2027 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda HR-V vs. Toyota Corolla Cross

Gray Subaru Crosstrek driving on a winding road through fall color, available at Hughes Subaru in Athens, GA

The quick answer: For drivers in Athens and North Georgia, the 2027 Subaru Crosstrek is the most capable small SUV of the three. It starts at $26,995 MSRP with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on every trim, 180 horsepower, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross charge extra for all-wheel drive, make less power, and sit lower to the ground.

Small SUVs are the most crowded corner of the car market, and on paper these three look similar. They are close in size and close in price. The difference shows up the first time you hit a washed-out gravel drive in Oconee County, a rainy merge on GA-316, or a trailhead lot near Tallulah Gorge. Here is how they really compare.

Side-by-Side: Crosstrek vs. HR-V vs. Corolla Cross

Spec 2027 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Honda HR-V 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Starting MSRP with AWD $26,995 $28,000 (LX + $1,500 AWD) $26,635 (L AWD)
All-wheel drive Standard on every trim Optional Optional
Horsepower 180 hp (194 hp Hybrid) 158 hp 169 hp
Ground clearance 8.7 in. (9.3 in. Wilderness) About 7.0 in. 8.1 in.
Max cargo space 54.7 cu. ft. 55.1 cu. ft. About 47 cu. ft.
Max towing 1,500 lbs. (3,500 lbs. Wilderness) Not rated for towing 1,500 lbs.
Combined MPG with AWD 29 mpg (36 mpg Hybrid) 27 mpg 30 mpg
Hybrid available Yes, 36 mpg combined No Yes

Pricing excludes destination and dealer fees. Specs reflect manufacturer and third-party published data as of October 2026.

1. All-Wheel Drive Comes Standard on Every Crosstrek

Every Crosstrek leaves the factory with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. You do not pay extra for it, and you do not have to move up a trim to get it. On the HR-V, AWD is a $1,500 option. On the Corolla Cross, it is an extra-cost upgrade too.

Subaru’s system is full-time and engineered as a balanced layout from the start, with the low-mounted SUBARU BOXER engine sitting in line with the drivetrain. That means steady traction during summer downpours, on pine-straw-covered back roads, and on the rare North Georgia ice storm.

2. More Ground Clearance Than Either Rival

The Crosstrek rides at 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and the Crosstrek Wilderness rides at 9.3 inches. That is close to two full inches more than the HR-V and more than half an inch over the Corolla Cross. Extra clearance matters for steep driveways, unpaved roads around Lake Oconee and Lake Hartwell, Forest Service roads in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and simply not scraping a bumper on a parking curb.

Standard X-MODE with Hill Descent Control adds another layer of confidence on loose or slippery grades, something neither the HR-V nor Corolla Cross offers in the same way.

3. More Power, Plus a 36-MPG Hybrid

The Crosstrek’s 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine makes 180 horsepower, versus 158 in the HR-V and 169 in the Corolla Cross. That difference is easy to feel when merging onto the Athens Perimeter (Loop 10) or climbing toward the mountains with a full load.

If fuel economy is your top priority, the Crosstrek Hybrid makes 194 horsepower and earns an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, with up to roughly 630 miles of range on a tank. Honda does not offer a hybrid HR-V.

4. Real Towing Capability

Standard Crosstrek trims can tow up to 1,500 pounds, and the Crosstrek Wilderness tows up to 3,500 pounds. That covers a small utility trailer, a pair of kayaks on a trailer, or a pop-up camper for a weekend at Fort Yargo State Park. Honda says the HR-V is not designed to tow.

5. Safety You Do Not Have to Pay Extra For

Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on the Crosstrek, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane keep assist. The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award under the institute’s tougher 2026 criteria.

Where the Competition Has an Edge

We believe in giving you the full picture. The Corolla Cross gas model gets slightly better fuel economy (about 30 mpg combined with AWD versus 29), and its base AWD sticker price runs a few hundred dollars lower. The HR-V offers a bit more cargo room behind the rear seat. If you need standard AWD, more clearance, more power, and towing ability in one package, though, the Crosstrek is the only one of the three that delivers all of it.

Which Crosstrek Is Right for You?

  • Crosstrek Base and Premium: The best value, with standard AWD, EyeSight, and dual 7-inch screens (Premium adds an available 11.6-inch display).
  • Crosstrek Limited: Leather-trimmed upholstery, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, and more comfort features for daily commuters.
  • Crosstrek Wilderness: 9.3 inches of clearance, all-terrain tires, and 3,500 pounds of towing for serious weekend adventures.
  • Crosstrek Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid: 36 mpg combined for drivers covering long miles between Athens, Atlanta, and beyond.

Why Buy Your Crosstrek at Hughes Subaru

Hughes Subaru has served Athens and North Georgia from 3010 Atlanta Highway as part of the Phil Hughes Automotive Group. Shoppers come to us from Watkinsville, Winder, Jefferson, Monroe, Bethlehem, Lawrenceville, and beyond because we make the process simple:

Ready to feel the difference? Schedule a Crosstrek test drive or call 706-715-2303. Bring your HR-V or Corolla Cross quote, and we will walk you through the comparison in person.

Crosstrek vs. HR-V vs. Corolla Cross: FAQs

Is the Subaru Crosstrek better than the Honda HR-V?
For most North Georgia drivers, yes. The Crosstrek has standard all-wheel drive, 22 more horsepower, about 1.7 inches more ground clearance, a hybrid option, and the ability to tow. The HR-V offers slightly more cargo space behind the rear seat.

Does the Toyota Corolla Cross come with all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive is optional on the gas Corolla Cross. Every Subaru Crosstrek includes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.

How much ground clearance does the Subaru Crosstrek have?
The Crosstrek has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Crosstrek Wilderness has 9.3 inches.

Can the Subaru Crosstrek tow?
Yes. Most Crosstrek trims tow up to 1,500 pounds, and the Crosstrek Wilderness tows up to 3,500 pounds.

What is the gas mileage of the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid?
The Crosstrek Hybrid earns an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined.

Where can I test-drive a Subaru Crosstrek near Athens, GA?
Hughes Subaru at 3010 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA 30606. Call 706-715-2303 or schedule online at hughessubaru.com.

MSRP excludes destination and delivery, tax, title, registration, and dealer fees. EPA estimates for comparison only; actual mileage will vary. Competitor information based on manufacturer and third-party published data as of October 2026. See Hughes Subaru for complete details.