2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2025 Subaru Impreza (Car 1) and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross (Car 2) is the height disparity, with Car 2 measuring 6.6 inches taller at 64.9 inches compared to Car 1's 58.3 inches. Performance figures slightly favor Car 2, offering 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque against Car 1's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft. However, Car 1's efficiency edge is notable, achieving 30 MPG combined versus Car 2’s 32 MPG combined, although Car 2 excels in city efficiency (31 MPG vs 27 MPG). In terms of utility, Car 2 provides superior space with 24.0 cu ft of cargo capacity, surpassing Car 1's 20.4 cu ft. Priced competitively, Car 1 starts at $24,360, slightly undercutting Car 2's MSRP of $24,935. The fundamental difference lies in drivetrain, with Car 1 standardizing AWD while Car 2 defaults to FWD, despite Car 2’s overall better fuel economy figures in this specific comparison setup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Corolla Cross offers superior fuel economy in stop-and-go traffic with 31 city MPG compared to the Impreza's 27 city MPG.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross offers a larger cargo area at 24.0 cubic feet, which is more accommodating for family needs than the Impreza’s 20.4 cubic feet.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross provides better raw performance specifications, including 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza offers standard All-Wheel Drive and a $575 lower starting MSRP ($24,360 vs $24,935).
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for adverse weather conditions.
- Your budget is strictly limited, as the Impreza has a $575 lower base MSRP.
- You prioritize highway fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG highway versus the Corolla Cross's 33 MPG highway.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Maximum vertical clearance and cargo capacity are necessary, given its 64.9-inch height and 24.0 cu ft of space.
- You want higher base power figures, possessing 169 horsepower over the Impreza's 152 hp.
- Your driving is predominantly urban, benefiting from the Corolla Cross's class-leading 31 city MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 176.1" |
| Width | 70.1" | 71.9" |
| Height | 58.3" | 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 | 2.0 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 | — |
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) | 30 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 2 | — |
| 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 Material | Steel | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | Full |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | P215/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Impreza and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
What is the primary mechanical distinction between the 2025 Impreza and the 2026 Corolla Cross?
The core difference is drivetrain configuration; the Subaru Impreza comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the Toyota Corolla Cross base model utilizes Front-Wheel Drive. This impacts traction capabilities significantly.
Which vehicle offers better overall fuel economy?
The 2026 Corolla Cross technically wins overall with a 32 MPG combined rating compared to the Impreza's 30 MPG combined. However, the Impreza provides 34 MPG highway, narrowly beating the Corolla Cross's 33 MPG highway.
How does cargo capacity compare between the two models?
The Toyota Corolla Cross offers substantially more space, maxing out at 24.0 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Subaru Impreza wagon variant provides 20.4 cubic feet in the same configuration.
Is there a notable difference in performance output?
Yes, the Corolla Cross generates 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, providing a 17 hp and 6 lb-ft advantage over the Impreza's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft output.
How much taller is the Corolla Cross than the Impreza?
The Corolla Cross stands at 64.9 inches high, making it exactly 6.6 inches taller than the 58.3-inch tall Impreza, reflecting its crossover body style versus the Impreza's wagon structure.
Which vehicle has the lower initial purchase price?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is the more affordable entry point, starting at an MSRP of $24,360. The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross has a slightly higher MSRP of $24,935.
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