Subaru Crosstrek vs Renault Symbioz
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Crosstrek starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Renault Symbioz opens at $44,990. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $8,500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $40,139 and $49,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Symbioz by roughly $4,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Renault Symbioz hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Crosstrek packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Renault Symbioz.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Crosstrek features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Renault Symbioz gets a 10.4-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments.
The Subaru Crosstrek stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Renault Symbioz. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Crosstrek uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Renault Symbioz responds with a Inline 4 making 70kW and 149Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.6 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Renault Symbioz is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek measures 4,495mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 82mm longer than the Renault Symbioz at 4,413mm (2,638mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Crosstrek generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek and 434L in the Renault Symbioz, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 125L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Crosstrek leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 450kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek and $1,311/year for the Renault Symbioz. That is a $884 annual difference in favour of the Renault Symbioz.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek) vs $1,311 (Renault Symbioz). The Renault Symbioz saves you roughly $884 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Symbioz). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Symbioz if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Crosstrek takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Renault Symbioz will save you roughly $884 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Crosstrek and Renault Symbioz?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Renault Symbioz by $8,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Renault Symbioz uses the least fuel at 4.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Crosstrek and Renault Symbioz all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Crosstrek makes the most power at 115kW. The Renault Symbioz is quickest to 100km/h in 10.6s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 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. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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