429 Sykes Mountain Ave. White River Junction, VT 05001
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Sophistication is at the forefront of Subaru's intentions with the 2026 Crosstrek, a model that refines its rugged lineage with intelligent engineering, elevated comfort, and modern features. Positioned against refined rivals like the Honda HR-V and the Jeep Compass, the new Crosstrek not only holds its own, it often leads the conversation with better performance, capability, and value.
The Toyota CH-R and Honda HR-V are both nice models in their own right. The CH-R and HR-V, in some ways, actually offer more features upfront. With one big exception: all-wheel-drive.
While the CH-R and HR-V do offer AWD, you'll need to pay extra to get it. The Subaru Crosstrek offers all-wheel-drive as a standard feature. That, combined with its better performance options and more rugged design, make it a far better option for drivers who want actual sport performance from their sports utility vehicle.
Would you like to know more? Contact the experts at our Upper Valley dealership! We work with drivers in Hartford, VT and we'd love the chance to send you home in a new Subaru Crosstrek you'll love.
The 2026 Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru's full EyeSight suite, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Braking, and Driver Monitoring. In contrast, the HR-V only offers forward collision mitigation in base trims, with many features locked behind higher packages. The Compass adds blind-spot detection only on mid and upper trims. Across trims, Subaru's standard safety tech offers peace of mind without a surcharge.
With a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine producing 180 horsepower (and an available hybrid at 194 horsepower), the Crosstrek delivers brisk acceleration and composed handling. The HR-V offers a 158-horsepower engine, and the Jeep Compass peaks at around 177 horsepower. Combined with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Crosstrek merges spirited performance with AWD confidence, something neither rival can claim in all trims.
Dual seven-inch infotainment screens come standard in the Crosstrek, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air updates. The HR-V still uses a single 7-inch screen without wireless smartphone support, while the Compass's Uconnect is responsive but rarely includes OTA updates. Subaru's forward-thinking system ensures your vehicle stays current without a dealership visit.
The Crosstrek strikes a refined balance, with comfortable cloth seats (leather optional), high-quality surfaces, and modern design lines. The HR-V's interior, while practical, lacks the same visual polish; the Compass's choppy fit and finish reveal its budget underpinnings. Exterior styling also emphasizes purpose in the Crosstrek, with preserved ground clearance and protective cladding that still exudes design confidence.
Rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds (with proper equipment), the Crosstrek carries more muscular capability than both the HR-V and Compass, which top out closer to 1,000 pounds. For adventurers with small trailers, kayaks, or cargo carriers, that extra capacity expands the Crosstrek's real-world utility.
With a commanding 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, the Crosstrek is built for light trail confidence, something the HR-V and Compass cannot match from the factory. Snow, gravel, or rugged backroads, the Crosstrek brings composure and capability in terrain where others falter.
For those seeking a crossover that blends daily refinement with genuine capability, the 2026 Crosstrek emerges as the clear choice. At White River Subaru, our team stands ready to guide you through comparative features, trim options, and test-drive appointments, helping you discover why the Crosstrek continues to elevate expectations without compromise.
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