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Are you considering buying either the Toyota Corolla Cross or the Subaru Crosstrek? See how the two subcompact crossover SUVs stack up in this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek comparison. With its many advantages, the Corolla Cross tops the Crosstrek.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek

Front angle view of Acidic Blast 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, highlighting its release date and price
Acidic Blast 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price. 

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Performance

Front angle view of Desert Khaki 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Special Edition, highlighting its release date and price
Desert Khaki 2023 Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru

On the performance front, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has the advantage, for it has a higher base engine horsepower and maximum horsepower. It offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (169 hp) and a hybrid (194 hp). In comparison, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek offers three engine options: a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine (152 hp), a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine (182 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (148 hp).

For efficiency, the gas-powered Corolla Cross has an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, and the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 37 combined mpg. In comparison, the gas-powered 2023 Crosstrek has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 mpg, while the Crosstrek Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 35 mpg in hybrid mode and 90 MPGe in electric mode. Also, the Crosstrek Hybrid has an estimated electric-only driving range of 17 miles. 

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Towing

On the towing front, the 2023 Corolla Cross and 2023 Crosstrek are evenly matched. Both crossover SUVs have a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Off-road capabilities

For off-road capabilities, the Crosstrek is the better choice. For one, while all Crosstrek models have a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, it’s an optional feature for the Corolla Cross. Also, the Crosstrek has higher ground clearance than the Corolla Cross (up to 8.6 vs. 8.1 inches). Additionally, unlike the Corolla Cross, the Crosstrek has protective side cladding to help it bear the brunt of off-road use.

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Safety

The Corolla Cross has the advantage for safety. While the IIHS crash test scores are not available for the 2023 model year for the Corolla Cross and Crosstrek, the scores will likely be similar for the 2022 model year since the two crossovers are primarily carryover models. For the 2022 model year, the Corolla Cross earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS score. In comparison, the Crosstrek received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Passenger and cargo space

The Crosstrek provides slightly more space for passengers, with a total passenger volume of 100.9 cu-ft, compared to 95.0 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross. However, the Corolla Cross has more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft, compared to 55.3 cu-ft for the Crosstrek. 

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the Corolla Cross and the Crosstrek have the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Crosstrek, the Corolla Cross has a free maintenance plan, with two years and 25,000 miles of coverage. 

Corolla Cross vs. Crosstrek: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Corolla Cross or the 2023 Crosstrek? The starting price of the 2023 Crosstrek ranges from $23,645 MSRP for the Base trim up to $36,845 MSRP for the Hybrid trim. The price information is not yet available for the 2023 Corolla Cross, but it will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 Corolla Cross. For the 2022 Corolla Cross, the starting price ranges from $22,445 MSRP for the L trim up to $26,575 MSRP for the XLE trim.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek: Which crossover SUV is better?

As you can see in this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek comparison, the 2023 Corolla Cross has more advantages than the 2023 Crosstrek. This includes advantages for performance, gas-engine fuel economy, safety, cargo space, and a free maintenance plan. Conversely, advantages for the Crosstrek include off-road capabilities, passenger space, and the ability to drive with electric-only power with the Crosstrek Hybrid model.

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