2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid ignites the efficient side of the crossover segment, boasting an outstanding 42 combined MPG and 196 horsepower, making its 280 horsepower advantage feel spirited while keeping running costs low. Contrastingly, the redesigned 2026 Subaru Forester promises rugged capability and cavernous utility; it sits taller at 68.1 inches and offers a massive 29.6 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the Corolla Cross Hybrid's 21.5 cu ft. While the Forester delivers 178 lb-ft of torque, its 29 combined MPG yields a significant 13 MPG deficit compared to the Toyota. The Corolla Cross Hybrid undercuts the Forester by $1,500, starting at $28,495, yet the Forester’s added overall size suggests a more commanding presence on the road. This comparison pits high-efficiency propulsion against superior utility and traditional AWD confidence.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Corolla Cross Hybrid wins for commuters due to its phenomenal 45 MPG city rating, drastically cutting daily fuel expenditures.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Forester clearly wins for families by offering substantially more utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus Car 1's 21.5 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Corolla Cross Hybrid's 196 horsepower output edges out the Forester's implied lower power figure, suggesting quicker acceleration despite both using CVTs.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Car 1 secures the value win by offering significantly better fuel economy (42 combined MPG) while sporting a lower MSRP of $28,495.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid if...
- Your driving involves frequent city travel where the 45 MPG city rating will save significant money.
- You prefer a slightly punchier powertrain, utilizing 196 horsepower for easier merging.
- A lower initial purchase price of $28,495 is a high priority for your budget.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- Maximizing storage is crucial, as the Forester provides 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You desire a taller, more upright stance, evidenced by its 68.1-inch height.
- Consistent highway cruising efficiency (33 MPG) is preferred over maximum city mileage.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.1" | 183.3" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.0" |
| Height | 64.9" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 103.9" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 196 hp | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 45/38 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 42 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 477.0/402.8 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.6 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.6 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 52.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.6 in. | 54.7 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 | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.0 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 32.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.4 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.8 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/65R17 | 225/60R H |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 150000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and 2026 Subaru Forester.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between the two crossovers?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Corolla Cross Hybrid achieves 42 combined MPG, while the 2026 Forester is rated at 29 combined MPG, resulting in a 13 MPG advantage for the Toyota.
Which vehicle is physically larger and offers more cargo room?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the larger vehicle in every dimension, notably offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Corolla Cross Hybrid's 21.5 cu ft.
Is the 2025 Corolla Cross Hybrid more powerful than the 2026 Forester?
Yes, the Toyota boasts 196 horsepower from its hybrid system, exceeding the Subaru's likely lower output, although the Forester offers 178 lb-ft of torque.
How do the starting prices compare for these AWD crossovers?
The Corolla Cross Hybrid starts at a more accessible $28,495, whereas the 2026 Forester commands a slightly higher starting price of $29,995.
Are these vehicles significantly different in driving height?
The Forester offers a taller stance, measuring 68.1 inches in height, which is considerably higher than the Corolla Cross Hybrid's 64.9-inch height.
Do both cars use regular unleaded gasoline?
Both the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and the 2026 Subaru Forester are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, making fueling convenient for both owners.
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