Trax vs Crosstrek
Both the Trax and the Crosstrek sit in the subcompact suv class, and Chevrolet and Subaru are clearly watching each other. On paper, these two are close. Only a handful of specs separate them by a margin you’d actually notice.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Crosstrek wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Crosstrek wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Crosstrek has 15 hp more power
The gap on total system output is slim (152 hp against 137 hp), yet it tips toward the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Trax has 17 lb-ft more torque
You may not notice this one every day, but the Trax’s 162 lb-ft is a step ahead of the Crosstrek’s 145 lb-ft. The Trax’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Crosstrek has better highway fuel economy
Slight advantage to the Crosstrek: 34 mpg compared with 32 mpg. The Crosstrek uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
-
The Crosstrek has available all-wheel drive
Whether it matters depends on your habits, but only one of these two gives you available all-wheel drive: the Crosstrek. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
The Trax leans on 17 lb-ft more torque in this section, while the Crosstrek leans on 15 hp more power. Pick the strength that fits your routine; that’s the honest answer for engine & performance.
Total system output
Trax: 137 hp Crosstrek: 152 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Trax: 162 lb-ft Crosstrek: 145 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Crosstrek leads
A modest lead on fuel economy & range belongs to the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek comes with better highway fuel economy. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the Crosstrek is where you should land.
Fuel economy (highway)
Trax: 32 mpg Crosstrek: 34 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Both the Trax and the Crosstrek cover space & practicality equally well on paper. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Crosstrek leads
The Crosstrek takes off-road & towing by a nose. The Crosstrek pulls ahead with available all-wheel drive. The Crosstrek offers all-wheel drive; the Trax doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. If this section decides it for you, choose the Crosstrek.
AWD / 4WD available
Trax: no Crosstrek: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trax | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 152 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 145 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trax | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trax | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.6 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.1 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear legroom | 38.70 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trax | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in Highest ground clearance |
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trax | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Trax | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $20,500 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Trax if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (162 lb-ft vs 145 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Chevrolet and happy with it
Choose the Crosstrek if…
- you want more power (152 hp vs 137 hp)
- you cover long highway distances (34 mpg vs 32 mpg on the highway)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trax or the Crosstrek?
We’d point most buyers to the Crosstrek. The main exception is if your top priority is 17 lb-ft more torque.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the Trax against the Crosstrek is exactly that. What I like most about the Crosstrek here is 15 hp more power. There’s a bonus as well: the Crosstrek has better highway fuel economy. To be fair, the Trax has 17 lb-ft more torque, and that’s not nothing.
The way I see it, people who prioritize pulling power will be happier with the Trax, and those who prioritize fuel economy & range with the Crosstrek.
My pick: the Crosstrek; the one scenario where I’d reach for the Trax is if you’d rather have 17 lb-ft more torque on the Trax.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.