2026 Chevrolet Trax LS vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base
$5,395 less vs 43 more hp and AWD. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $5,395 price gap, 137 vs 180 hp, 29 vs 29 MPG.
The Trax LS leads on $5,395 less. The Crosstrek Base leads on 43 more hp, AWD. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS | 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $21,600 | $26,995 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo | 2.5L flat 4 |
| Horsepower | 137 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 28 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 31 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,500/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 2,983 lbs | 3,296 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 105.1" |
| Length | 178.6" | 176.4" |
| Width | 71.8" | 70.9" |
| Height | 61.4" | 62.8" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/100k | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS starts at $21,600, $5,395 less than the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base at $26,995. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $95/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS is the stronger pick when you want to keep $5,395 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base is the stronger pick when the extra 43 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS or 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base?
Both achieve 29 combined MPG, so fuel cost is not a factor in this decision.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS or 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base produces 180 hp, 43 more than the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS at 137 hp. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base also leads in torque at 178 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS runs a 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo; the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base uses a 2.5L flat 4. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS, AWD on the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base.
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS bigger than the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS is 2.2″ longer at 178.6″ vs 176.4″. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS has a 0.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base comes with AWD, while the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Trax trims, Subaru trims, Subaru Crosstrek trims
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
How the Trax and Crosstrek Stack Up
Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS ($21,600) and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base ($26,995) solve similar problems in different ways. The $5,395 gap adds up to $95/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Powertrain: Trax vs Crosstrek
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS runs a 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo; the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base uses a 2.5L flat 4. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base has 43 more hp (180 vs 137), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base comes with AWD; the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
What It Actually Costs to Own
Annual fuel costs are nearly identical, so running costs will not separate these two.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base weighs 313 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS when you want to keep $5,395 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base when the extra 43 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $95/month more, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Chevrolet or Subaru or any dealership.