Compare the2026 Subaru CrosstrekVS 2026 BMW X2

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Subaru Crosstrek have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW X2 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Subaru Crosstrek are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X2 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Crosstrek has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The X2 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Subaru Crosstrek’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the BMW X2 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Crosstrek and the X2 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

Subaru’s powertrain warranty covers the Crosstrek 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the X2. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the X2 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 83 percent more Subaru dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Crosstrek’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Crosstrek’s reliability 34 points higher than the X2.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. BMW is ranked 8th.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Crosstrek lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The X2 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Crosstrek gets better mileage than the X2:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Subaru Crosstrek uses regular unleaded gasoline. The X2 M35i xDrive requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Crosstrek has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the X2 (16.6 vs. 14.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Crosstrek has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The X2 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better maneuverability, the Crosstrek Wilderness’ turning circle is 3.6 feet tighter than the X2’s (34.8 feet vs. 38.4 feet). The Crosstrek’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the X2’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek has a greater minimum ground clearance than the X2 (8.7 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the Crosstrek to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Crosstrek Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 1.2 inches higher than on the X2 (9.3 vs. 8.1 inches).

The Subaru Crosstrek may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 500 pounds less than the BMW X2.

The front grille of the Crosstrek uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The X2 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Crosstrek has 2.6 inches more front legroom and .9 inches more rear headroom than the X2.

The Crosstrek has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the X2 with its rear seat folded (54.7 vs. 51.7 cubic feet).

The Crosstrek has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The X2 has no towing capacity.

The engine in the Crosstrek is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the X2. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, BMW is ranked 10th.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Crosstrek’s exterior PIN entry system. The X2 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its BMW Assist can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Crosstrek has a standard rear wiper. The X2 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The X2’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The Crosstrek’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Crosstrek has standard extendable sun visors. The X2 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek retains 66.41% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 48.83% resale value of the 2025 BMW X2 after five years, which can save the Subaru’s owner up to $13745.923131 in depreciation.

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Subaru Crosstrek as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Crosstrek outsold the BMW X2 by over 46 to one during 2024.