2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Chevrolet Trax
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek launches with rugged appeal, boasting standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a respectable 152 horsepower from its naturally aspirated engine, making it the choice for unpredictable terrain. Conversely, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax excites with a sharp, modern design and a superior base cargo volume of 25.6 cu ft versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. While the Trax undercuts the Crosstrek significantly on price at $21,600 compared to $26,560, the Subaru delivers better fuel economy on the highway at 34 MPG versus the Chevy's 32 MPG. Although the Trax possesses more low-end grunt with 162 lb-ft of torque to the Crosstrek’s 145 lb-ft, the Subaru’s dedicated AWD system provides superior capability when conditions demand grip.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and significantly lower MSRP of $21,600.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
Families will appreciate the 2026 Chevrolet Trax's expansive 25.6 cu ft of cargo space, substantially more than the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Enthusiasts who prioritize stability and traction will favor the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek’s standard All-Wheel Drive system over the Trax’s Front Wheel Drive.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax offers clear value by saving buyers $4,960 in initial purchase price while still achieving excellent economy.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You require maximum all-weather capability because the Crosstrek includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
- Your typical driving involves more highway miles, where the Crosstrek achieves 34 MPG.
- You prefer a slightly more potent power rating with 152 horsepower, despite the higher entry cost.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the Trax undercuts the Crosstrek by $4,960.
- You prioritize sheer storage, benefiting from the Trax's massive 25.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prioritize low-end pulling power, as the Trax offers 162 lb-ft of torque versus 145 lb-ft in the Subaru.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Crosstrek | Chevrolet Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.4" | 178.6" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.8" |
| Height | 62.8" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | flex-fuel (FFV) |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 28/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 369.6/422.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 52.1 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 | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 45.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/60R17 | 225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Chevrolet Trax.
What is the main functional difference between the drivetrains of the 2025 Crosstrek and 2026 Trax?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru's highly regarded All-Wheel Drive system, excellent for varied conditions. In contrast, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax utilizes a Front Wheel Drive configuration, prioritizing efficiency on dry pavement.
Which crossover is more practical for hauling gear based on specifications?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is significantly more practical for hauling, providing 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek trails with 19.9 cubic feet in its comparable measurement.
How does the initial purchase price compare between these two models?
There is a substantial difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The 2026 Trax starts at $21,600, whereas the 2025 Crosstrek carries a higher entry price of $26,560, a gap of $4,960.
Is the 2025 Crosstrek significantly more powerful than the 2026 Trax?
The Crosstrek is marginally more powerful in peak horsepower, outputting 152 hp compared to the Trax's 137 hp. However, the Trax generates higher torque at 162 lb-ft versus the Subaru's 145 lb-ft.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for highway commuting?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek edges out the Trax on the highway rating, achieving 34 MPG compared to the Trax's 32 MPG, although the Trax has a slightly better overall combined rating of 30 MPG.
How do their physical dimensions stack up?
The 2026 Trax is slightly longer at 178.6 inches and wider at 71.8 inches than the 2025 Crosstrek (176.4 inches long, 70.9 inches wide), though the Crosstrek is slightly taller.
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