2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs the Competition

Powered by a small turbocharged three-cylinder engine, the Trax is a very affordable and successful crossover. Designed for space and efficiency, the four-door crossover is available only with front-wheel drive.

• All Subaru Crosstrek models come standard with the added traction of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Some models also come with X-Mode to handle extreme traction conditions. The Trax does not come with all-wheel drive
• With only one engine available, the Trax cannot match the overall performance of both of the Crosstrek’s BOXER engines. Our larger 2.5-liter engine puts down 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque – more than the Trax’s only engine as equipped.
• In crash tests, the Crosstrek earned a higher rating in both the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance technology, along with more standard airbags and standard Adaptive Cruise Control, are among the reasons why the Crosstrek is safer than the Trax.
• On Premium models and above, the STARLINK 11.6-inch infotainment screen comes standard on the Crosstrek – larger and simpler to use than the 11.0-inch screen on the Trax.
• Overall, front-seat occupants in the Crosstrek get more space than in the Trax with more headroom (39.8 inches vs. 39.6), legroom (42.9 inches vs. 41.9), shoulder room (56.8inches vs. 55.7), and hip room (55.1 inches vs. 52.1). With the rear seats down, the Crosstrek also offers more cargo space (54.7 cubic feet vs. 54.1) than the Trax.
• The Trax offers the ACTIV model, which offers a rugged look. However, it does not match the capabilities of the Crosstrek Wilderness, with its 9.3-inch ground clearance, Dual Mode X-Mode, all-terrain tires, and useful amenities designed for adventure.

Kia’s compact SUV has been revamped for 2027. It continues to offer plenty of practicality, complemented by Kia’s unique design language, making it a standout in its class. The Seltos is available in front- and all-wheel drive with a choice of naturally aspirated 2.0-liter and turbocharged 1.6-liter engines.

• All Subaru Crosstrek models come standard with the added traction of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Some models also come with X-Mode to handle extreme traction conditions. Kia does not offer enhanced settings to handle deep snow and muddy conditions in the Seltos. 
• The Seltos’ standard engine cannot match the overall performance of the Crosstrek’s BOXER engine on the Base model. Our standard 2.5-liter engine puts down 180 horsepower (vs. 146 horsepower) and 178 pound-feet of torque (vs. 132 pound-feet).
• Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance technology, along with more standard airbags, built-in crumple zones, impact-absorbing seats, and standard Adaptive Cruise Control, are among the reasons why the Crosstrek is safer than the Seltos. 
• Overall, front-seat occupants in the Crosstrek get more legroom (42.9 inches vs. 41.4).
• The Seltos X-Line model looks rugged and could possibly go off the highway. However, it does not match the capabilities of the Crosstrek Wilderness, with its 9.3-inch ground clearance, Dual Mode X-Mode, all-terrain tires, and useful amenities designed for adventure.

The newly redesigned Kicks has grown in size, with a design unlike anything in its class. It offers plenty of space and personality, along with a larger 2.0-liter engine. Nissan’s new SUV is available in front- and all-wheel drive.

• All Subaru Crosstrek models come standard with the added traction of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Some models also come with X-Mode to handle extreme traction conditions. The Kicks’ optional all-wheel-drive system does not have settings for Deep Snow, Mud, or Dirt. 
• The Kicks’ only engine cannot match the performance of our 180-horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine (vs. 141 horsepower) and 178 pound-feet of torque (vs. 140 pound-feet).
• Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance technology, along with more standard airbags, are among the reasons why the Crosstrek is safer than the Kicks.
• Overall, front-seat occupants in the Crosstrek get more space than in the Kicks. It offers more legroom (42.9 inches vs. 42.7), shoulder room (56.8 inches vs. 54.7), hip room (55.1 inches vs. 52.4), and headroom (39.8 inches vs. 39.7). With the rear seats down, the Crosstrek also offers more cargo space (54.7 cubic feet vs. 50.1) than the Kicks with all-wheel drive.
• Nothing in the Kicks lineup matches the capabilities of the Crosstrek Wilderness, with its 9.3-inch ground clearance, Dual Mode X-Mode, all-terrain tires, and useful amenities designed for adventure.

Volkswagen recently updated its smallest SUV, adding more performance and a new interior. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive. It is also the only European-badged vehicle in this size class.

• All Subaru Crosstrek models come standard with the added traction of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Some models also come with X-Mode to handle extreme traction conditions. The Taos’s optional all-wheel-drive system does not have settings for Deep Snow, Mud, or Dirt.
• Subaru offers EyeSight driver-assistance technology, along with more standard airbags, built-in crumple zones, cornering brake control, and impact-absorbing seats. It also scored a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, compared to the Taos’ four stars. These are among the reasons why the Crosstrek is safer than the Taos.
• On Crosstrek Premium models and above, the STARLINK 11.6-inch infotainment screen is larger and simpler to use than the 8.0-inch screen on the Taos.
• Ground clearance on all-wheel-drive vehicles is a key figure to look at. The Crosstrek offers a standard ground clearance of 8.7 inches compared to the Taos’ 7.6 inches.
• Nothing in the Taos lineup matches the capabilities of the Crosstrek Wilderness, with its 9.3-inch ground clearance, Dual Mode X-Mode, all-terrain tires, and useful amenities designed for adventure. The Wilderness has more standard horsepower than any Taos model (182 hp vs. 174).