2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the rugged reliability of the 2025 Subaru Forester and the wallet-friendly efficiency of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is a classic crossover conundrum. If you're looking for a vehicle ready for rougher roads or bigger families, the Forester, starting at $29,995, offers 180 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Its exterior length of 183.3 inches also provides slightly more presence and interior space. However, if saving money and maximizing mileage is the top priority, the Corolla Cross undercuts the Forester by $5,060, with an MSRP of $24,935, and boasts a superior combined MPG of 32. While the Forester delivers 29.6 cu ft of cargo room, the Corolla Cross offers 24 cu ft, illustrating a clear trade-off between outright capability and lower ownership costs, especially considering the Corolla Cross's excellent 31 MPG city rating.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its superior 32 MPG combined fuel economy and lower initial cost of $24,935.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Forester is better equipped for families needing more capacity, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester appeals more to enthusiasts with its 180 hp output and standard All-Wheel Drive system for better traction.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross provides exceptional value by saving buyers $5,060 upfront while delivering better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You frequently deal with inclement weather or need off-pavement capability, thanks to its standard All Wheel Drive.
- You need the maximum possible cargo volume, as it offers 29.6 cu ft versus the competitor's 24 cu ft.
- You prefer slightly more horsepower (180 hp) and torque (178 lb-ft) for highway merging.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Keeping the purchase price low is crucial, as it is $5,060 cheaper, starting at $24,935.
- You prioritize the best gas mileage, boasting a combined 32 MPG rating.
- You live in mostly urban settings where the slightly smaller size (176.1 inches long) and 31 MPG city rating matter most.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Forester | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.3" | 176.1" |
| Width | 72.0" | 71.9" |
| Height | 68.1" | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 431.6/547.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.3 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 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 | 39.6 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H | 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 Forester and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross holds the efficiency crown, achieving a combined 32 MPG, whereas the 2025 Subaru Forester is rated slightly lower at 29 MPG combined. For city driving specifically, the Corolla Cross offers 31 MPG versus the Forester's 26 MPG.
Is the Subaru Forester worth the extra cost over the Corolla Cross?
The Forester commands a $5,060 higher starting MSRP ($29,995 vs $24,935), which you pay for standard AWD, slightly more horsepower (180 hp vs 169 hp), and more utility space. If you don't need AWD, the savings make the Corolla Cross a compelling value proposition.
How much more cargo space does the Forester actually provide?
The 2025 Forester offers 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, which is a significant bump over the 2026 Corolla Cross's 24 cubic feet. This difference of 5.6 cu ft could matter when loading luggage or gear for a longer trip.
Does the difference in horsepower significantly affect performance?
The Forester has 11 more horsepower (180 hp vs. 169 hp) and 27 more lb-ft of torque (178 vs. 151), which might be noticeable when accelerating onto highways. However, both utilize CVT transmissions, so neither will feel particularly sporty.
What is the key advantage of the Forester’s size?
At 183.3 inches long, the Forester is about 7.2 inches longer than the Corolla Cross. This extra length, along with its taller 68.1-inch height, generally translates into better passenger space and the noted increase in cargo capacity.
Are both vehicles focused on everyday driving characteristics?
Yes, both are built for utility, using regular unleaded fuel and featuring continuously variable-speed automatic transmissions for smooth driving. The main difference is the Forester's standard AWD versus the Corolla Cross's standard Front Wheel Drive setup.
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