Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Acura ADX

The 2025 Acura ADX, despite sharing its platform with the Honda HR-V, distinguished itself with a unique Acura styling. Its striking pentagonal grille, diamond-patterned mesh, and diminutive proportions gave it a distinct presence. Standard LED lighting, including headlights, taillights, and DRLs, added to its modern appeal, while A-Spec models featured additional LED fog lights. The rear design, with vent-like creases and dual exhaust outlets, contributed to a sporty flair. The ADX offered a range of exterior colours, with the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim unlocking exclusive options like Milano Red and Adriatic Sea Blue. Inside, the ADX maintained Acura's premium feel, with the A-Spec trim featuring a red interior that extended across the dash and door cards. The use of textured shiny black trim reduced fingerprints and glare, enhancing the overall cabin experience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements of its predecessors, maintaining its attractive design. The third-generation model featured new sheet metal and chassis construction, with the most noticeable update being the frameless grille and curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets around the wheel arches improved fuel efficiency 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 offered grey StarTex artificial leather. Chrome-trimmed power window switches added an upscale touch, and standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof.

The 2025 Acura ADX came standard with all-wheel drive and a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, it offered adequate performance for everyday tasks. The ADX featured four drive modes—Sport, Normal, Comfort, and Snow—allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim added an Individual mode for further customization. Visibility was excellent, and noise cancellation measures were effective, providing a quiet ride. However, for those prioritizing fuel economy, competitors with hybrid powertrains, like the Lexus UX 300h, offered better efficiency.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, with its 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine and 118 hp traction motor, delivered 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 for 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. Subaru's AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, provided superior capability on variable terrain compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The 2025 Acura ADX offered a premium interior with leatherette seating surfaces and microsuede accents in higher trims. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel had a sportier shape in A-Spec models. Standard features included heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat, with ventilation and memory functions available in higher trims. The ADX provided ample headroom and legroom, surpassing competitors like the Lexus UX and BMW X1. Cargo space was generous, with 690 litres behind the rear seats and 1,560 litres with them folded. A power tailgate, dual-zone climate control, and rear-seat vents were standard.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with them folded, it provided ample storage without compromising on trunk space. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a large 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refuelling. Rear-seat legroom was generous at 926 millimetres, surpassing the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, but a wireless charging pad and cupholders were available.

The 2025 Acura ADX featured a nine-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wi-fi hotspot, and a wireless phone charging pad. A-Spec models added rear USB-C ports, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim offered Alexa Built-In, Google Built-In, HD Radio, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The audio system's "beosonic" app allowed users to adjust sound by mood, enhancing the listening experience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its software was slow and prone to lag. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the reliance on touchscreen controls for essential functions was frustrating. The Crosstrek Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which could display navigation maps. However, the map feature was limited to the built-in system, not supporting Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2025 Acura ADX included the AcuraWatch suite, offering adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot information, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. A surround-view camera system was available on the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the ADX aimed to match the Honda HR-V's high safety ratings.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, equipped with Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. While the 2025 Crosstrek received mixed ratings from the IIHS, the NHTSA awarded it five stars. The 2026 model had not yet been rated, but improvements like rear-seat side-curtain airbags were made to address previous shortcomings.