2025 BMW X5 vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 BMW X5 had a refined and graceful evolution, 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 added a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package enhanced the sporty appearance with features like darkened Shadowline trim and larger wheels. The Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated the X5's 25th anniversary with unique trim options and an off-road package, showcasing the array of customization possibilities. Inside, the X5's interior evolved gradually, retaining a connection to previous generations with a focus on quality and a plainer appearance compared to competitors. The Silver Anniversary Edition featured carbon fiber trim and ambient lighting, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the Crosstrek's tradition of evolutionary improvements, 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. The Crosstrek Hybrid was available in two trims, Sport and Limited, with the Limited Hybrid offering a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort. The interior featured Subaru's straightforward design philosophy, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a subtle design flourish. The Limited Hybrid included features like a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof, creating an airy atmosphere.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the X5 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. The X5 plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, combined the inline-six engine with a larger electric motor and a 19.2-kilowatt-hour battery pack, delivering a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It could reach 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and offered up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing its off-road capabilities with features like air suspension and all-terrain tires.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration compared to the gas-only version. The hybrid system 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 achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided enhanced off-road capabilities. The steering feel was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the Crosstrek exhibited less body lean than previous models.

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 compared to competitors like the Acura MDX and Audi Q7 but provided more headroom. The sport seats in the X5 were comfortable and supportive, especially during cornering. The cargo space measured 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate design was a unique feature, providing convenience for loading and unloading cargo. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, which was competitive for its class.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The cargo volume behind the rear seats was 18.6 cubic feet, expanding to 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained the same size as the all-gas models, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. The rear-seat space offered 36.7 inches of legroom, significantly more than competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. The front storage options were limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders, but deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment provided additional storage.

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 offered multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and steering wheel controls. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were notable features. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, with a speed readout in the center.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and prone to lag. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the Starlink software was less competitive. The Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which could display navigation maps. However, the map feature did not support Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard Active Driving Assistant features, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package offered Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 85 mph. 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 included Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. The 2025 Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to lower scores in certain crash tests. The 2026 model had not yet been rated by either organization.