2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$28,145 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Maverick bursts onto the scene with an unbeatable efficiency rating, boasting a phenomenal 38 combined MPG from its 191 hp hybrid powertrain. Contrastingly, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek offers a more rugged foundation, delivering superior grip with its standard All-Wheel Drive, even though it returns a lower 29 combined MPG. The Maverick, being the longer vehicle at 199.8 inches, prioritizes fuel savings and a slightly punchier power figure (155 lb-ft vs. Crosstrek's 178 lb-ft). However, the Crosstrek offers a more compact footprint at 176.4 inches and includes a measurable 19.9 cu ft of dedicated cargo space. The dramatic 9 MPG difference in fuel economy is the defining battle line between these two highly practical crossovers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Maverick

The 2025 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its outstanding 42 MPG city rating and FWD setup, minimizing running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is better equipped for families needing security, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Maverick

The Maverick edges out the win here with a higher 191 hp output compared to the Crosstrek's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the value winner by offering standard AWD and a lower starting MSRP of $26,995.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

You prioritize class-leading fuel economy, with the Maverick achieving 38 combined MPG.
You want the highest horsepower figure available in this comparison, delivering 191 hp.
Your driving environment rarely requires AWD, allowing you to capitalize on the FWD efficiency.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

You demand the added security and traction of standard All-Wheel Drive.
You appreciate a smaller, more nimble vehicle size (176.4 inches in length).
You are cross-shopping based on sticker price, as the Crosstrek starts lower at $26,995.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Maverick	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	199.8"	176.4"
Width	72.6"	70.9"
Height	68.8"	62.8"
Wheelbase	121.1"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 5600 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Transmission Type	electrically variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/35 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	579.6/483.0 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.8 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	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	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Infotainment Display	13.2 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 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	Ford	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.9 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.1 in.	53.2 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R17	P225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Maverick and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 Maverick and the 2026 Crosstrek?

The difference is substantial; the Ford Maverick achieves 38 combined MPG, which is 9 MPG better than the Subaru Crosstrek’s 29 combined MPG rating. This impacts long-term ownership costs significantly.

Which vehicle offers better traction for adverse weather conditions?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, making it inherently superior for slick or unpaved roads compared to the FWD 2025 Ford Maverick.

Is the Maverick significantly larger than the Crosstrek?

Yes, the Maverick is noticeably larger in every dimension, measuring 199.8 inches long compared to the Crosstrek’s 176.4 inches. This might make parking the Maverick more challenging in tight urban spaces.

How do the horsepower and torque figures compare?

The 2025 Ford Maverick holds a slight power advantage with 191 hp, while the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek counters with more torque at 178 lb-ft versus the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.

What is the price difference between these two models?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the more affordable entry point, starting at $26,995, undercutting the 2025 Ford Maverick's $28,145 MSRP.

Are there major differences in available cargo space?

While specific capacity numbers aren't provided for the Maverick, the Crosstrek explicitly lists 19.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, suggesting a clear measure for family hauling needs.