Subaru Outback vs Toyota Corolla Cross

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021) and the Toyota Corolla Cross at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 85% for the Toyota Corolla Cross, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Outback, against 4 on the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Outback and 8 in the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Corolla Cross gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Outback stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota Corolla Cross. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Subaru Outback gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Corolla Cross offers cloth.

Drivetrain

The Subaru Outback uses a Petrol producing 137kW and 254Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.

The Toyota Corolla Cross responds with a Petrol making 146kW and 188Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.

The Toyota Corolla Cross has the clear power advantage at 146kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Subaru Outback measures 4,880mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 420mm longer than the Toyota Corolla Cross at 4,460mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 530L in the Subaru Outback and 425L in the Toyota Corolla Cross, giving the Subaru Outback a 105L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

The Subaru Outback turns in a 11.1 m circle, kerb to kerb; the Toyota Corolla Cross's turning circle is not on our record.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Outback costs about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km) and fuel for the Toyota Corolla Cross about $1,197 a year (4.2 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,112 a year less for the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km (Subaru Outback) and 5 years / unlimited km (Toyota Corolla Cross). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Subaru Outback), no data (Toyota Corolla Cross).

Where each one leads

The Subaru Outback: the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 425L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 750kg).

The Toyota Corolla Cross: the lower starting price ($37,440 against $48,990), more power (146kW against 137kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,197 a year against $2,309).

The Verdict

Toyota Corolla Cross scores higher, 81 vs 76

The Toyota Corolla Cross scores 81 to the Subaru Outback's 76 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Toyota Corolla Cross ahead by 35 points), practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 18 points), value (Toyota Corolla Cross ahead by 13 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Toyota Corolla Cross costs about $1,112 less (4.2 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 530L in the Subaru Outback, 425L in the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Common questions