BMW X5 vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which featured a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package added sportier aesthetics, while the M Sport Pro package included an M Sport exhaust system and other enhancements. The interior continued the BMW aesthetic evolution, offering quality with a plainer appearance compared to some competitors. The Silver Anniversary Edition, exclusive to the U.S., celebrated the X5's 25th production anniversary.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, part of the third generation, 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 improved aerodynamics and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Canadian models came with black leather upholstery, while the U.S. version had grey StarTex artificial leather. The cabin included chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats, with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the xDrive40i, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The X5 M60i xDrive, with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, delivered 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Both models had electronically limited top speeds of 210 km/h, extendable to 250 km/h with performance tires. The X5 plug-in hybrid, xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor, producing a total of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and offering up to 63 km of all-electric range. The test car, similar to the xDrive40i, provided smooth power delivery and agile handling.

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. The hybrid powertrain offered quicker and smoother acceleration than the gas-only Crosstrek, although highway performance felt similar. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other assisted the engine and provided regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 L/100 km, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The Crosstrek's AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, offered superior off-road capability compared to competitors. The steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV with generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It offered slightly less first-row legroom than some competitors but provided more headroom. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, especially during cornering. The X5's cargo space was competitive, with 960 litres behind the rear seats and 2,047 litres with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a unique feature, providing convenience and versatility. The X5's towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms, comparable to most rivals.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations, offering more horsepower and cargo space. The hybrid's cargo volume was 527 litres 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. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample rear-seat space, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, but the cabin included practical features like a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive infotainment system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The angular instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were notable additions.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system was less competitive than rivals. The software was slow, and the screen was prone to fingerprints. Many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing alternatives to the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, although the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2025 BMW X5 included standard driver aids like lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package offered Highway Assistant, a hands-free system. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid's safety ratings were mixed, with the 2025 model not receiving a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. However, the NHTSA awarded it five stars overall. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. Subaru added side-curtain airbags to address safety concerns.