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 updated, and 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 eight colors, including the new Sakhir Gold. Inside, the updates were minimal, with new wood and carbon trim inlays but limited interior color options. The piano black surfaces were prone to fingerprints, but the stacked infotainment screens and expansive HVAC vents added to the car's sleek interior design.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous models, with a new frameless grille and aerodynamic air inlets and outlets around the wheel arches. The hybrid was available in two trims, Sport and Limited, and featured a cabin that balanced rugged utility with refined comfort. The interior maintained 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, while chrome-trimmed power window switches provided an upscale accent. The Limited Hybrid trim included a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof, enhancing the cabin's airy atmosphere.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine options for the Premium and Premium Plus trims: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The top Prestige trim came exclusively with the larger engine, delivering smooth power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. While the Q7 excelled in comfort mode, dynamic mode left some room for improvement, particularly in steering feedback and transmission responsiveness. The SUV handled well, thanks in part to available all-wheel steering, and offered multiple drive modes, including Individual, All Road, and Off Road. The EPA rated the Q7 with the 55 TFSI engine at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

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, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg combined. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided capable performance on various terrains, although the steering feel remained light and somewhat disconnected.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured heated eight-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support, with the Prestige trim adding a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, 360-degree camera, and ventilated and massaging front seats. The Executive package offered four-zone climate control and heated rear seats. The Q7's third row was best suited for children, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space measured 14.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 35.7 and 69.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Small storage was limited, with a shallow center console and door pockets.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on previous iterations with more horsepower and cargo space. The hybrid's cargo volume measured 18.6 cubic feet 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. Rear-seat space offered 36.7 inches 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 center screen with a smaller screen for HVAC controls, along with a configurable digital gauge cluster. The menu structure was user-friendly, but the screen required a firm push and was sometimes sluggish. Audi's navigation system, powered by Google Maps, was a standout feature, and the new Audi App Store offered third-party program downloads. The myAudi app allowed for customization with themed wallpapers.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and prone to fingerprints. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The cluster offered various displays, but Google Maps couldn't be displayed when using phone projection.

The 2025 Audi Q7 included advanced driver-assistance systems like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centering feature was less robust than competitors. The Q7 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in side crash tests. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2025 model but gave the 2024 version high marks in crashworthiness.

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 five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick designation due to lower scores in certain crash tests. The 2026 model had not yet been rated by either organization.