Which compact suv reigns supreme? corolla cross awd vs crosstrek head-to-head

In the realm of compact crossovers, two formidable contenders emerge: the Toyota Corolla Cross AWD and the Subaru Crosstrek. Both vehicles offer an enticing blend of versatility, efficiency, and adventure-ready capabilities. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key specifications, features, and performance aspects of these two crossovers to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design

The Toyota Corolla Cross AWD boasts a sleek and modern exterior design, featuring sharp lines and angular accents. Its elongated headlights and prominent grille convey a sense of dynamism, while the sculpted side panels add a touch of athleticism.

In contrast, the Subaru Crosstrek exudes a more rugged and adventurous aesthetic. Its boxy silhouette, pronounced wheel arches, and black plastic cladding evoke a sense of off-road readiness. The hexagonal grille and angular headlights further accentuate its rugged character.

Interior Space and Comfort

The Toyota Corolla Cross AWD offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with ample room for passengers and cargo. The front seats provide excellent support and visibility, and the rear seats offer comfortable legroom and headroom. The cargo area provides a generous 25.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The Subaru Crosstrek also boasts a spacious and comfortable interior, albeit with slightly less cargo space than the Corolla Cross. The front seats are supportive and offer good visibility, while the rear seats provide ample legroom but somewhat limited headroom for taller passengers. The cargo area offers 20.8 cubic feet of space, expandable to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the Toyota Corolla Cross AWD is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Corolla Cross AWD delivers smooth and efficient acceleration.

The Subaru Crosstrek, on the other hand, offers a more powerful engine option. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a CVT, the Crosstrek provides more spirited acceleration and better passing power.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many crossover buyers. The Toyota Corolla Cross AWD excels in this area, achieving an impressive EPA-estimated 31 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

While the Subaru Crosstrek offers slightly less fuel efficiency, it still delivers respectable figures. The EPA estimates 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for the base model, with slightly lower ratings for models with all-wheel drive.

AWD Systems

Both the Toyota Corolla Cross AWD and the Subaru Crosstrek come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. However, there are some key differences between the two systems.

The Corolla Cross AWD features an on-demand AWD system that automatically engages when needed, such as when driving on slippery surfaces. In normal driving conditions, the Corolla Cross operates in front-wheel drive to maximize fuel efficiency.

The Crosstrek, on the other hand, employs a full-time AWD system that continuously sends power to all four wheels, providing better traction and handling in challenging conditions.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount in any vehicle, and both the Corolla Cross AWD and the Crosstrek offer a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The Corolla Cross AWD also offers a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, while the Crosstrek has these features available as options.

Price and Trims

The Toyota Corolla Cross AWD is available in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and XSE. Prices start at $22,195 for the base LE trim and top out at $28,845 for the XSE trim.

The Subaru Crosstrek is available in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. Prices start at $24,895 for the base model and reach $35,845 for the Touring trim.

Other Considerations

In addition to the key factors discussed above, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind when comparing the Toyota Corolla Cross AWD to the Subaru Crosstrek.

• Ground Clearance: The Subaru Crosstrek has a higher ground clearance of 8.7 inches compared to 7.5 inches for the Corolla Cross AWD, making it better suited for off-road adventures.
• Towing Capacity: The Subaru Crosstrek has a slightly higher towing capacity of 1,500 pounds compared to 1,250 pounds for the Corolla Cross AWD.
• Off-Road Capabilities: The Crosstrek offers a more rugged off-road experience with its X-Mode system, which provides additional traction and control on rough terrain.

Summary

Both the Toyota Corolla Cross AWD and the Subaru Crosstrek are excellent compact crossovers that offer a blend of practicality, versatility, and adventure-ready capabilities. While the Corolla Cross AWD excels in fuel efficiency and interior space, the Crosstrek offers more power, a higher ground clearance, and a more rugged off-road experience. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek offers a more powerful engine option with 182 horsepower compared to 169 horsepower in the Toyota Corolla Cross AWD.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The Toyota Corolla Cross AWD offers more cargo space with 25.5 cubic feet compared to 20.8 cubic feet in the Subaru Crosstrek.

Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Corolla Cross AWD has better fuel economy with 31 mpg city and 38 mpg highway compared to 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for the Subaru Crosstrek.