Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota RAV4
This page compares the Subaru Crosstrek and the Toyota RAV4 across the 14 model years both appear in our data (2013–2026). Both are classed as SUV on this site. Both average about 35 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Subaru Crosstrek (2.1 against 4.7), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2013–2026
| Measure | Subaru Crosstrek | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 35 | 35 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 190 | 193 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,300 | $2,371 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 11 of 11 | 11 of 13 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 2.1 | 4.7 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 119 | 392 |
| Engine options across these years | 2 | 1 |
Year by Year
| Year | Subaru Crosstrek MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Toyota RAV4 MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 34 | — | 1 | 26 | 31 | 4★ | 5 | 261 |
| 2014 | 34 | — | — | — | 31 | 4★ | 7 | 207 |
| 2015 | 35 | — | — | — | 31 | 5★ | 4 | 305 |
| 2016 | 35 | 5★ | 1 | 132 | 30 | 5★ | 3 | 256 |
| 2017 | 35 | 5★ | 1 | 97 | 30 | 5★ | 3 | 321 |
| 2018 | 35 | 5★ | 5 | 195 | 30 | 5★ | 3 | 346 |
| 2019 | 35 | 5★ | 7 | 284 | 36 | 5★ | 8 | 901 |
| 2020 | 36 | 5★ | 0 | 69 | 36 | 5★ | 6 | 648 |
| 2021 | 36 | 5★ | 2 | 116 | 36 | 5★ | 5 | 508 |
| 2022 | 36 | 5★ | 0 | 31 | 36 | 5★ | 3 | 171 |
| 2023 | 36 | 5★ | 0 | 34 | 36 | 5★ | 3 | 229 |
| 2024 | 35 | 5★ | 2 | 119 | 36 | 5★ | 4 | 205 |
| 2025 | 35 | 5★ | 0 | 44 | 36 | 5★ | 4 | 103 |
| 2026 | 35 | 5★ | 0 | 8 | 52 | — | 1 | 35 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Subaru Crosstrek · Toyota RAV4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Toyota RAV4?
Both average about 35 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Subaru Crosstrek has 11 of 11 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Toyota RAV4 has 11 of 13. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Subaru Crosstrek averages 2.1 recall campaigns and 119 owner complaints; the Toyota RAV4 averages 4.7 and 392. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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