The first-ever Toyota Corolla Cross aims to be a big success. It combines design elements and brand name recognition of the best-selling Corolla with SUV utility and spaciousness. However, the Corolla Cross doesn’t fare well against another compact crossover SUV in this 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Subaru Forester comparison. With its many advantages, the Forester beats the Corolla Cross. 

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Subaru Forester

In this 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Subaru Forester comparison, we evaluate several different areas. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, and price.

Corolla Cross vs. Forester: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 Subaru Forester outmuscles the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross. It has a 2.5-liter flat-four engine, which generates 182 hp. In comparison, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the Corolla Cross generates 169 hp. 

For efficiency, the Corolla Cross has the advantage. It gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, compared to a gas mileage of up to 29 combined mpg for the Forester. 

Corolla Cross vs. Forester: Towing

If you need a crossover SUV that can tow, then the Forester is the better choice for you. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Corolla Cross.

Corolla Cross vs. Forester: Off-road capabilities

The Forester has greater off-road capabilities than the Corolla Cross. For one, a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system is a standard feature for all Forester models, but it is optional for the Corolla Cross. Secondly, the Forester has higher ground clearance than the Corolla Cross (up to 9.2 vs. 8.1 inches). Furthermore, unlike the Corolla Cross, the Forester offers an off-road-focused model with the Wilderness trim.

Corolla Cross vs. Forester: Safety

The Corolla Cross and Forester offers a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes brake assist, stability control, a blind-spot monitoring system, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera.

Corolla Cross vs. Forester: Passenger and cargo space

The Forester provides more space for both people and storage. It has a total passenger volume of 111.6 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 74.2 cu-ft. In comparison, the Corolla Cross has a total passenger volume of 95.0 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 26.5 cu-ft.

Corolla Cross vs. Forester: Interior features and technologies

For interior features and technologies, the Forester has the advantage. Unlike the Corolla Cross, the Forester offers heated rear seats, a power front passenger’s seat, a mirror memory feature, and a navigation system. Both crossover SUVs offer a sunroof/moonroof.

Corolla Cross vs. Forester: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the Corolla Cross and Forester have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

Corolla Cross vs. Forester: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 Corolla Cross or the 2022 Forester? The starting prices of the 2022 Corolla Cross range from $22,195 MSRP for the L trim up to $26,325 MSRP for the XLE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Forester range from $25,395 MSRP for the Base trim up to $35,495 MSRP for the Touring trim. Please note: These prices are subject to change, as many automakers are increasing the prices of cars with the rising inflation costs.

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

As you can see in this 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Subaru Forester crossover SUV comparison, the 2022 Forester has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for performance, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, and interior features and technologies. For the 2022 Corolla Cross, its only advantages are efficiency and a lower price.