2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting to the crossover trend by enhancing its Impreza hatchback with rugged aesthetics, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and a higher driving position. This approach mirrored the success of the larger Outback, which had outlasted many station wagons in the U.S. market. The Crosstrek distinguished itself from the Impreza with black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and a taller ride height, offering 22 centimetres of ground clearance. These changes gave the Crosstrek an SUV-like appearance and more character than the base Impreza hatch, complemented by vibrant colour options like Plasma Yellow Pearl.

Underneath its rugged exterior, the Crosstrek shared the Subaru Global Platform with other models like the Legacy/Outback, Ascent, and Forester, providing a refined design. The interior remained largely unchanged from the Impreza, offering functionality but a somewhat plain appearance. The Crosstrek Outdoor model featured unique interior accents, including water-repellant upholstery, which was practical for outdoor adventures. However, some trim pieces, like the simulated carbon-fibre, appeared cheap. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Crosstrek's interior was practical, with features like a rear-seat reminder and decent storage options.

The 2021 BMW X5 was a prime example of BMW's commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though it risked blending in with other BMWs in crowded parking lots. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and upscale finishes like matte aluminum grilles and satin aluminum accents, enhancing its luxurious appearance. M Sport models added sporty touches with body-colour trim and high-gloss black accents.

Inside, the X5's interior was a blend of familiar BMW elements, with switches, dials, and displays sourced from the brand's parts bin. While the design was consistent, it wasn't without flaws, as black plastic surfaces collected dust and smudges. However, the cabin boasted leather and soft-touch materials, with M Sport models offering unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips. Despite some sameness, the X5's interior exuded luxury and comfort, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium SUV experience.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrain options. The Outdoor and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Other trims retained the 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Subaru's signature boxer engine design provided a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling, although the SUV-like stance somewhat negated this benefit. A six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, but most buyers opted for the continuously variable transmission (CVT). All trims came with standard AWD, a rarity among small crossovers. The Crosstrek's X-Mode, with hill descent control and terrain-specific modes, added some off-road capability, though it was primarily suited for on-road use. The new 2.5-litre engine offered a modest power increase, but acceleration remained adequate, accompanied by CVT droning.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 xDrive40i featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with standard AWD. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. The hybrid's transition between power sources was seamless, though steering dynamics were less inspiring. The X5's handling at higher speeds fell short of BMW's reputation, resembling a Lincoln-like experience. Despite this, the cabin remained quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections effectively. Charging the hybrid was convenient, with a driver-side charging port and a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M being the least efficient, while the xDrive45e offered impressive efficiency when using electricity and gas.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was competitive among small crossovers, with 588 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with the seats folded. While it offered more cargo space than some rivals, it lagged behind others like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. The Crosstrek featured a rear-seat reminder, a handy cubby hole for phones, and decent-sized bottle holders in the doors. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility was excellent, thanks to ample side glass and a car-like front fascia.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders positioned conveniently. The centre console housed controls that were challenging to differentiate at night. The wireless phone charging pad kept technology out of sight. Seating was comfortable for short trips, though front seats felt hard after extended drives. Rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. Climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality simplified cargo loading. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was less convenient due to narrow door openings.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation standard on the Limited trim. The system included a second screen above the main touchscreen, displaying redundant information. The 8-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. Steering wheel controls for EyeSight driver-assistance features enhanced safety.

The 2021 BMW X5 boasted a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, Apple CarPlay occasionally took over music operations unexpectedly. Standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and remote start. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, a wireless charger, premium audio systems, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required acclimation but was intuitive once familiar.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. EyeSight driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, were standard on CVT-equipped models. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. EyeSight's cameras were well-protected but had limitations in certain conditions.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, particularly in bright sunlight and rain. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS but had seven recalls. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating.