2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Chevrolet Trax
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Chevrolet Trax is the $8,395 difference in MSRP, starting at $29,995 for the Outback versus $21,600 for the Trax. This price point reflects substantial performance differences: the Outback delivers 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, significantly overpowering the Trax's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is surprisingly close, with the Trax achieving 30 combined MPG compared to the Outback's 28 combined MPG, though the Outback offers superior highway cruising at 32 MPG, matching the Trax’s 32 MPG highway rating. Furthermore, the Outback provides a larger footprint at 191.1 inches long and offers 32.6 cu ft of cargo space, substantially exceeding the Trax's 25.6 cu ft of utility. The standard All-Wheel Drive on the Outback contrasts with the Trax's Front-Wheel Drive configuration, influencing capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax wins for commuters due to its lower entry price of $21,600 and slightly better 30 combined MPG efficiency.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback is better for families by offering substantially more utility with 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Trax's 25.6 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback appeals more to enthusiasts by delivering 182 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, vastly outpacing the Trax's 137 hp and FWD setup.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax represents superior measurable value, starting $8,395 cheaper while still delivering 28 MPG city/32 MPG highway.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Capability is paramount, as the Outback features standard All-Wheel Drive.
- Maximum usable space is needed, evidenced by 32.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
- Higher performance is required, as the Outback generates 182 hp versus 137 hp in the Trax.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- Budget constraints dictate a starting MSRP under $22,000 ($21,600).
- Maximizing city fuel economy is a priority (28 city MPG versus 26 city MPG for the Outback).
- A smaller, more maneuverable vehicle is preferred (178.6 inches length versus 191.1 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Chevrolet Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 178.6" |
| Width | 73.0" | 71.8" |
| Height | 66.1" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | flex-fuel (FFV) |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/32 MPG | 28/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 369.6/422.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 52.1 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 45.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2026 Chevrolet Trax.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain configuration between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Subaru Outback comes standard with its symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, enhancing traction in poor conditions. Conversely, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax is equipped exclusively with Front-Wheel Drive in its current specification.
How significant is the cargo capacity gap for buyers needing maximum storage?
The cargo disparity is substantial: the Outback offers 32.6 cu ft behind the rear seats, providing 7.0 cubic feet more storage volume than the Trax's 25.6 cu ft.
Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for daily city driving?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax has a slight edge in city MPG, achieving 28 MPG compared to the Outback's 26 MPG in city environments.
Is the $8,395 price difference justified by the performance upgrade in the Outback?
The Outback's higher MSRP covers a 45 hp increase (182 hp vs 137 hp) and the addition of standard AWD. Buyers must weigh the cost against the added power and traction advantages.
Do both vehicles utilize similar automatic transmissions?
No, they employ different transmissions; the Outback uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), while the Trax utilizes a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic.
How do the physical exterior dimensions compare?
The Subaru Outback is a larger vehicle overall, measuring 191.1 inches in length and 66.1 inches in height. The Chevrolet Trax is notably smaller, measuring 178.6 inches long and 61.4 inches tall.
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