Last updated: 2026-03-04

Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Reliability Compared

Subaru Crosstrek reliability comparison

Subaru Crosstrek

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableToyota Corolla Cross reliability comparison

Toyota Corolla Cross

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Toyota Corolla Cross? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two subcompact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota Corolla Cross currently leads with an average score of 79/100 compared to 71/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross Generations Compare?

The Subaru Crosstrek is currently in its third generation, which started in 2024. Given it's early in its generation cycle, potential first-year issues might arise as Subaru refines this new platform. The previous second generation had a facelift in 2021, indicating a mature and well-sorted platform by the end of its cycle, often translating to improved reliability. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla Cross is still in its first generation, launched in 2022. Without a redesign yet, it's expected to receive a facelift in 2025, suggesting that as it matures, reliability could improve. Buyers should be mindful that newer models often face initial teething problems, while those later in their cycle are typically more reliable.

Verdict

The Toyota Corolla Cross is more reliable than the Subaru Crosstrek, scoring 79/100 vs 71/100.

The Toyota Corolla Cross outperforms the Subaru Crosstrek in reliability with an average score of 95/100 compared to 81/100. It also has a significantly lower complaint rate of 8 per 10,000 sold versus the Crosstrek's 72.5, indicating fewer issues reported by owners. Despite having a slightly shorter recall history, the Corolla Cross still maintains fewer total recalls (12 over 5 years) than the Crosstrek (19 over 9 years). The Crosstrek's higher estimated annual repair cost of $492 further underscores the Corolla Cross's reliability advantage.

Key Differences

  1. 1Toyota Corolla Cross has 64.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Toyota Corolla Cross scores 8 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Toyota Corolla Cross has 7 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

0Subaru Crosstrek
—
3Toyota Corolla Cross
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Which Is More Reliable?

Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota Corolla Cross at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricSubaru CrosstrekToyota Corolla Cross
Reliability Score71/10079/100
Years Tracked95
Total Recalls1912
Complaints per 10k Sold72.58
Year Wins13

What Are the Common Problems With the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Crosstrek having a significantly higher total number of complaints. The most prevalent issue for the Crosstrek is related to visibility and wiper functions, while the Corolla Cross shows a concentration of complaints in the electrical system and steering areas. Notably, the Crosstrek has a higher incidence of crash-linked complaints within the vehicle speed control category, whereas the Corolla Cross experiences a notable number of crash-linked complaints in its air bags category. Overall, the Crosstrek's visibility and power train issues, along with crash-linked complaints, suggest more frequent and potentially severe problems compared to the Corolla Cross.

Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota Corolla Cross common problem areas comparison
ComponentSubaru CrosstrekToyota Corolla Cross
VISIBILITY/WIPER21.8High—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11.3Above Avg0.9Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8.8Above Avg1.6Low
POWER TRAIN4.8Average0.5Very Low
STEERING3Low1.5Low
ENGINE3.3Average0.8Very Low
VISIBILITY2.6Low0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1.5Low0.7Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1.9Low—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1.3Low0.3Very Low
STRUCTURE1.1Low0.1Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.8Very Low0.3Very Low
AIR BAGS0.7Very Low0.4Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.7Very Low—None
SEAT BELTS0.2Very Low—None
LANE DEPARTURE0.2Very Low—None
SUSPENSION—None0.1Very Low
SEATS—None0.1Very Low

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Subaru Crosstrek or Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Subaru Crosstrek is a reliable choice with an annual repair cost of $492, requiring only 0.1 repair visits per year and a 7% risk of major repairs. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla Cross lacks specific cost data, but Toyota's reputation for reliability suggests competitive maintenance costs. The Crosstrek's low repair frequency indicates fewer visits to the mechanic, translating to less potential inconvenience. Over five years, the Subaru's repair costs amount to approximately $2,460. For cost-conscious buyers, the Subaru Crosstrek offers predictable maintenance expenses and a relatively low risk of major issues, making it a prudent option for long-term ownership.

How Does Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota Corolla Cross Reliability Compare by Year?

Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota Corolla Cross year-by-year reliability scores
YearSubaru CrosstrekToyota Corolla CrossEdge
202583/1000R / 25C86/1000R / 15CToyota Corolla Cross
202469/1002R / 95C82/1002R / 37CToyota Corolla Cross
202381/1000R / 28C69/1008R / 168CSubaru Crosstrek
202278/1001R / 28C80/1002R / 37CToyota Corolla Cross
2026(predicted)78/100(predicted)79/100(predicted)Toyota Corolla Cross

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek scored 83/100 and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross scored 86/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Subaru Crosstrek vs the Toyota Corolla Cross?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Toyota Corolla Cross is your best bet. With a high reliability score of 95/100 and fewer recalls at 12, it is a solid choice for those who want minimal issues. The low owner complaint rate of 8 per 10,000 sold further highlights its dependability, making it ideal for those who value a trouble-free ownership experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a vehicle with a slightly lower initial cost and can manage higher maintenance considerations, the Subaru Crosstrek could be suitable. Though it has a reliability score of 81/100 and higher owner complaints at 72.5 per 10,000, its estimated annual repair cost of $492 is manageable. This option may appeal to those who appreciate Subaru's driving dynamics and are willing to handle more frequent, though not necessarily major, repairs.

Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Common Questions

Is the Subaru Crosstrek more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross?
Based on our data, the Toyota Corolla Cross is more reliable with an average score of 79/100 compared to 71/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Subaru Crosstrek has more recalls (19) compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross (12). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Toyota Corolla Cross?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Corolla Cross has a lower complaint rate at 8 per 10,000 sold versus 72.5 for the Subaru Crosstrek. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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