Audi Q5 vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic, with its third-generation design emphasizing toughness. The front end featured a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, creating an imposing look. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite the new styling elements, the changes appeared more evolutionary than revolutionary, giving the impression of a facelift rather than a complete redesign. In Canada, the Q5 was available in base, Progressiv, and Technik trims, with the latter two featuring matrix-design LED headlights and animated taillights. The Q5 also offered a Sportback body style, which sacrificed cargo space and rear-seat headroom for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance grade added power and sport suspension, along with distinctive matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips.

Inside, the Q5's design was a mix of intricate details, with a dashboard and door panels that seemed to diverge in direction to accommodate the main touchscreen and bulging doors. The materials used were top-notch, with sturdy plastics and a mix of silver and black trim contrasting with lighter upholstery colours. Leather seating surfaces were standard, and the SQ5 offered a red interior with Alcantara trim and sportier front seats. However, the piano-black plastic surrounding the cupholders and shifter was prone to dirt, and the SQ5 seats lacked adequate bolstering for enthusiastic driving.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations. The 2026 model carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches included aerodynamic air inlets and outlets, improving fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. In Canada, the Crosstrek Hybrid was sold in a single trim at the top of the lineup.

Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, maintaining Subaru's straightforward design philosophy. Material quality was consistent, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas and durable plastics where needed. Canadian units featured black leather upholstery, and the cabin included chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, creating an airy atmosphere.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The base model featured a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The standard Q5's output was competitive for a compact crossover, with slightly less horsepower than an Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5 nearly matched the output of a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, with a manufacturer-estimated 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, detracting from the sporty feel. The air suspension with adaptive damping provided capable handling, but the precise steering lacked engagement.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. The hybrid powertrain combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine with an 118 hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 hp. The hybrid offered quicker and smoother acceleration than the gas-only Crosstrek, although it didn't feel significantly faster on the highway. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other assisted with driving and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The Crosstrek's mechanical AWD system provided better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. The X-Mode traction management system offered specific settings for different conditions, enhancing off-road performance.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, with adequate headroom and legroom. The 2025 model offered 757 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,710 litres with the seats folded, surpassing some rivals but falling short of others. A sliding and reclining second-row bench seat was standard, and a power tailgate was included in Canada. The Q5 also offered up to 2,000 kilograms of towing capacity, making it a practical choice for towing needs.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The hybrid's cargo volume measured 527 litres behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the seats folded. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a large 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for extended driving range. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and deep door pockets.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with the Technik trim adding a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, offered a user-friendly experience. A built-in voice assistant handled some vehicle functions, and an available head-up display provided additional information. The Q5 also introduced Audi's Dynamic Interaction Light, a light bar providing visual cues to the driver.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The software was slow, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume and temperature controls. The Crosstrek Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, offering configurable displays.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. However, the Q5 received mixed ratings from the IIHS, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid also fell short of a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, but it received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera.