I stayed around 28 mpg combined–but to be fair, as a Californian, most of my time is spent commuting or sitting in traffic, not cruising on the highway with cruise control on. Still, 28 mpg is great compared to the gas-only Crosstrek’s mileage of about 26 in the city and 33 on the highway. 

According to Subaru’s webpage, the hybridization adds 50 miles to the Crosstrek’s overall range, which is great (547 miles in the gas-only vs 597 in the hybrid). It has a smaller battery than the Corolla Cross, too, so the Toyota can go further on EV mode than the Crosstrek, making it a little more effective as a commuter, too. 

Kristen Brown

Because Toyota’s proven, fifth-generation hybrid system is an electric-first, efficiency-focused setup, the Corolla Cross is the easy answer if mileage is your top priority—especially for the price, and if you don’t have any plans to do any challenging off-road trails.

Related: Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited Hybrid Worth it Over the Sport Hybrid? Here Are My Thoughts.

I’ve always been a harsh critic when it comes to Toyota’s interiors, and they’ve come a long way with the new 4Runner’s interior, so I had high hopes for the Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid. But I was not at all impressed with it. It was flat black with light blue accent stitching, but the materials were chintzy and very cheap-feeling. The driver information screen was bare-bones and had a low resolution, had very few customization options, and wasn’t very appealing at all. The XSE had an 8-inch media display, and while it did have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the sound system was very underwhelming (but you can pay an extra $800 for a JBL system). Granted–most people who are buying the Corolla Cross Hybrid don’t care about these things–they just want the mileage figures, reliability, and safety features. And that’s fine. 

Kristen Brown

But if you’re like me and you do care about these things, the Crosstrek Hybrid Sport’s interior is lovely. I’ve never been a fan of Subaru’s humongous 11.6-inch touch screen, but it does seem to fit better in the Crosstrek Hybrid. The driver information display is the opposite of the Corolla Cross’s: it’s larger, comes in a high resolution, is customizable, and if you use Apple Maps, navigation can be displayed on there so you can use the central screen for other things, like X-MODE. This function isn’t optimized for Android Auto, which is baffling to me, but… Maybe we’ll see it in a software update down the line.

Kristen Brown

The Subaru’s screen-dominance meant fewer buttons and knobs for common driver controls, but they were smart in making sure common functions–like seat heaters or ventilators, defroster switch, or climate functions–were permanently showing at the bottom of the screen and easy to access. The Corolla Cross’s more analog approach meant those functions were easier to access. But I just had a hard time with how cheap, dull, and brittle everything felt. Even the seats, which were cloth accented with leatherette, even at the top-of-the-line, felt like an afterthought. The seats in the Crosstrek Hybrid were also cloth and accented with leatherette, but they were more colorful and comfortable. The interior had more color, more contrast, and differing textures and materials to help distract you from the lack of other things, like a steering wheel heater.

If you’re looking for something that can haul the family, both the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and the Corolla Cross measure up. The Corolla Cross's SUV construction means a higher roof and entry point, so it’s easier to install and remove car seats, and it’s easier for tots to crawl in and out of. My kids fit into the Crosstrek, but only just–they were noticeably cramped in their slim-fit car seats over the Corolla Cross when it came to height and width. The Crosstrek’s higher ground clearance meant installation wasn’t hard, but its narrow and small doors certainly presented a challenge in getting the seats in and out. 

Kristen Brown

The trunk in the Crosstrek is reasonable for its size, at 18.6 cubic feet (smaller than the Mazda CX-30 or Kia Niro), but the entrance is narrow, so getting larger items in there will be a challenge. My kids don’t use a stroller or need a diaper bag anymore, but I can say with certainty: a stroller would be a feat to fit in the Crosstrek. Other items, like a suitcase, filming gear, or camping gear, would fit just fine. Especially if you took advantage of Subaru’s implementation of cross bars and roof rails to get a cargo box or basket.

Kristen Brown

But a stroller would fit in the Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross’s trunk is bigger, at 21.5 cubic feet, but interestingly enough, there’s more legroom in the Crosstrek over the Corolla Cross: 36.7 inches compared to the Toyota’s 32.0 inches. So, the Corolla Cross has a bigger trunk, but at the cost of rear legroom. However, like the Subaru, the Corolla Cross is capable of accommodating cargo space additions like a cargo box or basket, too, to make up the difference if you buy the $729 Activity Package.

One thing Subaru’s always been praised for is offering safety features in all trims of their models, at no cost to the buyer. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid has Subaru’s newest iteration of the tri-camera EyeSight system, which comes with adaptive cruise control, powerful pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking in the front and rear, cross traffic alerts, lane keep assist and centering, and now a feature called Emergency Stop Assist, which will automatically pull over and call emergency services if the car detects that the driver is unresponsive. It also comes with pre-collision braking and throttle management, an emergency steering system, blind spot detection, and a safe exit alert to warn rear passengers of approaching cars. 

Kristen Brown

When parking, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid offers a few assist features, like a rear-facing camera with parking lines, a 360-view camera, and front parking sensors for the Limited trim. The Sport Hybrid is missing the 360-view camera, but it has everything else. Subaru doesn’t typically split up safety features into optional packages. The 360-view camera is more of a convenience feature than it is a safety feature, and I barely noticed I didn’t have one, because it’s very easy to see out and park, since it’s small. It doesn’t have a power liftgate, but it is on pistons, so it’s easy to open and close. 

The Corolla Cross has these features, too, save for the emergency stop assist and emergency steering. However, if you want the other features, like parking assist with automatic braking, a sunroof, a power lift gate, a 360-view camera, a larger infotainment screen ($615), a nicer sound system, or wireless phone chargers, you have to pay extra for the Convenience package ($1,250), or a cold weather package that adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel ($615), you either have to buy a more expensive trim, or pay extra for them as packages. When I added the Convenience package and the upgraded sound system, the price went up to $37,330. It’s still less than the top-shelf Crosstrek Hybrid, but barely. And that’s not saying much when most of that is standard in the Crosstrek. 

Kristen Brown

If I split this up into sayings, the Crosstrek would say, “Safety first, no upselling here,” while the Toyota would be, “Safety is standard, convenience and comfort is optional.” The Toyota’s safety suite is still strong, even without paid packages—you just have to be okay with paying extra to be as comfortable and relaxed as you would be in the Subaru Crosstrek.

Both the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid are excellent options for the price. Toyota’s hybrid system makes the Corolla Cross Hybrid an empowering choice for commuters, first-time buyers who want to get great bang for their buck, or for families with older children on a tight budget looking to save on fuel. The standard all-wheel drive makes it versatile in multiple conditions, but the Subaru Crosstrek’s mechanical all-wheel drive is better suited for those in harsh climates, at the cost of the kind of mileage you’d get in the Corolla Cross. The Subaru has a more upscale interior, no convenience packages to drive up the price, excellent standard safety features (like the Toyota), and style to match.

Kristen Brown

Therefore, it comes down to what’s more important. If mileage for the money is most important, check out a Corolla Cross Hybrid. If AWD capability, standard safety and emergency services, or interior design and layout are important, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid puts up a good fight—especially for the price.

If you’re shopping for a new car and bracing yourself for a brutal insurance bill, here’s some good news: not every 2024 or 2025 model comes with sky-high premiums. While newer vehicles tend to cost more to insure thanks to pricey technology and higher repair costs, a handful of models consistently buck that trend.

According to Insurify data, the average 2024/2025 vehicle costs about $2,823 per year to insure—roughly $700 more than the national average across all vehicles. But several models land well below that mark. The common thread? Reasonable prices, strong safety performance, and a history of fewer and less costly insurance claims.

Subaru dominates the list, but it’s not alone. Hyundai, Nissan, Honda, Acura, and Ford all make appearances, with SUVs—rather than sedans—doing most of the heavy lifting.

Here are the 10 cheapest new vehicles to insure, based on average annual full-coverage premiums.

Ford

Average annual premium: $2,295

Starting price: $27,678

The Ford Maverick sneaks into the top 10 thanks largely to its low price. A lower replacement cost reduces risk for insurers, which helps keep premiums down even if safety scores aren’t class-leading.

While the Maverick earns mixed results in some crash tests, its real-world insurance loss history is better than average. Collision losses are about 21% below average, and comprehensive losses are roughly 24% lower, helping it edge out more expensive competitors.

Acura

Average annual premium: $2,294

Starting price: $45,875

Luxury vehicles rarely rank among the cheapest to insure, but the Acura RDX is a notable exception. Despite its higher sticker price, it benefits from domestic production, readily available parts, and excellent safety performance.

The RDX earned IIHS Top Safety Pick status and posts especially low insurance losses, including comprehensive losses nearly 50% below average. That combination keeps premiums surprisingly reasonable for a luxury SUV.

Honda

Average annual premium: $2,239

Starting price: $43,600

The Honda Passport’s insurance affordability comes down to familiarity. Built in Alabama and largely unchanged for several years, it’s cheaper and easier to repair than many newer designs packed with cutting-edge tech.

Insurance losses for collision and comprehensive coverage are both well below average, even if its safety scores aren’t as uniformly strong as some rivals.

Nissan

Average annual premium: $2,209

Starting price: $40,995

The Murano’s insurance costs are impressively low given its price. A Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2025 helps, as does a solid insurance loss history across most coverage types.

