2025 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the budget-friendly 2025 Chevrolet Trax and the slightly more rugged 2026 Subaru Crosstrek presents a classic trade-off: upfront savings versus standard capability. Buyers wrestling with a strict budget will immediately notice the $6,495 MSRP gap, as the Trax starts at just $20,500 compared to the Crosstrek's $26,995. While both are small crossovers, the Trax is slightly larger externally, measuring 178.6 inches long versus the Crosstrek's 176.4 inches, yet it boasts superior cargo space at 25.6 cubic feet versus 19.9 cubic feet. Performance leans toward Subaru, with the Crosstrek delivering 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque against the Trax’s 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. Interestingly, their fuel economy is closely matched, both hovering around 30 MPG combined, though the Trax edges out slightly with 32 MPG highway versus the Crosstrek's 33 MPG highway.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax wins for commuters due to its significantly lower starting price of $20,500 and slightly better 32 MPG highway rating.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax offers substantially more accessible storage with 25.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek clearly appeals to enthusiasts with its extra 43 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax offers better utility per dollar, requiring $6,495 less money for a vehicle that delivers more cargo room.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- Your budget is firm, as the Trax undercuts the Crosstrek by $6,495 MSRP.
- You prioritize outright hauling ability, benefiting from 25.6 cu ft of cargo space versus 19.9 cu ft.
- You prefer a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You need year-round confidence provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You desire more energetic acceleration thanks to its 180 hp engine.
- You value slightly better highway fuel economy in the most efficient configuration, achieving 33 MPG highway.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trax | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.6" | 176.4" |
| Width | 71.8" | 70.9" |
| Height | 61.4" | 62.8" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 105.1" |
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 Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
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 | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 16.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
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 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 55.1 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | P225/60R17 |
| 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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
What is the main performance difference between the 2025 Trax and the 2026 Crosstrek?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is significantly more powerful, offering 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 2025 Chevy Trax produces 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.
Does the lower price of the Trax mean I give up significant cargo room?
Surprisingly, no; the 2025 Trax offers 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is notably more than the 19.9 cubic feet available in the 2026 Crosstrek.
Which vehicle is better suited for snowy climates right out of the box?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek includes standard All-Wheel Drive, making it inherently better equipped for poor weather conditions than the front-wheel-drive only 2025 Chevrolet Trax.
How much money do I save initially by choosing the Trax over the Crosstrek?
You save $6,495 by opting for the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ($20,500 MSRP) compared to the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek ($26,995 MSRP).
Are the fuel economy ratings similar for these two compact crossovers?
Yes, they are very close; the Trax achieves 30 MPG combined, while the Crosstrek gets 29 MPG combined, with the Crosstrek narrowly leading in highway driving at 33 MPG to the Trax's 32 MPG.
Which vehicle is physically larger on the road?
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax is slightly larger in footprint, measuring 178.6 inches long and 71.8 inches wide, compared to the Crosstrek's 176.4 inches length and 70.9 inches width.
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