Affordable and Efficient? 2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

Crossovers dominate the market these days which is why there are so many options at all sizes and price points. On the smaller and more affordable side of the things, we have sub-compact options like this Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Crosstrek. Both models see significant changes for 2026, so that left us wondering, who is the best pick in a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross comparison? Let’s find out right now!

Exterior Design

Starting with the exteriors, Subaru and Toyota have taken different design paths for the Crosstrek and Corolla Cross. Subaru leans into their rugged reputation on the Crosstrek, using thick cladding and a wide stance. Toyota, on the other hand, has several sporty design touches, and the 2026 refresh gives it more body-color accents to match with the also-new RAV4.

However, we do score all the various features and differences, so let’s get into those. Looking at the headlights first, both models feature full-LED Projector arrangements with LED fog lamps below the main unit. But the Crosstrek takes things to a near-luxury level by adding adaptive abilities to the headlights as well.

Moving to the sides, both feature unique 18-inch alloy wheels with different finishes, and lengthwise, they are almost identical. But that doesn’t mean you have identical space, so we will dive into that later! Toyota also allows for some extra customization by offering a black roof on this sportier XSE trim.

Length: 176.1-inches (Corolla Cross) | 176.4-inches (Crosstrek)

In the back, both offer partially LED taillamp arrangements, with the Toyota adding an LED turn signal over the Subie. Additionally, these pint-sized models surprisingly are rated to tow, but at a modest 1,500 lbs as equipped.

The mirrors on each feature heating and blind-spot monitoring, and as far as the other important active safety features, they are also all nicely included here, to help you avoid crashes. The Crosstrek also adds Rear Auto Braking for even more peace of mind.

That’s it for the exteriors, so now let’s move on to the interiors, where each has a lot to offer.

Interior Design

Approaching the doors, both offer smart entry as equipped, and remote start via their brand’s respective apps.

Once you open the doors, you’ll find updated cabins with more tech and features than you’d expect in this segment. But let’s first address the seats. In this category, they match each other with heated, leatherette seats that offer 10-ways of power adjusting, including 2-ways of lumbar adjustment. Both also have unique contrast stitching, depending on your color preferences.

Once inside, material quality is a broad category, so we will divide it into solidity and material selections. While these budget-minded options aren’t using the finest materials in the industry, it’s the Crosstrek that feels more solid overall, with a sturdier door shut and less creakiness throughout the cabin.

Upon starting them, you’ll find two fully digital gauge clusters on these hybrid variants, both offering 12.3-inches of configurable space.

Pulling back to the steering wheels, they continually match each other with leatherette-wrapping, manual adjustment, and heating.

Storage and Technology

When it comes to storage, the Subie has the edge. For the center console, while we couldn’t perform our signature donut test on the road, there’s a clear advantage towards the Crosstrek, which has a longer console area. Beyond the console, both have cupholders and storage cubbies with wireless chargers as equipped.

Putting the traditional shifters in reverse, the Crosstrek has a unique feature for the class. This loaded model has a 360-degree camera for additional visibility, even if its use of screen space isn’t the most efficient.

Moving up the dashboard, both have dual-zone automatic climate controls. But, while the Crosstrek has some physical controls, the Toyota has fully physical controls, which are easier to use on the day-to-day since the Subaru lags sometimes.

Conversely, the Corolla Cross now has volume buttons instead of a knob, which makes it harder for quick adjustments. And, the Crosstrek also has an audio quality advantage, with one extra speaker and better overall sound quality.

Crosstrek: 10 Speaker Harmon Kardon Audio

Corolla Cross: 9 Speaker JBL Premium Audio

Infotainment-wise, both have quite large screens this year. However, the Subie still edges out the Toyota, with about 10% more screen real estate with its 11.6-inches, over 10.5 on the Corolla.

For usability, both offer Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. But Toyota’s multimedia software runs smoother and quicker on a daily basis.

Up top, only the Corolla Cross has an auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink as equipped. However, both have sunroofs.

Rear Seats and Cargo

While these crossovers are small, the rear seats are still very important! Despite being almost the same length, the Crosstrek is packaged for more rear comfort, offering a significant legroom advantage, while headroom is about the same.

Corolla Cross: Legroom: 32-inches | Headroom: 39.1-inches

Crosstrek: 36.5 inches for legroom | Headroom: 38.0-in

As far as the features in the back, both give you USBs and a rear center armrest, but the Toyota goes one step further and adds vents to keep you cool.

Heading to the cargo areas, the Toyota has a power tailgate, which isn’t offered on Subie.

Once opened though, the Subaru’s packaging advantages continue. In both cargo measurements, it carries a large advantage over the Corolla Cross, over 5% in both capacities.  That’s a significant difference that will be noticed on the day-to-day.

