Clash of the crossovers: toyota corolla cross vs subaru outback: which to choose?

What To Know

  • On the other hand, the Subaru Outback has a more rugged and adventurous appearance with a raised suspension and protective cladding.
  • The front-wheel-drive Corolla Cross gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model gets 30 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
  • The Toyota Corolla Cross is a great choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient and affordable subcompact SUV that offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior.

The Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Outback are two popular subcompact SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, versatility, and affordability. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two vehicles to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Design and Styling

The Toyota Corolla Cross features a sleek and modern design with sharp lines and a sporty stance. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces. On the other hand, the Subaru Outback has a more rugged and adventurous appearance with a raised suspension and protective cladding. Its elongated roofline provides ample headroom and cargo space.

Interior and Features

The interior of the Corolla Cross is well-appointed with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. It offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five passengers. The Outback’s interior is equally impressive, with a spacious and versatile cabin that can accommodate up to five adults comfortably. It boasts a generous amount of cargo space and a variety of amenities, including a large touchscreen infotainment system.

Powertrain and Performance

The Corolla Cross is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel drive system. The Outback offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive.

Fuel Efficiency

The Corolla Cross is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Outback. The front-wheel-drive Corolla Cross gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model gets 30 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Outback’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The base 2.5-liter engine gets 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Safety and Technology

Both the Corolla Cross and Outback come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and traction control. The Corolla Cross also offers Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Outback comes standard with Subaru EyeSight, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and pre-collision braking.

Adventure and Off-Roading

The Subaru Outback is the clear winner when it comes to adventure and off-roading. Its standard all-wheel drive system, raised suspension, and X-Mode terrain management system make it capable of tackling rough roads and light off-road conditions. The Corolla Cross, on the other hand, is more suited to urban environments and occasional light off-road excursions.

Price and Value

The Toyota Corolla Cross starts at $22,165 for the base L trim and ranges up to $28,965 for the top-of-the-line XLE trim. The Subaru Outback starts at $27,845 for the base model and ranges up to $40,145 for the top-of-the-line Touring XT trim. While the Outback is more expensive, it offers more standard features and a higher level of capability.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Toyota Corolla Cross is a great choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient and affordable subcompact SUV that offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior. It’s also a good choice for urban dwellers who don’t need the additional off-road capabilities of the Subaru Outback.

The Subaru Outback is the better choice for those who prioritize adventure and off-roading. Its standard all-wheel drive, raised suspension, and X-Mode terrain management system make it capable of tackling rough roads and light off-road conditions. It also offers a more spacious interior and a higher level of standard features.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best choice between the Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Outback depends on your individual needs and preferences. If fuel efficiency, affordability, and a comfortable interior are your top priorities, the Corolla Cross is a great option. If adventure, off-roading, and a spacious interior are more important to you, the Subaru Outback is the better choice.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Corolla Cross has slightly better fuel economy than the Subaru Outback.

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Outback has a more spacious interior with more headroom and cargo space.

Q: Which vehicle is better for off-roading?
A: The Subaru Outback is better for off-roading thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, raised suspension, and X-Mode terrain management system.