Audi Q7 vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Audi Q7 showcased a refined exterior with a new front fascia, featuring standard Matrix-design LED headlamps and stylish daytime running lights. The front spoiler and rear diffuser were subtly tweaked, while the grille sported vertical inlays within its octagon frame, contributing to a more cohesive look. Customization options allowed buyers to choose different finishes for the front bumper, door trim, and rear diffuser, with the Black Optic package adding black accents and Anthracite Gray Audi rings. The laser-etched badging on the B-pillar was a unique touch, and the Q7 was available in nine colours, including the new Sakhir Gold. Inside, updates were minimal, with new wood and carbon trim inlays but limited interior colour choices. The piano black surfaces were prone to fingerprints, but the stacked infotainment screens and expansive HVAC vents added to the car's sleek proportions.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements of its predecessors, with changes introduced in 2024. 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, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, maintaining Subaru's straightforward design philosophy. Material quality was consistent, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Canadian models featured black leather upholstery, and the chrome-trimmed power window switches added an upscale touch. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to a comfortable and airy cabin atmosphere.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine choices for buyers. The 45 TFSI featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 55 TFSI, standard on the Progressiv and Technik trims, boasted a 3.0-litre turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The top Technik trim provided smooth power delivery through an eight-speed automatic transmission, although the steering and transmission response in Dynamic mode left some room for improvement. The Q7's handling was impressive, with minimal body roll and firm brakes, aided by available all-wheel steering. Fuel economy for the 55 TFSI was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 10.0 highway, and 11.7 combined, while the 45 TFSI offered slightly better figures.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre 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, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 L/100 km, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The hybrid's AWD system, combined with Subaru's X-Mode traction management, provided capable performance on various terrains. The steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the Crosstrek exhibited less body lean than previous models.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured heated front seats across all trims, with additional amenities like a Bang & Olufsen stereo system and rear door sunshades in the Technik trim. The Luxury package added a massage function for the front seats and an air quality and fragrance function. The Q7's three-row seating was best suited for children in the third row, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space measured 402 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,011 and 1,970 litres with the seats folded. Small storage was limited, with a shallow centre console and door pockets.

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

The 2025 Audi Q7's Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system featured a 10.1-inch centre screen and a smaller screen for HVAC controls. The digital gauge cluster was configurable, and the menu structure was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch. Google Maps was integrated into the navigation system, and the Audi App Store offered third-party downloads. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and prone to fingerprints. Many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Crosstrek Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2025 Audi Q7 included advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centring system was less robust than competitors. The Q7 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in side crash tests. The IIHS awarded the 2024 model top marks in crashworthiness but rated pedestrian front crash-prevention as "Average."

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The 2025 Crosstrek received a "Marginal" rating in the IIHS moderate overlap front crash test and an "Acceptable" in the side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the 2025 model a five-star overall safety rating. The 2026 model had not yet been rated by either organization.