The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is revered by many and for very good reasons. The 2021 Toyota C-HR? It’s stylish and does have quite a lot to offer. But, is the 2021 Toyota C-HR a better choice than the new Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2021 Toyota C-HR

There’s no mistaking the 2021 Toyota C-HR for your typical crossover. It’s quirky, it’s eccentric, and it definitely has what it takes to draw the eye. Looks certainly aren’t everything, though. 

Driven by a 144-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that comes teamed with a continuously variable transmission, Kelley Blue Book reports that the 2021 Toyota C-HR is underpowered. On the other hand, however, Kelley Blue Book does say that it offers sporty handling.

Driver-assist features are plentiful behind the wheel of this Toyota. Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, this year’s C-HR comes standard with a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign assist.

As for its interior? The 2021 Toyota C-HR comes standard with sport-fabric trimmed front bucket seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen display that’s compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2021 Toyota C-HR’s competition, on the other hand? Well, it’s safe to say that as one of the best options among its segment, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has a lot going for it. Not only can it be had with your choice of engine, either a 152-hp 2.5-liter engine or a 182-hp 2.5-liter engine, but it also comes standard with all-wheel drive.

This year’s model offers no shortage of safety features either. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is now standard, and according to Subaru, this system reduces injuries from rear-end crashes by up to 85%. This year’s new Subaru Crosstrek also received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Also standard with the STARLINK Multimedia system, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This year’s model can also be had with sought after tech features like a voice-activated navigation system.

The similarities between the two

These two vehicles do share some similarities. Though the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is more powerful than the C-HR, both cars offer similar fuel efficiency ratings. 

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2021 C-HR delivered a combined 29 mpg while the Crosstrek returned a combined 30 mpg. Both of these vehicles come well-outfitted with the latest in safety features too. 

Both the 2021 Crosstrek and its Toyota rival also offer an infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

Why the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has the advantage

Overall, though, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek does have the advantage over its Toyota competition. Unlike the 2021 Toyota C-HR, this year’s Crosstrek offers not one but two different engines to choose from. It’s also standard with all-wheel drive, which isn’t even an option for C-HR shoppers.

The Subaru Crosstrek is also roomier than the Toyota C-HR. While the Subaru Crosstrek offers up 100.9 cubic-feet of interior space, the C-HR lends only 86.0 cubic-feet of interior space. And when it comes to cargo space? The Crosstrek wins again.

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek the right choice for you?

There are plenty of reasons to choose the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek over the new Toyota C-HR. From its lineup of engines to its standard all-wheel-drive system, you really can’t go wrong when choosing the Subaru Crosstrek over its competition.