VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 5800
196hp @ 6000
Torque
178lb-ft @ 3700
139lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
30 mpg est.
42 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
1500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Subaru Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 while the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid produces 196hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Forester returns 30 mpg est. while the Corolla Cross Hybrid uses 42 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $29,995 for the Forester and $29,795 for the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Subaru ForesterAWD 2026 - From $29,995
Toyota Corolla Cross HybridHybrid XSE 4WD (Natl) 2026 - From $29,795
Performance
Power Output (hp)
180hp @ 5800
196hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 3700
139lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic/CVT w/OD
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
42 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
46mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33mpg
39mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.6gal
10.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.3in
176.1in
Width (in)
72in
71.9in
Height (in)
68.1in
64.9in
Wheelbase (in)
105.1in
103.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3510lbs
3373lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Corolla Cross Hybrid
Fuel Economy
Corolla Cross Hybrid
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Subaru Forester
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (30 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Better fuel economy (42 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($29,795)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Forester or Corolla Cross Hybrid?
The Forester gets 30 mpg est. and the Corolla Cross Hybrid gets 42 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Forester or Corolla Cross Hybrid?
The Forester produces 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque while the Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers 196hp @ 6000 and 139lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Forester and Corolla Cross Hybrid?
The Forester starts from $29,995 and the Corolla Cross Hybrid from $29,795, a difference of just $200, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Forester or Corolla Cross Hybrid?
The Forester has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Corolla Cross Hybrid can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Forester or the Corolla Cross Hybrid?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.