2025 Subaru Outback vs 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Outback enters the fray radiating rugged capability, boasting 182 horsepower and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, setting a clear tone for adventure right from its $29,995 starting MSRP. Contrast this with the nimble 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross, an urban-focused machine priced aggressively lower at $24,135 and achieving an excellent 32 MPG combined. The Outback’s substantial 191.1-inch length translates into a cavernous 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly outperforming the Corolla Cross’s 24 cubic feet. While the Subaru offers superior power and space, the Toyota claws back ground with a crucial 4 MPG fuel economy advantage. Choosing between them is a classic trade-off: the Outback prioritizes robust utility and off-road readiness, while the Corolla Cross champions accessible efficiency and city-friendly dimensions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its superior 32 MPG combined efficiency and lower entry price point.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback provides significantly more room, offering 32.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback delivers a more potent 182 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, suggesting better dynamic capability.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross presents exceptional overall value by saving buyers $5,860 upfront and delivering better fuel economy.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You require standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for challenging weather or light off-roading.
- Maximum utility is paramount, as the 32.6 cu ft cargo capacity dwarfs the competitor's space.
- You value the higher 182 hp engine output for highway merging and passing power.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Saving $5,860 on the initial purchase price is a major factor, as it starts at $24,135.
- Maximizing fuel savings is key, boasting 32 MPG combined versus the Outback's 28 MPG.
- Maneuvering and parking in tight urban environments are frequent needs, benefiting from its smaller dimensions.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 176.1" |
| Width | 73.0" | 71.9" |
| Height | 66.1" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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) | 26/32 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 40.1 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
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 | 225/65R 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 Outback and 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross.
How much larger is the 2025 Subaru Outback compared to the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Outback is substantially larger, measuring 191.1 inches in length compared to the Corolla Cross's 176.1 inches. This difference results in 8.6 more cubic feet of cargo capacity for the Subaru.
What is the biggest difference in performance metrics between these two crossovers?
The Outback offers a clear advantage in power with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Corolla Cross trails slightly with 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, though it compensates with better mileage.
Which vehicle is the clear winner strictly on fuel economy?
The Toyota Corolla Cross is the efficiency champion, achieving 32 MPG combined from its FWD setup. The Subaru Outback, relying on standard AWD, is rated at 28 MPG combined.
Why is the Outback more expensive than the Corolla Cross?
The 2025 Subaru Outback has an MSRP of $29,995, roughly $5,860 more than the Corolla Cross's $24,135 starting price. This premium reflects its standard AWD, higher power output, and significantly greater interior volume.
Are either of these crossovers standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Outback comes standard with its signature All-Wheel Drive system. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross base model utilizes a Front-Wheel Drive configuration.
Which vehicle offers the best setup for hauling gear?
For hauling gear, the Subaru Outback is the undeniable choice, boasting 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Corolla Cross provides a smaller, but still usable, 24 cubic feet of storage.
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