2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Toyota RAV4

$26,560 · Crossover

$29,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the capable 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the roomier 2025 Toyota RAV4 often boils down to prioritizing cost versus capability. The Crosstrek kicks off at a lower $26,560 MSRP, making it the budget-friendlier entry point, though it offers noticeably less punch with 152 hp compared to the RAV4's 203 hp. While both achieve a nearly identical 29 MPG (Crosstrek) versus 30 MPG (RAV4) combined, the Crosstrek's standard All-Wheel Drive system provides superior traction over the RAV4's standard Front-Wheel Drive configuration. However, for hauling gear, the RAV4 utterly dwarfs the Crosstrek, boasting 37.6 cu ft of cargo space against the Subaru's tight 19.9 cu ft. This comparison highlights a trade-off: saving over $3,240 for standard AWD and efficiency versus gaining substantial power and interior volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its lower initial cost of $26,560 and its standard all-wheel drive system, offering better security in varied weather.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is the clear family choice, offering substantially more utility with 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4

Enthusiasts will prefer the RAV4 for its significant power advantage, producing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek provides better overall value by delivering standard AWD and excellent efficiency for $3,240 less than the RAV4.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

Your budget is firm, as the Crosstrek has an MSRP starting at $26,560.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive for consistent traction regardless of trim level.
You prioritize fuel economy in a smaller, more maneuverable package (176.4 inches in length).

Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...

You need maximum hauling space, as the RAV4 offers 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You value performance, benefiting from 203 hp versus the Crosstrek's 152 hp.
You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Crosstrek	Toyota RAV4
Length	176.4"	180.9"
Width	70.9"	73.0"
Height	62.8"	67.0"
Wheelbase	105.1"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm	203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque	145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 5000 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	Subaru	Toyota
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/34 MPG	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	448.2/564.4 mi.	391.5/507.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	57.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.1 in.	54.3 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	Subaru	Toyota
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.3 in.	56.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	47.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Toyota RAV4.

How much more powerful is the 2025 RAV4 than the Crosstrek?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 has a considerable power advantage, generating 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is 51 hp more than the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's 152 hp.

Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for highway driving?

Both are closely matched; the Crosstrek is rated at 34 MPG highway, while the RAV4 edges it out slightly at 35 MPG highway, though both use regular unleaded fuel.

Is the Crosstrek's cargo space usable for a small family?

The Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft of cargo space is significantly smaller than the RAV4's 37.6 cu ft, meaning it is better suited for commuters or individuals rather than larger families needing to haul significant gear.

Why does the Crosstrek cost less than the RAV4?

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $26,560, which is $3,240 cheaper than the 2025 Toyota RAV4's starting price of $29,800, reflecting differences in standard horsepower and overall size.

What is the key drivetrain difference between these two crossovers?

The Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, giving it rugged capability right out of the box, whereas the base model 2025 Toyota RAV4 utilizes Front-Wheel Drive.

How does the size difference affect usability?

The RAV4 is noticeably larger in every dimension, being 4.5 inches longer and 4.1 inches taller, which translates directly to a more spacious cabin and superior cargo volume.