Neither of these Hybrids have spare tires.

Corolla Cross: Behind 2nd row: 17.1 cu.ft | Max: 44 cu.ft

Crosstrek Hybrid: Behind 2^nd row: 18.6 cu ft | Max: 50.6 cu.ft

Now we’re done with the interiors, but the hybrid engines of these models are arguably even more important, so let’s take this fight to the streets!

Powertrains

So, what’s under the hood of these two? Well, there are some similarities and differences to pay attention to. Let’s start with the differences, where Toyota uses a traditional 2.0L 4-cylinder as the base of its powertrain, but the Subaru uses one of its 2.5L boxer 4-cylinder engines. Both have electric componentry to provide hybrid power, some of which Subaru borrowed from Toyota to enter this efficient space. Both feel the same under hard acceleration, reaching 60 in about 8 seconds.

Corolla Cross: 2.0L I-4 + elec: 196 total hp | 0-60 MPH: 8.0s

Crosstrek: 2.5L Boxer-4 + elec: 194 hp | 0-60 MPH (Car & Driver): 8.2s

Transmission-wise, both use an eCVT for smooth acceleration. However, Subaru has worked on their hybrid system to provide true Symmetrical AWD, which provides additional capability over the Toyota’s AWD. When the terrain gets rough, the full-time AWD system allows for more advanced traction management than the Toyota’s that relies on a rear electric motor with no mechanical connection.

Test Drive and Fuel Economy

When it comes to ride quality and handling, the Crosstrek once again has the advantage. Compared to the Corolla Cross, it manages to smooth out more road imperfections, offering a more comfortable experience overall.

Neither are suited to rip down a back road but are decently tossable due to their compact sizes.

Now, on the highway, sound isolation is also important, which is why we take sound-level readings of every vehicle we test here at Car Confections. Unfortunately, both samples were taken on media drives out West, which means we can’t officially score this at this time. But, our sample shows that neither will be overly quiet.

Corolla Cross: 60.4 dB @ 55 MPH

Crosstrek: 60.5 dB @ 55 MPH

Finally, let’s talk about the all-important fuel economy. While Subaru has done their best to make the Crosstrek both capable and efficient, Toyota’s long history of hybrids will give them an advantage. The Corolla Cross has a 15% advantage over the Crosstrek, which will make a difference at the pump.

Corolla Cross (HEV): 46/39/42 MPG

Crosstrek (HEV): 36/36/36 MPG

Resale & Reliability

In our reviews and comparisons, we are also adding in reliability and resale information to give you a better picture of the overall value beyond just the original MSRP. 

Beginning with reliability, we developed the Combined Reliability Index, which takes into account several studies from trustworthy sources and combines them in a way that gives a more realistic picture. In this respect, they are some of the strongest brands money can buy. Subaru is rated 11 spots above industry average and Toyota is 15 spots above average.

Related to that, they have the same general warranty coverage, but Toyota offers the convenience of complimentary maintenance for 2 years.

Crosstrek: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 3yr/36k mi | Powertrain: 5yr/60k mi | Comp Main: NA 

Corolla Cross: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 3yr/36k mi | Powertrain: 5yr/60k mi | Comp Main: 2 yrs

We also put Mason’s economics degree to work to develop a detailed Predicted Resale Value tool. After 5 years and 60,000 miles, Toyota has one the highest resale values in the entire auto industry, at 64.50% expected retained value. Subaru is not far behind with 63.03% after 5 years and 60,000 miles.

Price Assessment

Now let’s break down the cost of these two and evaluate how much value each model is delivering. 

Both fully loaded models are pushing the boundaries of this segment in terms of price, so be prepared to pay a premium for both the features and efficiency they offer. While Toyota is usually the mainstream leader in price, the new Crosstrek Hybrid actually leaps over the Corolla Cross Hybrid in price, at just over $38,000 with all the options.

Crosstrek (Limited Hybrid): $34,995 | Options: +$1,995 | Destination: $1,420 | Total: $38,410

Corolla Cross (XSE Hybrid): $33,030 | Options: +$2,969 | Destination: $1,450 | Total: $37,449

Nevertheless, let’s assess the exact difference, which is $961 for these two fully loaded models.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Winner!

So, there you have it! Here are a couple things to consider when picking each one for you personally:

Corolla Cross: 

• More efficient hybrid powertrain
• Additional convenience features (rear vents, power trunk)
• Industry-leading resale and reliability

Crosstrek: 

• More rear seat and cargo space
• Symmetrical AWD Capability
• Front lighting advantages

Now we want to know your opinions, so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick!

Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison! We’ll catch you next time as we sample the latest automotive delicacies!