2024 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Comparison – Kelley Blue Book

Sometimes, when looking for a new vehicle, you’re willing to check out the new kid on the block. You’ve heard good things. It looks pretty cool. But then, you see the reason you’re looking for a smallish off-road capable crossover in the first place.

That is the difficulty of choosing between the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross and the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. The Corolla Cross is shiny and new, full of promise and potential. Meanwhile, the Crosstrek is the standard bearer and only continues improving. Let’s see how the two compare.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota is highly regarded because it makes quality products and leverages its reputation for doing so whenever possible. The number of Corolla variants continues expanding and now includes the Corolla Cross. It’s already popular in the segment in its second year, borrowing exterior styling cues from the Corolla and the RAV4.

Importantly, it does that while keeping prices around $25,000, which is critical to success in this segment. Prices start at $25,210, including destination charge. 

Toyota Corolla Cross Highlights

Being safe: With Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the automaker’s suite of active safety systems, coming standard, one knows the Corolla Cross is safe. The new system includes enhancements made possible by sensors with improved detection capability. The Crosstrek has Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver assistance features, which is also a desirable system.

Hybrid option: You’ll pay more, but the brand offers a hybrid option. Saving gas while getting the additional power the hybrid brings sounds like a winning combination. Subaru has previously offered a hybrid Crosstrek, but the 2024 lineup doesn’t include one.

Night moves: Toyota’s Nightshade trim finds its way to the Corolla Cross: 18-inch gloss black sport alloy wheels, black and red fabric trimmed interior with red accent stitching, and black accented head and tail lamps. It’s a touch of cool for not a crazy amount of money.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Corolla Cross models for sale near you.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru cemented the idea that a small, car-based utility can be fun and capable. Subaru updated the 2024 Crosstrek to improve its ride and handling with new steering mechanicals and a stiffer body. Add in its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, regularly adjusting the torque going to the wheels, and hill-descent control, making it easier to work your way down rugged trails, and you’ve got a winner.

All of that gets taken to another level with the addition of the Wilderness package and the option of a 152-hp Boxer 4-cylinder or an 182-hp version. Subaru also performed serious work to improve the front seats, which have more padding and larger bolsters. Pricing starts at $26,540.

Subaru Crosstrek Highlights

Off-road ready: Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, among the most capable in the segment, gets improved for 2024 with faster response times — and it’s standard across the lineup. Plus, the Crosstrek enjoys 8.7 inches of ground clearance — higher than the Corolla Cross.

Good tech: Except for the base model, the Crosstrek features an interior-dominating, vertically-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen and a robust infotainment offering. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available, as is wireless phone charging.

Two powertrains: It’s good to have options, and with some Subaru products having a reputation for needing a bit more power, having a second, more powerful Boxer engine to choose from alleviates those concerns.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Crosstrek models for sale near you.

Similarities

These two are fine examples of the capability and flexibility buyers in this segment want. They’re similar in size and price.

Conclusion

With prices being close, this comes down to just how much off-road ability you need from your vehicle. For a few extra dollars, you can get the undisputed leader of the pack: the Subaru Crosstrek. However, the Corolla Cross comes with the peace of mind that comes with any Toyota, plus it’s more fuel-efficient and has more cargo space. The Subaru is undoubtedly the off-road choice, but the Toyota makes a strong case as the value option.