Subaru vs. Toyota
How Does Subaru Compare to Toyota?
Subaru and Toyota vehicles share many similarities, but their differences can make one model a better fit for your lifestyle than another. At Subaru South Charlotte, we know drivers throughout South Charlotte and the surrounding area have different priorities, whether you're looking for everyday comfort, capable performance, advanced safety features, or versatility for your next adventure.
Choosing a new vehicle is a big decision, and we're here to make comparing your options easier. Below, we'll take a side-by-side look at some of the most popular Subaru and Toyota SUVs so you can see how they compare in the areas that matter most to you. Explore the Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and Ascent and see how each stacks up against comparable Toyota SUVs.
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Toyota Corolla Cross
- The Subaru Crosstrek offers more capability for drivers who want to venture beyond everyday city driving. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, greater ground clearance, and up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity on the Wilderness give it an advantage in versatility.
- The Toyota Corolla Cross offers better city fuel economy in its gas configuration but has a lower maximum towing capacity and makes all-wheel drive optional.
| Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota Corolla Cross | ||
|---|---|---|
| Specification | Subaru Crosstrek | Toyota Corolla Cross |
| Engine | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder |
| Drivetrain | Standard Symmetrical AWD | FWD or available AWD |
| MPG | Up to 26 city / 33 hwy | Up to 31 city / 33 hwy (gas) |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in.; 9.3 in. (Wilderness) | 8.1 in. |
| Max Towing | 3,500 lbs. (Wilderness) | 1,500 lbs. |
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4
- The Subaru Forester combines standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with generous ground clearance, including up to 9.3 inches on the Wilderness. It can also tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
- The Toyota RAV4 stands out for its hybrid fuel economy, making these two SUVs appealing to drivers with different priorities when it comes to capability and efficiency.
| Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Specification | Subaru Forester | Toyota RAV4 |
| Engine | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder | 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid |
| Drivetrain | Standard Symmetrical AWD | FWD or available AWD |
| MPG | 26 city / 33 hwy (gas) | Up to 43 combined MPG |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in.; 9.3 in. Wilderness | 8.1 in. |
| Max Towing | 3,500 lbs. (Wilderness) | Up to 1,750 lbs. (AWD) |
Subaru Outback vs. Toyota 4Runner
- For drivers looking for adventure-ready capability with everyday practicality, the 2026 Subaru Outback offers standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance on the Wilderness, and strong highway fuel economy.
- The Toyota 4Runner takes a more truck-like approach and offers greater maximum towing capacity, while the Outback provides a balance of efficiency, ground clearance, and all-weather capability.
| Subaru Outback vs Toyota 4Runner | ||
|---|---|---|
| Specification | Subaru Outback | Toyota 4Runner |
| Engine | 2.5L BOXER® 4-cylinder or 2.4L turbo BOXER® | 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder or 2.4L turbo hybrid |
| Drivetrain | Standard Symmetrical AWD | 2WD, part-time or full-time 4WD |
| MPG | Up to 31 hwy | Up to 26 hwy (i-FORCE) |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in.; 9.5 in. (Wilderness) | Varies by trim |
| Max Towing | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Up to 6,000 lbs. |
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
- The 2026 Subaru Ascent and Toyota Grand Highlander both offer up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. The Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and provides 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the Grand Highlander offers multiple powertrain choices, including a fuel-efficient hybrid.
- For shoppers comparing three-row SUVs, the key differences come down to standard AWD capability versus greater powertrain variety and available hybrid efficiency.
| Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Grand Highlander | ||
|---|---|---|
| Specification | Subaru Ascent | Toyota Grand Highlander |
| Engine | 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® | 2.4L turbo, 2.5L hybrid or 2.4L turbo Hybrid MAX |
| Drivetrain | Standard Symmetrical AWD | FWD or available AWD |
| MPG | Up to 19 city / 26 hwy | Up to 36 city / 32 hwy (Hybrid) |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in. | 8.0 in. |
| Max Towing | 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. |
Experience All Our New Subaru Models in Person Today
We invite you to visit us at Subaru South Charlotte to explore all our new Subaru models in person and compare how the Crosstrek, Outback, Forester, and Ascent models stack up to each other during test drives today. Please get in touch with us with any questions today.
