2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Outback thrills with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a robust 182 hp, staking its claim as the adventurous choice right off the line, boasting a substantial 191.1 inches in length for stability. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross entices with sheer fiscal responsibility, starting at a compelling $24,935, a full $5,060 less than the Outback. While the Outback manages 28 MPG combined, the lighter and more efficiency-focused Corolla Cross edges it out with 32 MPG combined, a significant 4 MPG advantage for pavement pounders. The Outback offers superior utility with 32.6 cu ft of cargo room compared to the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft. Though the Outback possesses superior power figures (182 hp vs. 169 hp), the Corolla Cross’s leaner footprint and MPG savings position it as the practical champion, while the Outback leans into capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is the clear commuter winner due to its superior 32 MPG combined fuel economy and lower starting price of $24,935.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback accommodates families better with significantly more cargo space at 32.6 cu ft compared to the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Outback
Enthusiasts will favor the Outback for its standard All-Wheel Drive and higher output of 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross offers better immediate value by undercutting the Outback’s MSRP by $5,060 while delivering better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You absolutely require the superior traction of standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
- You need maximum utility, utilizing the Outback's large 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer more driving excitement derived from 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is paramount, as it starts at $24,935.
- Maximizing fuel savings is the priority, with the Corolla Cross achieving 32 MPG combined.
- You operate mainly in urban environments where the smaller dimensions (176.1 inches long) are an advantage.
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 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross?
The 2025 Subaru Outback possesses a distinct advantage in power, delivering 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross produces less power at 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.
How does the drivetrain affect driving conditions for these two crossovers?
The Subaru Outback comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, making it inherently better suited for inclement weather and light off-road excursions. The Toyota Corolla Cross utilizes Front-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, prioritizing efficiency for standard road use.
Is the difference in cargo space significant enough for larger families?
Yes, the difference is quite significant; the Outback provides 32.6 cu ft of storage, offering nearly 8.4 cu ft more volume than the Corolla Cross, which is limited to 24 cu ft.
What is the total cost savings potential by choosing the Corolla Cross over the Outback?
The initial sticker shock is reduced significantly, as the Corolla Cross MSRP of $24,935 is $5,060 less than the Outback's $29,995. Furthermore, the Corolla Cross saves money annually through its 4 MPG combined fuel efficiency lead.
Which vehicle is better if I drive long distances on the highway frequently?
For long highway stretches, the Corolla Cross might be slightly better, boasting a 33 MPG highway rating compared to the Outback's 32 MPG highway rating. This extra mileage, combined with the lower cost of entry, appeals to highway cruisers.
Are the physical sizes of these two crossovers vastly different?
While both are crossovers, the Outback is a larger vehicle, measuring 191.1 inches in length and 73.0 inches in width. The Corolla Cross is notably more compact at 176.1 inches long and 71.9 inches wide, aiding maneuverability.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool