Acura RDX vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Acura RDX was positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger three-row MDX in Acura's lineup. It was available in base, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite A-Spec trims, all featuring a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $57,526 to $66,356, including destination charges. The Platinum Elite A-Spec model, priced at $64,756, showcased a refined design with a frameless grille, new wheel designs, and fresh paint colours like Solar Silver and Urban Grey Pearl. The A-Spec treatment added a sporty flair with gloss black accents and a finned rear diffuser, while the interior boasted full leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and premium materials. However, the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was less desirable, and the red-marked gauges on a silver background were hard to read in low light.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements of its predecessors, maintaining its attractive design. It featured a new frameless grille with a curved wing bar, aerodynamic air inlets, and outlets for improved efficiency and reduced noise. Sold in a single trim in Canada, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort. The cabin had a straightforward design with consistent material quality, black leather upholstery, and chrome-trimmed accents. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof. The hybrid powertrain, with its electrified components, was highlighted by "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats, emphasizing its eco-friendly nature.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of directing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featuring an adaptive-damping suspension. Despite its lively performance, the RDX's fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 10.3 L/100 km for A-Spec trims. The driving experience was enjoyable, with responsive steering and braking, but the lack of a configurable Individual mode was noted.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid powertrain utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop, battery charging, and wheel assistance. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 L/100 km, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, provided superior off-road capability compared to competitors. The steering was light but precise, and the revised dual-pinion steering rack reduced body lean.

The 2025 Acura RDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. The interior featured soft-touch surfaces and premium materials, though rear seat comfort was lacking for taller passengers. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. Three underfloor storage compartments added convenience, though the TTI touchpad compromised the centre console design.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors with more horsepower and cargo space. It offered 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The fuel tank remained a generous 63 litres, allowing for long-distance travel. Rear-seat legroom was ample at 926 millimetres, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. While front storage was limited, the Crosstrek Hybrid included a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display controlled by the TTI touchpad, which required coordination between the pad and display. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in were standard, reducing reliance on the TTI. The infotainment system included SiriusXM, AcuraLink connected services, and a premium sound system with 16 speakers in higher trims.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though its software was slow and prone to fingerprints. Many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which was less convenient than physical controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. However, the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2025 Acura RDX included the AcuraWatch safety package with features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered low-speed braking and a surround-view camera. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid's safety ratings were mixed, with a "Marginal" score in the IIHS moderate overlap front crash test. However, it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. A surround-view camera and DriverFocus system were also standard.