Built in Tennessee, the Murano also benefits from domestic manufacturing, which can reduce parts costs and repair delays—another factor insurers take into account.

Average annual premium: $2,208

Starting price: $26,055

The Crosstrek stands out as the most affordable vehicle to buy on this list—and one of the cheapest to insure. That combination makes it especially appealing for budget-conscious shoppers.

It also posts some of the strongest insurance loss data of any model here. Collision losses are nearly 50% below average, with similarly low losses for injury and comprehensive claims.

Subaru

Average annual premium: $2,188

Starting price: $26,438

The only sedan in the top 10, the Subaru Legacy earns its place thanks to standard all-wheel drive and strong safety performance. It’s also one of the more affordable midsize sedans on the market.

While it fell just short of top safety honors in 2025, its insurance losses remain well below average, keeping premiums competitive.

Kristen Brown

Average annual premium: $2,086

Starting price: $37,905

Despite its size and higher price, the Subaru Ascent remains cheaper to insure than many smaller vehicles. That’s largely due to strong crash-test results and a consistently favorable insurance loss history.

Losses across collision, property damage, and bodily injury coverage are all significantly below average, reinforcing its reputation as a low-risk family hauler.

Kristen Brown

Average annual premium: $2,077

Starting price: $29,155

The Forester combines standard all-wheel drive with updated safety tech, without pushing insurance costs above the national average. It also earns top marks from safety organizations.

Its insurance loss data is particularly strong. Bodily injury claims are nearly 50% below average, signaling a lower financial risk for insurers.

Hyundai

Average annual premium: $2,068

Starting price: $29,270

Hyundai’s Santa Cruz proves that pickups don’t have to be expensive to insure. Built in Alabama and earning Top Safety Pick honors, it undercuts the average new-vehicle premium by hundreds of dollars per year.

Parts availability and relatively low repair costs help keep claims manageable, making it one of the best insurance values in the segment.

Steven Paul

Average annual premium: $1,988

Starting price: $29,593

The Subaru Outback is the cheapest new vehicle to insure overall. Its average premium comes in below $2,000—less than many older vehicles, let alone brand-new ones.

Top safety ratings and an exceptional insurance loss history seal the deal. Collision losses are roughly 38% below average, and bodily injury losses are more than 40% lower, making the Outback a clear standout.

Insurers don’t just look at how fast or flashy a car is. They care about repair costs, safety outcomes, theft rates, and historical claims data. Vehicles that consistently generate fewer and less severe claims tend to earn lower premiums over time.

That’s why practical SUVs with strong safety records dominate this list—and why Subaru, in particular, shows up again and again.

Even if you don’t drive one of these models, you can still lower your bill. Shopping quotes regularly, maintaining a clean driving record, and choosing higher deductibles can all help. Where you live matters too—rates vary widely by state, and the cheapest model in one state isn’t always the cheapest in another.

Still, if insurance costs are a priority while shopping new, these 10 vehicles are a strong place to start.

Letting your car's gas tank run on near-empty is usually a red flag, but following a new recall, doing so may actually be safer. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid and the 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid have a fault with their fuel tanks that could cause a fire, and owners are encouraged to park outside until the Japanese automaker addresses it next month. 69,153 vehicles over the two nameplates are affected, and to avoid risk, it's best not to fill the gas tank to capacity. Fortunately, this will be a relatively easy fix, as the electrified part of the powertrain is not to blame for this recall. Let's take a more detailed look at the problem and how Subaru intends to resolve it.

Subaru

According to the recall reports (here and here), U.S. versions of the 2026 Crosstrek hybrid and 2025 Forester hybrid were found to leak fuel from their filler caps, prompting Subaru to investigate in December last year. What the automaker discovered is that when vehicles are left parked with a fuel tank near capacity, a "significant" increase in ambient temperature can cause the fuel tank to expand. This increases pressure therein, pushing gasoline up the filler neck, and due to an insufficient seal on the fuel cap assembly, gas may then leak out of the filler neck. Should there be an ignition source, this could ultimately cause a fire.

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Since we're still technically in winter, this shouldn't be too scary a problem for owners in most parts of the country, and Subaru says that although it is aware of 33 technical reports in the U.S. market at this time, it is not aware of any fires or injuries related to the issue. In fact, this is a voluntary recall, so Subaru is playing it safe before anything bad does happen.

Subaru

The particularly good news for owners is that the problem can easily be fixed with no more than a new and improved gasket for the fuel filler cap, one that incorporates an O-ring for a stronger seal. Dealers were already notified of the problem last week, but it'll be the end of next month when they have the required parts, with a planned remedy notification date for owners planned for March 25, five days after spring officially arrives. Until then, Subaru recommends that customers do not fill their gas tanks beyond 50%. Just don't let it run too close to empty — that's bad for the fuel pump.