Compare the2023 Subaru Crosstrek HybridVS 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Crosstrek Hybrid. But it costs extra on the Highlander Hybrid.

Both the Crosstrek Hybrid and the Highlander Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is safer than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is safer than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Crosstrek Hybrid lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Crosstrek Hybrid running on electricity gets better mileage than the Highlander Hybrid:

On the EPA test cycle the Crosstrek Hybrid running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Highlander Hybrid:

The Crosstrek Hybrid can travel with zero emissions for 17 miles. The Highlander Hybrid can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

The Crosstrek Hybrid stops much shorter than the Highlander Hybrid:

The Crosstrek Hybrid’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Highlander Hybrid LE/XLE/Bronze’s standard 65 series tires.

For better maneuverability, the Crosstrek Hybrid’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Highlander Hybrid’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek Hybrid has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Highlander Hybrid (8.7 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Crosstrek Hybrid to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 900 pounds less than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

The Crosstrek Hybrid is 1 foot, 6.4 inches shorter than the Highlander Hybrid, making the Crosstrek Hybrid easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front step up height for the Crosstrek Hybrid is 1.5 inches lower than the Highlander Hybrid (17.5” vs. 19”). The Crosstrek Hybrid’s rear step up height is 1.2 inches lower than the Highlander Hybrid’s (18” vs. 19.2”).

The engine in the Crosstrek Hybrid is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Highlander Hybrid. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Crosstrek Hybrid’s exterior PIN entry system. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.