Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota Corolla Cross
$36,490 vs $39,490. Permanent AWD vs hybrid fuel economy.
Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0L
From $36,490
SUV
2.0L Boxer Petrol
115kW
7.2L/100km
5★ ANCAP
559L
Toyota Corolla Cross GXL Hybrid AWD
From $39,490
SUV
2.0L Hybrid
90kW
4.8L/100km
5★ ANCAP
487L
Price Breakdown
$3,000 gap. Crosstrek AWD at $36,490. Corolla Cross GXL Hybrid AWD at $39,490.
At 15,000km/year and $1.90/L: Crosstrek costs $39/week ($2,052/year). Corolla Cross costs $26/week ($1,368/year). The Corolla Cross saves $684/year, $3,420 over 5 years. That more than covers the $3,000 price gap.
5-Year Cost Estimate
| Cost | Crosstrek AWD | Corolla Cross AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway (est. VIC) | ~$40,000 | ~$43,500 |
| 5yr Fuel | $10,260 | $6,840 |
| 5yr Insurance | $7,000 | $7,200 |
| 5yr Servicing | $2,800 | $2,200 |
| Resale (est. 5yr, 50%/54%) | -$18,245 | -$21,325 |
| True 5yr Cost | $41,815 | $38,415 |
The Corolla Cross saves $3,400 over 5 years despite the higher purchase price. Toyota resale and hybrid fuel savings compound. Use our fuel cost calculator for your km.
Estimates based on CarSorted calculations. Actual costs vary.
Safety Rundown
Both 5-star ANCAP. Both have AEB, lane keep, adaptive cruise. Subaru's EyeSight dual-camera system is excellent for highway driving. Toyota Safety Sense is equally capable. Compare on CarSorted.
Feature Showdown
The Corolla Cross GXL gets a 10.5-inch screen, wireless CarPlay, and the hybrid system's silent city driving. The Crosstrek AWD gets an 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Subaru's X-Mode for off-road traction. The Toyota has better tech. The Subaru has better off-road capability.
CarSorted Data Insight
Based on CarSorted's database of 1,041 Australian vehicles: the Crosstrek AWD at $36,490 is the cheapest permanent AWD SUV in our database. The next cheapest permanent AWD is the Subaru Forester at $43,490. The Corolla Cross AWD Hybrid at $39,490 is the most fuel-efficient AWD SUV under $40,000.
The Crosstrek's 559L boot is larger than the RAV4's 542L despite being a smaller car. Subaru consistently delivers above-average boot space across its lineup.
The Verdict
Buy the Crosstrek if: you need permanent AWD, want the bigger boot (559L), and prefer the $3,000 lower purchase price. Best for rural buyers and outdoor lifestyles.
Buy the Corolla Cross Hybrid if: fuel economy is the priority (4.8L vs 7.2L saves $684/year), you mostly drive on sealed roads, and Toyota resale matters to you.
Compare both on CarSorted. See also: CX-30 vs Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross vs Seltos.
Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices excluding on-road costs. Correct at time of publishing. Verify with your dealer.
The Verdict
The Corolla Cross costs $3,000 more but saves $684/year in fuel (4.8L vs 7.2L). Over 5 years, the fuel savings ($3,420) cover the price gap. It's also quicker (9.4s vs 10.9s). The Crosstrek wins on boot space (559L vs 487L), permanent AWD (always on vs on-demand), and a $3,000 lower entry price. Buy the Corolla Cross for fuel savings. Buy the Crosstrek for AWD confidence and boot space.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (5 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 5 April 2026
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