Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Acura ADX

The 2025 Acura ADX, despite sharing its platform with the Honda HR-V, distinguished itself with unique Acura styling. Its striking pentagonal grille with diamond-patterned mesh, standard LED lighting, and sporty rear design elements like vent-like creases and dual exhaust outlets gave it a distinct presence. The ADX offered a range of exterior colors, with A-Spec models unlocking vibrant options like Adriatic Sea Blue and Milano Red. Inside, the ADX exuded a premium feel with genuine leather in the A-Spec Advance trim, featuring a Red & Ebony color scheme that extended throughout the cabin. The interior design avoided the pitfalls of cheap-feeling materials, opting for textured shiny black trim that minimized fingerprints and glare.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid maintained its evolutionary design improvements, with a focus on rugged utility and refined comfort. The third-generation Crosstrek featured a frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The cabin embraced 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 Crosstrek Hybrid's interior balanced practicality and comfort, with chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats adding upscale accents. The Limited Hybrid trim included a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof for an airy atmosphere.

The 2025 Acura ADX came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. It was powered by a 1.5-liter VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not the most powerful in its class, the ADX offered adequate performance for everyday tasks and even some fun on twisty roads. It featured multiple drive modes, including Sport, Normal, Comfort, and Snow, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The ADX excelled in visibility and noise cancellation, providing a comfortable ride.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, on the other hand, boasted a hybrid powertrain with a total system output of 194 horsepower, making it the fastest Crosstrek to date. It combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine with a 118-hp traction motor, delivering smoother acceleration. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop and regenerative braking. While the Crosstrek Hybrid's fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates during testing, it offered improved efficiency compared to non-hybrid models. Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for various terrains.

The 2025 Acura ADX prioritized premium materials, with leatherette seating surfaces in the base trim and genuine leather in the Advance Package. The A-Spec models featured microsuede accents and a sportier, flat-bottomed steering wheel. Heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat were standard, with additional features like front-seat ventilation and power adjustments for the front passenger in higher trims. The ADX offered generous interior space, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. Cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more cargo space and a larger gas tank. With 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with them folded, it provided practical storage options. The Crosstrek Hybrid's 16.6-gallon gas tank allowed for an impressive range, making it suitable for long journeys. Rear-seat legroom measured 36.7 inches, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. While front storage was limited, the Crosstrek Hybrid featured a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets for convenience.

The 2025 Acura ADX impressed with its technology offerings, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless phone charging pad, wi-fi hotspot capability, and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster were standard. The Advance Package added Alexa Built-In, Google Built-In, HD Radio, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with a unique "beosonic" app for sound customization.

In contrast, 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 touchscreen's reliance on digital controls for essential functions was frustrating. The Limited Hybrid trim featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, offering configurable displays, though it lacked integration with Google Maps for navigation.

The 2025 Acura ADX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with the AcuraWatch suite providing adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot information, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. While the 2025 Crosstrek received mixed ratings from the IIHS, the NHTSA awarded it five stars for overall safety. The 2026 model had yet to be rated by either organization.