2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$28,145 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Ford Maverick bursts onto the scene touting incredible fuel economy, achieving a stellar 38 combined MPG, significantly outpacing the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek's 29 combined MPG—a difference of 9 miles per gallon. The Maverick, listed at an MSRP of $28,145, leverages its 191 hp engine for spirited, efficient urban sprints while maintaining a manageable footprint at 199.8 inches long. Conversely, the Crosstrek excites with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capability, appealing to those who prioritize grip over outright efficiency, even with slightly less output at 180 hp and $26,995 MSRP. While the Maverick emphasizes stretched range with its FWD setup, the Crosstrek offers rugged utility in a more compact 176.4-inch body, positioning these two crossovers for entirely different adventurous priorities.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its phenomenal 42 MPG city rating, minimizing fuel stops significantly compared to the Crosstrek.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is better suited for families needing defined cargo security, offering 19.9 cu ft of enclosed space versus the Maverick's open bed utility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Maverick

Enthusiasts seeking immediate acceleration will favor the Maverick's higher 191 hp output over the Crosstrek's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek provides better foundational capability (AWD) and slightly lower initial cost ($26,995) for the entry point.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Your primary concern is maximizing fuel efficiency, as the Maverick delivers 38 combined MPG.
You appreciate having more peak power on tap with 191 hp.
You need the longer overall dimension of 199.8 inches for accommodating gear (and an open bed structure).

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

All-weather traction is non-negotiable, thanks to standard All-Wheel Drive.
You prioritize a tighter turning radius and parking ease with its shorter 176.4-inch length.
You desire superior low-end pull from the 178 lb-ft of torque, despite having less horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Maverick	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	199.8"	176.4"
Width	72.6"	70.9"
Height	68.8"	62.8"
Wheelbase	121.1"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Subaru
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 5600 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	155 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Ford	Subaru
Transmission Type	electrically 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	Ford	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/35 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	579.6/483.0 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.8 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Infotainment Display	13.2 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 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	Ford	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.9 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.1 in.	53.2 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	P225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	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	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Maverick and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

Which crossover is the clear winner for fuel savings between the 2026 Maverick and Crosstrek?

The 2026 Ford Maverick is the undisputed efficiency champion, delivering a staggering 9 MPG advantage with a combined rating of 38 MPG. This translates to fewer trips to the pump compared to the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined rating.

Does the difference in drive type (FWD vs. AWD) impact the driving experience significantly?

Yes, the Maverick's Front Wheel Drive prioritizes pavement efficiency, whereas the Crosstrek’s standard All-Wheel Drive system offers superior grip and stability in low-traction environments like snow or wet roads, compensating for its lower 180 hp output.

How does the MSRP difference reflect the features offered in these two crossovers?

The Subaru Crosstrek is the more affordable entry point at $26,995, including AWD hardware. The Ford Maverick starts slightly higher at $28,145 but compensates with a more powerful 191 hp engine and superior fuel economy figures.

Which vehicle handles urban maneuvering better given their dimensions?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is notably more compact, measuring 176.4 inches long and 62.8 inches high, making it easier to navigate tight city streets and fit into smaller parking spaces compared to the longer 199.8-inch Maverick.

Is the performance gap between the 191 hp Maverick and the 180 hp Crosstrek noticeable?

While both are adequate crossovers, the Maverick's higher horsepower figure (191 hp vs. 180 hp) combined with its FWD configuration generally results in a quicker feel on the road than the Crosstrek.

How do cargo capabilities compare if I need to haul gear?

If enclosed, secure storage is required, the Crosstrek offers 19.9 cu ft of dedicated cargo capacity. The Maverick offers an open-bed configuration, which grants greater volume flexibility but less security for sensitive items.