2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross bursts onto the scene focused on fuel efficiency, boasting a respectable 32 combined MPG and starting at a wallet-friendly $24,135. It’s the practical powerhouse, relying on 169 hp to navigate city streets efficiently. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek appeals with its robust all-wheel-drive system and a more spirited engine producing 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, albeit at the cost of fuel economy, netting 29 combined MPG. While the Crosstrek sits slightly higher on the MSRP ladder at $26,995, it brings performance parity, achieving the same 33 MPG on the highway as the lighter Corolla Cross. The dimensions show the Corolla Cross is slightly wider at 71.9 inches, while the Crosstrek offers superior ground clearance implicitly through its reputation and slightly lower height, providing a distinct off-road demeanor compared to the Corolla Cross's focus on reliable, high-volume utility with 24 cu ft of cargo space.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 32 combined MPG.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross offers slightly more utility for families with 24 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek appeals more to enthusiasts by offering higher output with 180 hp and standard all-wheel drive.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross provides better upfront value with a significantly lower MSRP of $24,135.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Your primary concern is maximizing fuel savings, highlighted by its 32 combined MPG rating.
- You require the best base price, starting at only $24,135.
- You prioritize maximum packing space, benefiting from 24 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You need the enhanced traction of standard all-wheel drive for varied road conditions.
- You prefer a peppier powertrain featuring 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
- You value a lower profile look, with the Crosstrek being noticeably shorter in height at 62.8 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Corolla Cross | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.1" | 176.4" |
| Width | 71.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.9" | 62.8" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 31/33 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 32 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.4/409.2 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 52.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.6 in. | 55.1 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 32.0 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.4 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.8 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/65R17 | P225/60R17 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Which crossover is more powerful for merging onto highways?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek takes the performance edge, generating 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross produces a respectable 169 hp, but the Crosstrek offers more punch when acceleration is needed.
How does the base pricing compare between these two models?
The Toyota Corolla Cross is notably more accessible at launch, starting at an MSRP of $24,135. The Subaru Crosstrek begins its pricing climb at $26,995, making the Corolla Cross the budget-friendlier entry point.
Is the AWD system on the Crosstrek worth the lower MPG?
If you frequently encounter snow or rough terrain, the Crosstrek’s standard all-wheel drive is invaluable, offering better grip than the Corolla Cross's front-wheel-drive configuration. However, this comes at the cost of efficiency, as the Crosstrek's combined MPG drops to 29 from the Corolla Cross's 32.
Which car offers more usable space for hauling gear?
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is the clear winner for pure cargo volume, providing 24 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek offers 19.9 cubic feet, making the Toyota better equipped for larger grocery hauls or luggage.
Do these vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable for both vehicles.
How different are the dimensions for parking?
The vehicles are nearly identical in footprint, with the Corolla Cross being slightly wider at 71.9 inches compared to the Crosstrek's 70.9 inches. The Crosstrek is significantly shorter in height (62.8 inches vs. 64.9 inches), which might be beneficial for fitting into low garages.
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