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2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2026 Honda HR-V in Libertyville, IL

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Honda HR-V are five-passenger SUVs with continuously variable transmissions, flexible cargo areas, and available driver-assistance technology. The Crosstrek uses a standard 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the HR-V uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. Subaru includes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on every Crosstrek, while Honda offers Real Time AWD™ as an option.

For drivers in Libertyville and surrounding Lake County communities, Liberty Subaru is located at 1000 E Park Ave in Libertyville, providing a local point of access for comparing the Crosstrek with other small SUVs.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Honda HR-V Key Highlights

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

Seating: 5                                                                                
Standard engine: 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder                           
Horsepower: 180 hp                                                                  
Torque: 178 lb-ft                                                                  
Transmission: Lineartronic® CVT                                                  
Standard drivetrain: Symmetrical AWD                                                      
Available drivetrain: AWD standard                                                            
Ground clearance: 8.7 in. standard, up to 9.3 in. Wilderness                  
Maximum cargo volume: 54.9 cu. ft.                                                               
Hybrid availability: Available

2026 Honda HR-V

Seating: 5
Standard engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 158 hp
Torque: 138 lb-ft
Transmission: CVT
Standard drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Available drivetrain: Real Time AWD™
Ground clearance: 7.0 in. LX/EX-L, 7.3 in. Sport
Maximum cargo volume: 55.1 cu. ft.
Hybrid availability: Not available

Specifications are based on 2026 manufacturer information.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Makes 180 Horsepower Standard Across Its Gas Lineup

Subaru changes the 2026 Crosstrek powertrain lineup by making its 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine standard across the conventional gas models. The engine produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque and works with a Lineartronic® CVT and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Crosstrek Powertrain Details Include

•  2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder
•  180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque
•  Lineartronic® CVT
•  Symmetrical All-Wheel
•  Drive standard
•  1,500-pound towing capacity on standard models
•  3,500-pound towing capacity on Wilderness
•  194-hp hybrid powertrain available

HR-V Powertrain Details Include

•  2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
•  158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque
•  Continuously variable transmission
•  Front-wheel drive standard
•  Real Time AWD™ available
•  Hill Descent Control
•  No manufacturer-rated towing capacity

2026 Crosstrek Offers 29 MPG Combined and an Available 36-MPG Hybrid

Fuel economy varies by Crosstrek configuration. The standard Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited gas models reach 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, or 29 mpg combined. The Wilderness is rated at 24 city/29 highway, while the Crosstrek Hybrid reaches 36 mpg city, highway, and combined. The HR-V reaches 28 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 27 mpg combined with AWD.

Crosstrek Efficiency Facts

•  Gas models: up to 29 mpg combined
•  Gas models: 26 city/33 highway
•  Wilderness: 24 city/29 highway
•  Hybrid: 36 mpg combined
•  16.6-gallon fuel tank on gas models

HR-V Efficiency Facts

•  FWD: 28 mpg combined
•  AWD: 27 mpg combined
•  FWD: 26 city/32 highway
•  AWD: 25 city/30 highway
•  14.0-gallon fuel tank

2026 Honda HR-V Provides 55.1 Cubic Feet of Maximum Cargo Volume

Both models provide five-passenger seating and foldable rear-seat configurations. The HR-V has 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Crosstrek Utility Features Include

•  Seating for five
•  Up to 54.9 cu. ft. of cargo space
•  8.7 inches of standard ground clearance
•  Up to 9.3 inches on Wilderness
•  Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
•  Available X-MODE® traction management

HR-V Utility Features Include

•  Seating for five
•  24.4 cu. ft. behind the rear seats
•  55.1 cu. ft. maximum cargo volume
•  7.0 inches of ground clearance on LX and EX-L
•  7.3 inches on Sport
•  Available Real Time AWD™

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Adds Available 11.6-Inch Multimedia Technology

The Crosstrek's technology configuration varies by trim. The Base model uses dual 7-inch displays, while Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness models receive an 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia Plus touchscreen with available wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is standard.

Crosstrek Technology Includes

•  EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
•  Dual 7-inch multimedia displays on Base
•  11.6-inch touchscreen on higher gas trims
•  Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
•  Available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System
•  Available Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

HR-V Technology Includes

•  9-inch color touchscreen
•  Wireless Apple CarPlay®
•  Wireless Android Auto™
•  Wireless phone charger
•  Honda Sensing® technologies
•  Available Blind Spot Information System
•  Available Cross Traffic Monitor

What Do Automotive Experts Say About the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek?

Consumer Reports tested the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and highlighted its comfortable ride, handling, visibility, and ease of everyday use.

"I found the Crosstrek very easy to live with. It handles well out on the road, while its small size and good outward visibility make it easy to drive in traffic, or for navigating around parking lots. Simple controls make it a pleasant experience as well."

Source: Consumer Reports, 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Road T

What Are 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Owners Saying?

A July 2026 Reddit discussion about the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek includes an owner of a 2026 Crosstrek Limited Hybrid who described the vehicle.

"I just bought the 26 Limited hybrid. So far, I love it. It is a fun car to drive."

Source: Reddit, r/Crosstrek, "Crosstrek sport '26"

We Help Libertyville Drivers Explore the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

At Liberty Subaru, we help drivers compare the 2026 Crosstrek lineup, review available trims and features, and explore financing and trade-in options. Our dealership is located at 1000 E Park Ave in Libertyville, making it convenient for drivers throughout Lake County to examine the Crosstrek and compare its specifications with vehicles such as the Honda HR-V. We also provide Subaru service and parts support for ongoing ownership.

Libertyville Drivers Can

•  Compare Crosstrek gas and hybrid configurations
•  Review Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capability
•  Explore available technology and safety features
•  Discuss financing and trade-in options
•  Schedule Subaru service
•  Order genuine Subaru parts

FAQs

Does the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek have standard AWD?

Yes. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on every 2026 Crosstrek.

How much horsepower does the 2026 Crosstrek have?

The standard 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Which has more ground clearance?

The Crosstrek has 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance, with 9.3 inches on the Wilderness. The HR-V has 7.0 inches on LX and EX-L models and 7.3 inches on Sport.

Is the 2026 Crosstrek available as a hybrid?

Yes. The 2026 Crosstrek Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid use a 194-horsepower hybrid powertrain and are rated at 36 mpg combined.

Can the 2026 Crosstrek tow?

Yes. Standard Crosstrek models have a 1,500-pound towing capacity, while the Crosstrek Wilderness is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.