Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota C-HR
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 Toyota C-HR opens at $38,990. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $2,500.
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 $42,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota C-HR by roughly $4,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota C-HR hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek and 85% for the Toyota C-HR.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota C-HR packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru Crosstrek.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Subaru Crosstrek and 7 in the Toyota C-HR.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Crosstrek features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota C-HR gets a 10.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Crosstrek stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Toyota C-HR. 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 Toyota C-HR responds with a Petrol making 112kW and 188Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 112kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota C-HR is 2.7s 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, 135mm longer than the Toyota C-HR at 4,360mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Crosstrek generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek and 318L in the Toyota C-HR, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 241L advantage.
For towing, the Toyota C-HR leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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 $1,340/year for the Toyota C-HR. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Toyota C-HR.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek) vs $1,340 (Toyota C-HR). The Toyota C-HR saves you roughly $855 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 (Toyota C-HR). 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, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota C-HR if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Crosstrek takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota C-HR will save you roughly $855 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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