2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek ignites the trail with its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), appealing to the adventurous soul ready to conquer unpredictable roads. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross jumps out with superior efficiency and slightly more raw power, boasting 169 hp against Subaru's 152 hp. The Corolla Cross immediately impresses commuters with a higher combined MPG of 32, while the Crosstrek lags slightly at 29 combined. For sheer practicality, the Corolla Cross offers substantially more room, maxing out at 24 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. However, the Crosstrek maintains its ground by offering a robust AWD system, a feature absent on the base FWD Corolla Cross, potentially justifying its higher $26,560 MSRP over the Corolla Cross's $24,935 entry price. The subtle difference in width—70.9 inches for the Subaru versus 71.9 inches for the Toyota—also hints at differing on-road characteristics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 32 MPG and lower starting price of $24,935.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Families will appreciate the Corolla Cross's larger 24 cu ft maximum cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Enthusiasts favoring traction and dynamic stability will prefer the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system in the Crosstrek.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross provides better raw efficiency and more cargo volume for a lower initial investment of $24,935.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You require the year-round stability and confidence provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prioritize a slightly narrower exterior width of 70.9 inches for tight urban parking situations.
- You want the established reliability associated with the Subaru brand's performance heritage.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Maximizing fuel stops is key, as it achieves 32 combined MPG versus the Crosstrek's 29.
- You need maximum hauling ability, benefiting from 24 cu ft of cargo space.
- Sticking strictly to budget is paramount, as its MSRP is $1,625 less than the Crosstrek.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Crosstrek | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.4" | 176.1" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 62.8" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 103.9" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | continuously variable-speed 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 | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 12.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 52.6 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. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/60R17 | P215/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
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 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
Which crossover is faster off the line: the 2025 Crosstrek or the 2026 Corolla Cross?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross holds a slight advantage in power, producing 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek produces a modest 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Corolla Cross should feel punchier when merging onto highways.
Is the standard drivetrain on the Crosstrek better than the Corolla Cross for adverse weather?
Yes, the Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which is excellent for snow, mud, or slick roads. The base 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross reviewed here comes standard only with Front Wheel Drive.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between these two crossovers?
The difference is noticeable over a year of driving; the Corolla Cross achieves 32 combined MPG using regular unleaded, while the Crosstrek trails slightly at 29 combined MPG.
Which vehicle offers more utility for hauling gear?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is the clear winner for utility, offering 24 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek offers 19.9 cubic feet, which is significantly less space for luggage or supplies.
What is the price difference between the base models?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is the more affordable entry point at an MSRP of $24,935. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek carries a slightly higher starting MSRP of $26,560.
Are their overall external footprints similar?
They are very close in size, though the Corolla Cross is slightly taller at 64.9 inches versus 62.8 inches for the Crosstrek, and marginally wider at 71.9 inches compared to the Crosstrek's 70.9 inches.
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