2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the proven efficiency of the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and the new-generation capability of the 2026 Subaru Forester boils down to priorities. If stretching your dollar is key, the Corolla Cross undercuts the Forester by a substantial $5,860 MSRP difference, starting at just $24,135. The Toyota also holds a clear efficiency edge, achieving 32 combined MPG compared to the Forester's 29 combined MPG, which translates to fewer trips to the pump. However, the Forester offers tangible space advantages; it is over 7 inches longer, boasts a superior 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft, and provides standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability. While the Corolla Cross offers 169 hp, the Forester delivers a bit more pep with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, making it better suited for those seeking slightly more assured passing power.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy rating of 32 MPG versus the Forester's 29 MPG.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester is better for families because it offers significantly more storage space with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester appeals more to enthusiasts by providing more power, putting out 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross represents better upfront value, undercutting the Forester's MSRP by $5,860.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- You prioritize the lowest possible purchase price, as the Corolla Cross starts $5,860 cheaper.
- You need the best fuel economy, achieving 32 combined MPG.
- Your daily driving is mostly in dry, predictable conditions, as the FWD setup is adequate.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You frequently drive in adverse weather, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You need maximum utility, capitalizing on 29.6 cu ft of cargo space versus 24 cu ft.
- You desire a slightly more potent powertrain with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Corolla Cross | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 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 |
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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 1 |
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 | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Forester.
Is the 2026 Subaru Forester much bigger than the Toyota Corolla Cross?
Yes, the Forester is physically larger overall; it is 183.3 inches long compared to the Corolla Cross's 176.1 inches in length. This size difference directly contributes to the Forester offering substantially more cargo room, netting 29.6 cu ft versus 24 cu ft.
Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for the daily commute?
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is the clear winner here, posting a combined 32 MPG compared to the 2026 Subaru Forester's 29 combined MPG. This efficiency gap means fewer stops at the pump over the year.
Does the Forester's higher horsepower really make a noticeable difference?
The Forester’s 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque do provide a performance advantage over the Corolla Cross’s 169 hp and 151 lb-ft. This extra power is most noticeable when merging onto highways or carrying a full load of passengers.
Why is the 2026 Subaru Forester significantly more expensive upfront?
The Forester has a higher MSRP of $29,995, which is $5,860 more than the Corolla Cross's $24,135 starting price. This price difference primarily accounts for the standard inclusion of All-Wheel Drive and the expected upgrades in the redesign.
Do both crossovers use the same type of transmission?
Both models utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). While the underlying technology is similar, the driving feel might vary slightly due to how each manufacturer tunes their specific CVT for power delivery.
If I live where it snows a lot, which one should I lean towards?
You should strongly lean toward the 2026 Subaru Forester because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The Corolla Cross is listed with a standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) setup, making the Forester inherently more capable in slippery conditions.
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