2025 Subaru WRX vs 2026 Toyota Crown
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru WRX and the 2026 Toyota Crown lies in fuel economy, where the Crown achieves an outstanding 41 combined MPG compared to the WRX's 22 combined MPG, translating to an 19 MPG advantage. This efficiency disparity is critical against the WRX's superior power output of 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque versus the Crown's 236 hp. The MSRP gap is $3,690, with the WRX priced lower at $37,750, while the Crown counters with greater utility, offering 15.2 cu ft of cargo space against the WRX's 12.5 cu ft. Furthermore, the Crown's increased size, evidenced by its 60.6-inch height versus the WRX's 57.8 inches, contributes to its more spacious interior, though the WRX retains the performance advantage via its 6-speed manual transmission.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Crown
The 2026 Toyota Crown wins for commuters due to its dramatically superior 41 combined MPG rating using regular unleaded fuel.
2026 Toyota Crown
The Crown offers greater utility for families with 15.2 cu ft of cargo capacity and a larger overall footprint (196.1 inches long).
2025 Subaru WRX
The 2025 Subaru WRX appeals to driving enthusiasts with 271 hp and a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Subaru WRX
The WRX provides better pure performance metrics (35 more horsepower) for a $3,690 lower MSRP than the Crown.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- You prioritize maximum horsepower, as the WRX produces 271 hp compared to the Crown's 236 hp.
- You require a traditional 6-speed manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience.
- You are aiming for the lowest initial purchase price at $37,750.
Choose the Toyota Crown if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, given the Crown’s 41 combined MPG versus the WRX's 22 combined MPG.
- You require more physical space, as the Crown is taller (60.6 in) and has more cargo volume (15.2 cu ft).
- You prefer to use regular unleaded fuel instead of the WRX's recommended premium unleaded.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru WRX | Toyota Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.8" | 196.1" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.4" |
| Height | 57.8" | 60.6" |
| Wheelbase | 105.2" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm | 236 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | 6-speed manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 42/41 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 41 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 315.4/431.6 mi. | 609.0/594.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.7 in. | 37.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 38.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 49.3 in. | 53.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | Performance | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/40R | 225/55R19 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
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 | — | 10 yr./ 150000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru WRX and 2026 Toyota Crown.
What is the primary performance difference between the WRX and the Crown?
The 2025 Subaru WRX is significantly more powerful, offering 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 2026 Toyota Crown produces 236 horsepower. The WRX is also the only model offering a 6-speed manual transmission.
How much does fuel economy impact long-term ownership costs?
The impact is substantial; the Crown achieves 41 combined MPG on regular unleaded, giving it an 19 MPG advantage over the WRX's 22 combined MPG, which requires premium fuel.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling cargo or equipment?
The 2026 Toyota Crown provides superior utility with 15.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, outpacing the Subaru WRX's 12.5 cubic feet.
Is the AWD system comparable between these two sedans?
Both vehicles feature All-Wheel Drive (AWD), but they utilize different transmissions; the WRX uses a 6-speed manual paired with its AWD, while the Crown uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
Considering the MSRP, is the WRX definitively the better value proposition?
Value depends on priority: the WRX offers superior performance specs for its $37,750 MSRP, while the Crown offers better fuel economy and efficiency features for its $41,440 MSRP.
Are there significant size differences that affect ride comfort?
Yes, the Crown is larger overall, measuring 196.1 inches long versus the WRX's 183.8 inches, and is notably taller at 60.6 inches compared to the WRX's 57.8 inches.
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