2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid lies in fuel economy, where the Corolla Cross Hybrid achieves a staggering 42 combined MPG compared to the Forester's 29 combined MPG—a 13 MPG advantage. Pricewise, the Forester starts at $29,995, slightly higher than the Corolla Cross Hybrid's $29,295 MSRP. Performance metrics show the Toyota leading in output with 196 hp versus the Subaru's 180 hp, though torque figures are unavailable for the Toyota to directly compare to the Forester's 178 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Forester is notably larger, measuring 183.3 inches long and 68.1 inches tall, offering superior utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the Corolla Cross Hybrid's 21.5 cu ft. Both utilize standard AWD and CVTs, but the Corolla Cross Hybrid prioritizes efficiency while the Forester favors traditional SUV size and cargo volume.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 42 combined MPG rating.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester is superior for families because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft versus 21.5 cu ft.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a higher power output, producing 196 hp compared to the Forester's 180 hp.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Corolla Cross Hybrid provides better operational value by delivering 13 MPG more efficiency for a $700 lower initial MSRP.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- Cargo capacity is the top priority, as the Forester provides 29.6 cubic feet.
- A taller, longer physical footprint is preferred, with a length of 183.3 inches.
- The driver prefers the specific feel and output characteristics associated with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid if...
- Maximum fuel economy is essential, targeting 42 combined MPG.
- The budget is constrained, with an MSRP starting $700 lower at $29,295.
- Higher engine output is desired, as the hybrid system delivers 196 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Forester | Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm | 196 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | all 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 | 46/39 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 42 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 431.6/547.8 mi. | 487.6/413.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 10.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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 | 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 Diameter | — | 17 in |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Corolla Cross Hybrid than the Forester?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is substantially more efficient, achieving 42 combined MPG. This is a 13 MPG advantage over the 2025 Subaru Forester, which is rated at 29 combined MPG.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear?
The 2025 Subaru Forester provides superior utility with 29.6 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space. The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid offers less room, measured at 21.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
What is the difference in horsepower between these two AWD crossovers?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid generates 196 horsepower, outperforming the 2025 Subaru Forester's 180 horsepower output. Both vehicles utilize standard all-wheel drive systems.
Are there significant price differences between the base models?
Yes, there is a slight difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The Forester begins at $29,995, while the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a lower entry point of $29,295.
Do both vehicles use similar transmissions and drivetrains?
Both the Forester and the Corolla Cross Hybrid feature standard all-wheel drive and utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). However, the Forester includes a known torque figure of 178 lb-ft, whereas the Corolla Cross Hybrid's torque is not explicitly provided.
How do the exterior dimensions compare between the two models?
The Subaru Forester is physically larger, standing 183.3 inches long and 68.1 inches tall. In contrast, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is shorter in length at 176.1 inches and slightly lower in height at 64.9 inches.
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