2026 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

$26,595 · Wagon

$24,935 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 Subaru Impreza Wagon and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Crossover often boils down to prioritizing low-cost utility versus slightly elevated driving dynamics. If you need maximum fuel economy for your daily haul, the Corolla Cross wins easily, achieving a combined 32 MPG compared to the Impreza's 29 MPG, despite both using regular unleaded fuel. However, the Impreza brings standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) to the table, giving it an edge if unpredictable weather is common where you live, a feature the base Corolla Cross lacks with its standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Power-wise, the Corolla Cross is slightly punchier, delivering 169 hp versus the Impreza's 152 hp. While the Impreza starts at a higher MSRP of $26,595 versus $24,935 for the Toyota, the Subaru compensates by offering AWD confidence and a slightly lower overall height at 58.3 inches versus the Corolla Cross's 64.9 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its superior 32 MPG combined fuel economy, helping save money on frequent driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross offers more usable space with 24 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Impreza

The 2026 Subaru Impreza is the choice for enthusiasts craving better grip thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is the better value proposition, starting $1,660 cheaper while providing higher horsepower and better MPG.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

You live in an area prone to snow or mud and absolutely require standard All-Wheel Drive traction.
You prefer the lower stance of a traditional wagon body style (176.2 inches long) over a taller crossover.
You want a vehicle that prioritizes stability over outright power, given its slightly lower height and comparable length.

Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...

Your budget is tight, as the Corolla Cross has a lower starting MSRP of $24,935.
Maximizing fuel savings is key, as it achieves 32 MPG combined versus the Impreza's 29 MPG.
You need practical storage, benefiting from its 24 cu ft of cargo space over the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Impreza	Toyota Corolla Cross
Length	176.2"	176.1"
Width	70.1"	71.9"
Height	58.3"	64.9"
Wheelbase	105.1"	103.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	—
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm	169 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque	145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	151 lb-ft @ 4400 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	Subaru	Toyota
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/33 MPG	31/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	32 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	448.2/547.8 mi.	384.4/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	2	—
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	38.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	52.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.1 in.	52.6 in.
Seat Material: Premium 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
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	32.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.3 in.	52.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	43.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	Steel
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/40R18	P215/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Subaru Impreza and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.

Is the 2026 Subaru Impreza or the Toyota Corolla Cross more powerful?

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross edges out the Impreza in raw power, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque compared to the Impreza's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. This means the Corolla Cross will feel slightly quicker off the line.

Which vehicle is better for hauling gear, the wagon or the crossover?

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross offers more usable space for gear, boasting 24 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Subaru Impreza Wagon provides a respectable 20.4 cubic feet, but the crossover body style wins this cargo contest.

How much more will I save annually on gas between these two vehicles?

Since the Corolla Cross achieves 32 MPG combined and the Impreza gets 29 MPG combined, you can expect to save on fuel with the Toyota. Over a year of typical driving, this difference of 3 MPG can add up, especially since both use regular unleaded.

Does the standard drive type make a big difference in the winter?

Yes, the drive type is a major differentiator: the Impreza comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is excellent for slippery roads. The base Corolla Cross comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive, meaning the Subaru will likely offer better traction stability when conditions get tough.

Is the height difference between these two models significant?

The height difference is quite noticeable for entry and exit; the Corolla Cross stands at 64.9 inches tall, offering a higher seating position typical of a crossover. The Impreza is lower at 58.3 inches, feeling more like a traditional car.

Which car has the better initial purchase price?

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross has a lower entry price point at $24,935 compared to the 2026 Subaru Impreza Wagon, which starts at $26,595, making the Toyota cheaper right off the dealer lot.