2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Ford Maverick

$26,560 · Crossover

$28,145 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the rugged dependability of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the unique utility of the 2026 Ford Maverick presents a real dilemma for modern drivers. If fuel economy is paramount, the Maverick pulls ahead significantly, offering an exceptional combined MPG of 38 compared to the Crosstrek's 29 MPG—a 9 MPG advantage. Power delivery favors the Maverick too, boasting 191 hp against the Crosstrek's 152 hp. However, the Crosstrek starts cheaper at an MSRP of $26,560 and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which the Maverick lacks in its base configuration. While the Maverick is physically larger at 199.8 inches long versus the Crosstrek's 176.4 inches, the Crosstrek provides 19.9 cu ft of cargo space inside its cabin, balancing its slightly lower power output with proven off-road capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG rating of 38, saving money on daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Ford Maverick

The Maverick is larger overall in length and height, suggesting better potential passenger and storage accommodations for families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Maverick

With 191 hp, the Maverick offers 39 more horsepower than the Crosstrek, making it the more spirited driver.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek offers better standard value by including All-Wheel Drive at a lower starting MSRP of $26,560.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

You require the guaranteed traction of standard All-Wheel Drive for challenging weather or terrain.
Your budget is tight, as the Crosstrek starts at a lower MSRP of $26,560.
You prefer a more compact vehicle, as the Crosstrek is significantly shorter at 176.4 inches.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Maximizing fuel economy is your top priority, highlighted by its 38 combined MPG rating.
You need more power on tap, thanks to its 191 hp engine.
You value the utility that comes with a larger footprint, as it is 199.8 inches long and features a truck bed (implied by model type, noted by its larger dimensions).

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Ford
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm	191 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	155 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Ford
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	electrically variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Ford
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/34 MPG	42/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	448.2/564.4 mi.	579.6/483.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	13.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Ford
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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Ford
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	13.2 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	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Ford
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.1 in.	55.4 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	Ford
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	35.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.3 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	54.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Ford
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.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much better is the fuel economy between the 2025 Crosstrek and the 2026 Maverick?

The 2026 Ford Maverick holds a significant advantage, achieving 38 combined MPG, which is 9 MPG better than the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined rating. This difference translates directly into fewer stops at the pump.

Is the 2025 Crosstrek a better deal considering the price difference?

The Crosstrek has a lower starting MSRP of $26,560 compared to the Maverick's $28,145. Furthermore, the Crosstrek includes All-Wheel Drive standard, which is a valuable inclusion at that lower price point.

Which vehicle offers more engaging performance?

The 2026 Maverick is the clear winner for enthusiasts, producing 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. This substantially outpowers the Crosstrek's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.

If I need to carry lots of gear, which vehicle is better: Crosstrek vs Maverick?

This depends on how you define 'gear'; the Crosstrek offers 19.9 cu ft of enclosed cargo space, whereas the Maverick, being longer (199.8 inches vs. 176.4 inches) and taller, likely offers more external or flexible cargo options typical of a truck bed.

Does one of these vehicles require premium fuel?

No, fortunately for both wallets, both the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2026 Ford Maverick specify regular unleaded fuel. This keeps running costs predictable for both models.

What's the main difference in their drive types?

The Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru's legendary All-Wheel Drive system, optimized for slippery conditions. The base Maverick utilizes a Front Wheel Drive setup, although higher trims might offer AWD.