If you’re shopping around for a compact or subcompact crossover SUV, then look no further than the Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Crosstrek. These two crossovers aim to battle it out and reach the top of the segment. To show how they stack up, we created this 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek comparison. Take a look. 

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek

In comparing the 2022 Toyota Corolla Corolla Cross and 2022 Subaru Outback, we analyzed several areas. This includes performance, towing, efficiency, safety, passenger/cargo space, technologies, off-road capabilities, and price/value.

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Performance, towing, and efficiency

On the performance front, the Subaru Crosstrek offers two variants of its 4-cylinder horizontally-opposed boxer engine. The base 2.0-liter engine generates 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, while the available 2.5-liter engine doles out 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.

In comparison, all models of the Toyota Corolla Cross have a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 169 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Also, while all Corolla Cross models have a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Crosstrek offers the choice of either a CVT or a five-speed manual transmission.

As can be expected from small crossover SUVs, neither the Corolla Cross nor the Crosstrek are great for towing. Both crossovers have a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

For efficiency, the Corolla Cross has a slight edge. It gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, compared to a gas mileage of up to 30 combined mpg for the Crosstrek.

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Safety

Both crossovers have similar types of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a stability control system, a rearview camera, brake assist, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, unlike the Crosstrek, the Corolla Cross has a parking assist feature with automatic braking.

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Passenger and cargo space

While both crossovers can seat up to five passengers, the Crosstrek offers more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 100.9 cu-ft, compared to 88.4 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross. However, for storage space, the Corolla Cross has a higher rear cargo capacity than the Crosstrek (26.5 vs. 20.8 cu-ft).

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Technologies

Technologies for the Corolla Cross and Crosstrek include an infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, an MP3 player, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. However, unlike the Crosstrek, the Corolla Cross offers a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is standard for all models.

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Off-road capabilities

If you want a crossover SUV that you can take off the beaten path, then the Crosstrek is the much better choice for you. While a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system is an available option for the Corolla Cross, it’s standard for all Crosstrek models. Also, the Crosstrek has a higher ground clearance than the Corolla Cross (8.7 vs. 8.0 inches). Additionally, unlike the Corolla Cross, the Crosstrek has side cladding to protect the vehicle from the rigors of off-road excursions.

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Price/value

For pricing, the Corolla Cross and Crosstrek cost about the same. Starting prices for the 2022 Corolla Cross range from $22,195 for the L trim up to $26,325 for the XLE trim. While Subaru didn’t yet release the pricing for the 2022 Crosstrek, it’s not expected to differ much from the 2021 Crosstrek. Starting prices for the 2021 Crosstrek range from $22,245 for the Base trim up to $27,995 for the Limited trim.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this crossover SUV battle, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross “checks” the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, but the Crosstrek strikes back. Overall, the crossover matchup is a draw. Advantages of the Corolla Cross include efficiency, safety, rear cargo space, and technologies. For the Crosstrek, it has the advantage for performance, passenger space, and off-road capabilities.