2021 Prius Prime vs. Crosstrek PHEV Comparison
As the "green wave" continues to grow, car manufacturers are looking to make their vehicle lineups more eco-sensitive. Following in the footsteps of the first-mass produced hybrid, the Toyota Prius, the Prius Prime plug-in takes fuel-efficiency to the next level in 2021. Although Subaru is relatively new to offering hybrid engines, they're keeping up with the market by continuing the Crosstrek Hybrid PHEV into the 2021 model year.
Even with the addition of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Crosstrek Hybrid only has an EPA-estimated 90 MPGe which is surpassed by the 2021 Prius Prime which has an EPA-estimated mileage of 133 MPGe.
Plus, while Toyota and Subaru offer similar advanced driver-assistive technology, the Prius Prime LE comes in at a considerably lower starting MSRP of $28,220 compared to the starting MSRP for the 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid of $35,345. With the Prius Prime, you get more bang for your buck.
Don't just take our word for it, though. Let's take a closer look at safety, performance, and reliability to see how the 2021 Prius Prime and Crosstrek Hybrid compare to get a full picture of which car is right for you.
Published Date: 03/10/2021
Safety
- Both Subaru and Toyota offer well-rounded safety features designed to help keep you safe while you drive.
- For added safety, the Prius Prime includes the Star Safety System™ standard. The Crosstrek Hybrid has the similar Subaru STARLINK® Safety and Security.
- The Prius Prime and Crosstrek Hybrid have almost all the same safety features, however, the Prius Prime starts at a lower MSRP.
Get covered with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) in the 2021 Prius Prime.
Standard Safety Features
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) suite of active safety features includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Road Sign Assist (RSA).
Subaru drivers can count on similar features like Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning, and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. However, the Subaru Crosstrek lacks Road Sign Assist.
For additional safety, the Prius Prime also comes standard with the Star Safety System™ which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology® (SST). The comparable Subaru STARLINK® Safety and Security comes standard on the 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid. You'll have to spend a considerable chunk of dough more for the 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid though. As mentioned, the Crosstrek Hybrid MSRP starts at $35,345 while the Prius Prime LE MSRP starts at $28,220.
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid also comes standard with a Blind-Spot Detection system with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, but you can also get the comparable Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) feature standard on the Prius Prime Limited for less. Even with a starting MSRP of $34,000, the Prius Prime still has a lower MSRP than the Crosstrek Hybrid.
Performance
- On a full charge, the Prius Prime Prime has a higher EV mode driving range compared to the Crosstrek Hybrid's.
- You can expect your Prius Prime to be fully charged on a 120V outlet in five and a half hours or less.
- With a plug-in hybrid, fuel economy is a big selling point. The Prius Prime defies expectations with an EPA-estimated 55/53/54 (hybrid mode mpg city/highway/combined) MPG rating.
The Prius Prime and Crosstrek Hybrid utilize both gas and electricity to optimize your travel.
Plug-In Hybrid Mileage Estimates
With an EPA-estimated 133 MPGe rating and a 25 mi. EPA-estimated EV Mode driving range rating, the Prius Prime far surpasses the EPA-estimated 90 MPGe and 17 mi. of EV-only driving range ratings for the 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid.
When it comes time for recharging, the 2021 Prius Prime and Crosstrek Hybrid take about the same amount of time to reach a full charge. On a standard 120V outlet, the Prime Prime can fully charge in less than five and a half hours which is about the same as the estimated charge time of approximately five hours for the 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid.
The Prius Prime's gas/electric engine results in fuel economy estimates to which nothing can quite come close. Across the board, the Prius Prime has an EPA-estimated 55/53/54 (hybrid mode mpg city/highway/combined) MPG rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid can't touch these estimates, having only an EPA-estimated 35 combined MPG rating. City and highway fuel economy ratings are not yet available.
Reliability
- While the Prius Prime has a 10 year/150,000 miles Hybrid Battery Warranty, the Subaru warranty information doesn't mention one.
- Get factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance included with ToyotaCare for the Prius Prime.
- Not only is the Prius Prime reliable, it also has great resale value according to Kelley Blue Book®.
Know you can rely on your car for years to come with the help of extended warranties and factory-scheduled maintenance.
Built to Last
Even after years of driving your hybrid, know that you're covered with an 8 year/100,000 mile Hybrid Systems Warranty and a 10 year/150,000 miles Hybrid Battery Warranty on the Prius Prime. The Subaru Hybrid System Limited Warranty also lasts for 8 years/100,000 miles. For vehicles with a Lithium-Ion Battery, typical of a hybrid, there is no additional battery coverage according to the Subaru warranty information.
Plus, every new or leased Prius Prime comes with ToyotaCare which includes factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 mile, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance lasts for three years and unlimited mileage. For Subaru customers, Subaru Roadside Assistance is available during the 3-year/36,000-mile Subaru Limited Warranty. There is no mention of complimentary maintenance with the purchase of a Subaru.
Based on Consumer Ratings on KBB.com, the 2020 Prius Prime received a 4.9-Star rating in Reliability while the 2020 Crosstrek received a 4.6. Not to mention, the 2020 Prius Prime was also named the Best Hybrid Car Resale Value award by Kelley Blue Book®, while the Crosstrek did not make the top three for this category.
Conclusion: Prius Prime vs. Crosstrek PHEV
- Not only has the Prius Prime been on the road longer than the Crosstrek Hybrid, it can also stay on the road longer with a longer EV-only driving range.
- The Prius Prime has received praise from the consumers and experts on Kelley Blue Book®.
- Get more coverage with numerous warranties and ToyotaCare standard on the Prius Prime.
While both vehicles have their advantages and disadvantages, the Prius Prime has been excelling in the plug-in market for far longer than the Crosstrek Hybrid. Having been around longer, the Prius Prime has had more time to innovate and become one of the best.
Take for example, the Prius Prime's EV-only driving range. Impressively, you won't have to wait long for either vehicle to charge up with similar charging times. However, once fully charged the Prius Prime has a farther EV-only driving range of 25 mi. compared to the Crosstrek Hybrid's 17 mi. EV-only driving range.
Not only is the Prius Prime well equipped with excellent fuel economy, it is also backed by awards for its ability to last.
If you're looking for a reliable vehicle that has the warranty coverage to keep you protected while achieving fuel efficiency, the Prius Prime is for you.