2026 Best Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek

We might have to consider renaming this the Subaru Crosstrek award, as this spiffy little model has now taken the AutoTrader Awards crown for Best Subcompact SUV for its fourth consecutive year. That’s the decision of our panel of more than 20 automotive experts from across the country, who have considered every model in this segment before voting on a winner.

This is a very popular and crowded segment, and our judges had to consider a large number of competitors, including the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, and others. Even so, the Crosstrek proved to be the model they’d be most confident recommending to friends and family.

Most notably, the Crosstrek morphs into its third generation for 2026, which includes a new gas-electric hybrid for Canada. A 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is standard in the gas-only models, making 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid also uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder but with Atkinson-cycle technology. This reduces its power output but increases its fuel efficiency, making it ideal for a hybrid system, where the electric motors bulk up the power numbers while decreasing fuel consumption. As a result, the hybrid has a combined output of 194 hp while achieving a fuel economy rating of 6.5 L/100 km. The hybrid system automatically switches between gasoline, electricity, or a combination, depending on conditions, and it’s self-charging, so the Crosstrek doesn’t get plugged in. Both engines use an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

All Crosstrek models also come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), with 60 per cent of power sent to the front wheels under most driving conditions. Many AWD competitors put all their power to the front wheels and then allot some of it to the rear as needed for extra traction. Subaru’s system always provides at least 40 per cent of power to the rear wheels in all conditions. Our experts find this helps improve stability and handling even on dry roads; and with a set of good winter tires, the Crosstrek has no difficulty with the worst of Canadian winters.

The Crosstrek’s handsome cabin is roomy given the vehicle’s size, and the seats are supportive and comfortable. Some competitors have more cargo volume, but the Crosstrek’s squared-off liftgate and low lift-over make it easy to load. The entry trim includes automatic dual-zone climate control, heated seats, windshield de-icer, and roof rails; while upper trims can add an 11.6-inch centre touchscreen, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charger, power driver’s seat, a sunroof, and leather upholstery.

All trims come with EyeSight, a suite of driver-assist technologies that includes adaptive cruise control, emergency front braking, lane-keep assist, lead vehicle start alert, and emergency stop assist. These are all camera-based, and that camera is inside the windshield, where it looks forward through the area cleaned by the wipers. This helps avoid the issue of ice or snow build-up on external sensors, which can temporarily turn off these features in other vehicles due to the blockage. Higher Crosstrek trims can further add blind-spot monitoring, driver distraction mitigation, automatic emergency steering, and emergency rear braking.

The Crosstrek is a well-behaved and fun little vehicle to drive. It’s peppy and responsive, equally adept in city traffic or at highway speeds. It has a solid and well-planted stance, it has good brake-pedal feel, and its ride is smooth and comfortable. Along with its ability in the city, its ground clearance can get you into the rougher stuff as well for cottaging or camping. Prices start at $32,890, including delivery; the hybrid comes only in top Limited trim at $42,890.

Hybrids are a popular choice with Canadian drivers, and adding that option to the Crosstrek provides an added layer of choice to a model that our experts deemed the top subcompact SUV for yet another year.