2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$29,800 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 bursts onto the scene with a spirited 203 hp, ready to tackle the pavement with its respectable 30 MPG combined rating and standard front-wheel drive configuration, promising reliable daily performance. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek excites the adventurous spirit with its standard All-Wheel Drive capability, offering superior grip, though it trails slightly in output with 180 hp. The RAV4 offers significantly more space, boasting 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek’s 19.9 cu ft. While the RAV4 starts higher at an MSRP of $29,800, the Crosstrek enters the fray at a tempting $26,995. The RAV4 leverages an 8-speed automatic transmission for snappy shifts, whereas the Crosstrek utilizes a CVT, but both offer excellent fuel efficiency in their own right.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 offers better fuel economy at 27/35 MPG city/highway and more power for quicker merging.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4

With nearly double the utility, the RAV4’s 37.6 cu ft of cargo space easily accommodates family gear over the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 delivers a more potent experience thanks to its superior 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Crosstrek's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek secures the value win by offering standard All-Wheel Drive for $2,805 less than the base RAV4.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...

You prioritize raw power and responsiveness, benefiting from the RAV4's 203 hp output.
Maximum utility is critical, as the RAV4 provides a massive 37.6 cu ft of dedicated cargo space.
You prefer the predictable shifting feel of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

Budget is a primary concern, as the Crosstrek starts at a lower MSRP of $26,995.
Adverse weather conditions are common, due to the standard, confidence-inspiring All-Wheel Drive.
You favor a slightly smaller, more maneuverable vehicle with a width of only 70.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota RAV4	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	180.9"	176.4"
Width	73.0"	70.9"
Height	67.0"	62.8"
Wheelbase	105.9"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 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	8-speed shiftable 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)	27/35 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.5/507.5 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 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	39.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.8 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.7 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R17	P225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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.
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 RAV4 and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

Which crossover is better for handling bad weather conditions?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the superior choice for adverse conditions as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base 2025 Toyota RAV4 uses Front Wheel Drive.

How significant is the difference in engine performance between these two models?

The RAV4 has a distinct power advantage, producing 203 hp, which is 23 hp more than the Crosstrek's 180 hp. This translates to stronger acceleration on the highway.

Is the price difference between the base models substantial?

Yes, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek has a starting MSRP of $26,995, making it notably more affordable than the 2025 Toyota RAV4, which begins at $29,800.

If I haul a lot of gear, which crossover offers more room?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 37.6 cu ft, significantly more than the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.

Are the transmissions different in feel for daily driving?

They utilize very different setups; the RAV4 features an 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the Crosstrek uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), leading to different engine noise and acceleration characteristics.

Which vehicle offers better highway cruising efficiency?

The RAV4 slightly edges out the Crosstrek in highway economy, achieving 35 MPG highway compared to the Crosstrek's 33 MPG highway, despite its higher power output.