Battle of the compact crossovers: yaris cross vs subaru crosstrek

In the bustling world of subcompact SUVs, two formidable contenders stand out: the Toyota Yaris Cross and the Subaru Crosstrek. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, versatility, and adventure-ready capabilities, making them ideal for urban dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Yaris Cross and the Crosstrek, helping you make an informed decision when choosing your next subcompact SUV.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency: Power and Efficiency Under the Hood

The Yaris Cross boasts a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 118 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it provides a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, offers a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Yaris Cross has a slight edge over the Crosstrek. The Yaris Cross’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 32 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the Crosstrek’s ratings are 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Dimensions and Space: Room for Passengers and Cargo

The Yaris Cross is slightly smaller than the Crosstrek, with a length of 169.7 inches, a width of 70.9 inches, and a height of 62.4 inches. The Crosstrek is 176.3 inches long, 71.1 inches wide, and 62.3 inches high.

Despite its smaller size, the Yaris Cross offers surprisingly spacious seating for up to five passengers. The Crosstrek provides a bit more headroom and legroom, especially in the rear seats. Both vehicles have ample cargo space, with the Yaris Cross offering 19.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the Crosstrek providing 20.8 cubic feet.

Interior and Technology: Comfort, Convenience, and Connectivity

The Yaris Cross’s interior is well-appointed and features soft-touch materials and comfortable seats. The dashboard is intuitive and easy to use, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Crosstrek’s interior is also well-crafted and offers a more spacious feel. It comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Both vehicles offer a range of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Crosstrek comes with additional features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Off-Road Capabilities: Adventure-Ready Performance

While both the Yaris Cross and the Crosstrek are primarily designed for urban use, they both offer impressive off-road capabilities. The Yaris Cross features standard front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. It has a ground clearance of 7.9 inches and a hill-start assist system.

The Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive and has a slightly higher ground clearance of 8.7 inches. It also features a more advanced all-wheel-drive system with X-Mode, which optimizes traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Price and Value: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget

The Yaris Cross has a starting price of $21,545 for the front-wheel-drive LE trim. The Crosstrek has a slightly higher starting price of $23,645 for the base trim. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels with varying features and amenities.

When comparing the value proposition of the two vehicles, it is important to consider their respective strengths and weaknesses. The Yaris Cross offers a more affordable starting price and better fuel efficiency, while the Crosstrek provides a more powerful engine, more spacious interior, and more advanced off-road capabilities.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Subcompact SUV for Your Needs

The choice between the Toyota Yaris Cross and the Subaru Crosstrek ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a compact and fuel-efficient SUV with a lower price tag, the Yaris Cross is an excellent option. However, if you prioritize power, space, and off-road performance, the Crosstrek is a better choice.

Both vehicles are well-rounded subcompact SUVs that offer a great balance of practicality, versatility, and adventure-ready capabilities. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect subcompact SUV for your lifestyle.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?

A: The Subaru Crosstrek has a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine compared to the Yaris Cross‘s 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine.

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency?

A: The Yaris Cross has better fuel efficiency than the Crosstrek, with EPA-estimated ratings of 32 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway compared to the Crosstrek’s ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?

A: The Subaru Crosstrek has slightly more cargo space than the Yaris Cross, with 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the Yaris Cross’s 19.9 cubic feet.

Q: Which vehicle has more advanced safety features?

A: The Subaru Crosstrek has more advanced safety features than the Yaris Cross, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Q: Which vehicle is better for off-roading?

A: The Subaru Crosstrek is better for off-roading than the Yaris Cross due to its standard all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and more advanced all-wheel-drive system with X-Mode.