Latest SUV Comparisons Weigh Price, Efficiency, and Safety Across 2025 and 2026 Models

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland and Subaru Crosstrek Onyx both seat five, but their starting prices differ substantially: $37,500 for the RAV4 Hybrid versus $30,595 for the Crosstrek.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV produces 297 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Subaru Forester’s gasoline and hybrid versions range from 180 to 194 horsepower; the Forester’s combined efficiency ranges from 6.9 to 8.3 L/100 km.
In the three-row comparison, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 hybrid makes 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, compared with 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft for the 2025 Kia Sorento HEV; the Kia is also rated at 7.0 L/100 km city and 6.9 L/100 km highway.
The 2026 Subaru Forester received its Top Safety Pick+ after Subaru modified the rear seat belts to improve occupant protection in moderate-overlap front crashes. It also includes standard all-wheel drive, while the Nissan Rogue offers front-wheel drive as standard and charges extra for all-wheel drive.
The Nissan Rogue’s 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque and returns up to 29 mpg city and 36 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive form; the Forester starts at $29,995, compared with $29,090 for the Rogue.
Shopping for a 2025 or 2026 SUV means choosing between hybrid, electric, and gas engines — each with different trade-offs. Driving.ca compared dozens of models across multiple categories, rating them on price, safety, efficiency, and real-world performance. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland leads its class with a 4.13 out of 5 rating, while budget shoppers might prefer the Subaru Crosstrek Onyx at $30,595 versus the RAV4's $37,500 starting price.
Plug-in hybrids offer a middle ground. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV produces 297 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque — far more than the Subaru Forester's 180 to 194 horsepower — but costs substantially more. For buyers focused on value and safety, the Subaru Forester earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating after engineers improved rear seat belts for crash protection.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland and Subaru Crosstrek Onyx both seat five passengers, but safety and efficiency separate them. The RAV4 scores 4.13 out of 5 in Driving.ca's data-driven ratings, excelling in crash protection and fuel economy. The Crosstrek receives a 3.40 rating despite its lower $30,595 starting price compared to the RAV4's $37,500. Buyers trading $7,000 more gain better safety credentials and stronger resale value.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL generates 297 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in its 4.25-rated powertrain. The Subaru Forester Sport's gasoline and hybrid versions range from 180 to 194 horsepower with fuel economy between 6.9 and 8.3 L/100 km. Driving.ca rated the Forester 3.50 overall, noting strong warranty and efficiency despite less raw power than the Mitsubishi. The Outlander costs notably more upfront.
In the three-row category, the 2025 Kia Sorento HEV makes 227 horsepower and achieves 7.0 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 L/100 km on highways. It scores 4.13 out of 5 for efficiency and cargo space. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 hybrid generates more power — 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque — but rates lower at 3.70 overall. The Kia's fuel economy and spacious interior make it the value choice for families.
The 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Nissan Rogue compete directly, but differ in key ways. The Rogue starts at $29,090 versus the Forester at $29,995. The Rogue's 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine delivers 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, returning up to 29 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. However, all-wheel drive costs extra on the Rogue — standard on the Forester. Driving.ca noted that the Forester's Top Safety Pick+ rating and standard AWD offset the Rogue's slight price advantage and extra power.
Publishers
22
Articles
30
Reach
52