2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Acura RDX

The 2025 Acura RDX was positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger MDX in Acura's lineup, offering a range of packages like Technology, A-Spec, Advance, or A-Spec Advance instead of traditional trim levels. It featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $44,700 to $52,450, excluding a $1,350 destination charge. The A-Spec Advance model, priced at $56,400, showcased a refreshed design with a frameless grille, new wheel designs, and paint colors like Sonic Silver and Urban Gray Pearl. The A-Spec treatment added a sportier look with gloss black accents and a finned rear diffuser, while the Advance package included full leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof. The interior boasted ambient lighting, premium materials, and a mix of leather and simulated suede, although the red-marked gauges on a silver background were harder to read in low light. The True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was less desirable, but the vehicle offered plenty of intuitive buttons and switches.

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 connecting to the headlights, giving the front a distinctive look. The Hybrid was available in Sport and Limited trims, with the Limited Hybrid tested. Inside, the cabin balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a design flourish, while chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats provided upscale accents. The Limited Hybrid included a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof, although smaller than the Forester's. The Crosstrek Hybrid offered a thoughtful design with a focus on function over flash.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of directing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to choose from Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow modes, with adaptive-damping suspension available on higher trims. The RDX's performance was lively, but fuel consumption increased with aggressive driving, averaging 19.3 mpg in testing compared to the EPA's 23 mpg combined rating. Despite initial impressions of feeling dated, the RDX's driving dynamics were enjoyable, with crisp steering, responsive brakes, and a well-matched adaptive damping suspension. However, the lack of a configurable Individual mode and the A-Spec badge's focus on appearance rather than performance limited its appeal to driving enthusiasts.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, producing a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than 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 mpg, below the EPA's 36 mpg estimate, partly due to driving on dirt roads. The Crosstrek's AWD system, with a mechanical connection, offered better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. Subaru's X-Mode traction management system, standard on all Crosstreks, provided specific settings for different conditions and hill-descent control. The steering feel was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the current model exhibited less body lean than previous versions.

The 2025 Acura RDX, in its A-Spec Advance trim, offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, along with a heated flat-bottom steering wheel and heated outboard rear seats. The interior featured soft or padded surfaces in key contact areas, providing comfort, although drivers with longer legs might find the center console's padding lacking. Rear seat comfort was less satisfactory due to a flat bottom cushion and excessive backrest recline angle. The RDX provided generous storage space, with oversized cupholders and a wireless charging pad. The cargo area offered 29.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, along with three underfloor storage compartments.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru's third attempt at a hybrid model, improved on previous versions by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The 2026 model featured 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample rear-seat space with 36.7 inches of legroom, significantly more than competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders, but deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment offered additional storage options.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display atop the dashboard, controlled by the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI required coordination between the touchpad and display, which could be challenging on bumpy roads. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in, reducing reliance on the TTI. Additional features included SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system with an Acura/ELS Studio premium sound system in higher trims. The test vehicle's audio system boasted 16 speakers, including four ceiling-mounted ones.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen in both Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims. However, the infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with slow software and a tendency to attract fingerprints. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. Fortunately, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and climate controls. The Limited Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, configurable with various displays, although it couldn't display Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2025 Acura RDX came standard with AcuraWatch, a comprehensive safety package including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered low-speed front and rear braking and a surround-view camera system. The RDX's lane-assist systems were intrusive, but adaptive cruise control was more satisfactory. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to lower scores in crash tests, but the NHTSA awarded it five stars for overall safety. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. However, Subaru lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to competitors.