2025 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a budget-friendly entry-level crossover and a slightly larger, more robust alternative is a common hurdle. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax starts at a compelling $20,500, positioning it well below the 2025 Subaru Outback's $29,995 MSRP, a difference of nearly $9,500. While the Outback offers more capability, boasting 182 hp compared to the Trax's 137 hp, daily efficiency favors the smaller Chevy, which achieves 30 MPG combined versus the Outback's 28 MPG combined. However, the Subaru brings more utility to the table, offering 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Trax's 25.6 cu ft, alongside standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). For buyers prioritizing maximum savings and decent city driving efficiency, the Trax shines; those needing extra space and sure-footedness will lean toward the more expensive Outback.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax wins for commuters due to its lower initial cost of $20,500 and marginally better 30 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback is better for families because it provides significantly more storage space with 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Subaru Outback
Enthusiasts will prefer the Outback as it provides 45 more horsepower (182 hp vs 137 hp) and more torque (176 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft).
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax delivers superior value by saving buyers $9,495 upfront while still delivering 32 MPG on the highway.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- You need the absolute lowest entry price, starting at just $20,500.
- Your driving is primarily in areas where AWD is unnecessary, relying only on front-wheel drive.
- You want the slight edge in city driving efficiency, achieving 28 MPG in the city cycle.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You regularly haul substantial gear, benefiting from the Outback's 32.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You live where inclement weather is common, necessitating the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You value greater passing power derived from its 182 horsepower engine.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trax | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.6" | 191.1" |
| Width | 71.8" | 73.0" |
| Height | 61.4" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 108.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | flex-fuel (FFV) | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/32 MPG | 26/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 481.0/592.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and 2025 Subaru Outback.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Trax cheaper to run than the 2025 Subaru Outback?
Yes, the Trax is cheaper upfront, with an MSRP of $20,500 compared to the Outback's $29,995. Furthermore, the Trax gets slightly better fuel economy at 30 MPG combined versus the Outback's 28 MPG combined.
Which crossover has more usable interior space?
The 2025 Subaru Outback wins handily on sheer cargo volume, offering 32.6 cu ft of space, which significantly surpasses the Trax's 25.6 cu ft capacity.
How much power difference is there between these two vehicles?
The Outback possesses a notable advantage in performance, generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Trax's 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, representing a 45 hp gap.
Do either of these vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Only the 2025 Subaru Outback includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment for tackling slick roads. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax is exclusively front-wheel drive.
Are the fuel types different for the 2025 Trax and Outback?
Fortunately, both crossovers use the same, less expensive fuel type: regular unleaded gasoline.
If I mostly drive on the highway, which car offers better efficiency?
Both vehicles achieve an identical 32 MPG highway rating, so there is no major efficiency advantage for either car during longer highway cruising speeds.
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