Crosstrek vs Escape vs TrailBlazer: The Winter-Ready Compact SUV Showdown

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2026 Subaru Crosstrek

2026 Ford Escape

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Compact, capable, and purpose-built for Missouri winters — the Crosstrek blends Subaru’s legendary AWD packaging with thoughtful interior tech and off-road-ready Wilderness hardware.

The Escape leans into efficiency with strong combined MPG figures and a compact footprint that promises comfortable daily driving.

A value-minded compact with surprising cargo flexibility — the TrailBlazer shines where budget and utility meet.


Quick Specs: What You Need to Know Fast

Specification 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Ford Escape 2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Starting MSRP $29,079 $34,354 $26,575
City MPG 28 mpg 42 mpg 26 mpg
Highway MPG 34 mpg 36 mpg 30 mpg
Combined MPG 31 mpg 39 mpg 28 mpg
Engine Type 2.5L H4 1.5L I3 1.3L I3
Drivetrain 4WD 4WD 4WD
Horsepower 182 hp Contact dealer for details 137 hp

Numbers matter, but what you get with the Crosstrek is more than figures: Subaru’s standard AWD, a torquey 2.5L boxer engine, and trim choices that add real capability make it an obvious pick for drivers who want versatility without compromise.


Safety Net: Technology That Has Your Back

Safety Feature 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Ford Escape 2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Subaru EyeSight active safety suite ? Standard Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details
Blind-spot monitoring Available (standard on Wilderness) Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details
Lane keep assist Available Contact dealer for details ? Available
Automatic high beams ? Standard Contact dealer for details ? Listed
Automatic emergency braking Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details ? Available (pedestrian detection)

Subaru packs the Crosstrek with driver-assist systems that feel like a calm co-pilot on slippery roads. In Sunset Hills winters, standard EyeSight and adaptive lighting translate into confidence when the pavement gets unpredictable.


Inside Story: Comfort Meets Technology

Feature 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Ford Escape 2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Available (standard on Hybrid) Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details
11.6-inch multimedia display with navigation Available (Limited Hybrid) Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details
Harman Kardon premium audio Available (Limited Hybrid, 10 speakers) Contact dealer for details Available (Optional Bose)
Four USB ports (2 front, 2 rear) Available Contact dealer for details Two ports standard
Over-the-air updates Available with 11.6-inch system Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details

Slide into a Crosstrek cabin and the layout does the thinking for you: thoughtful USB placement, available premium audio, and a large optional display that makes navigation and media feel integrated rather than bolted on.


Exterior & Capability: Built to Go Places

Feature 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Ford Escape 2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
17-inch matte black wheels with all-terrain tires (Wilderness) Available (Wilderness) Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details
Wilderness anodized copper exterior accents Available (Wilderness) Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details
Ground clearance (max) Up to 9.3 in (Wilderness) Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details

If Missouri’s winter roads push you off pavement, the Crosstrek’s Wilderness parts turn that stress into a grin: a modest lift, all-terrain rubber, and protective touches that matter when the trail gets real.


Mechanical & Performance: How It Feels When You Push

Spec 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Ford Escape 2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Powertrain highlights 2.5L boxer 182 hp; CVT; available hybrid variants 1.5L I3; Automatic 1.3L I3; Automatic
Performance trims / off-road Wilderness trim with off-road suspension and all-terrain tires Contact dealer for details Activ trim offers off-road-focused suspension

The Crosstrek’s 2.5L boxer engine and available hybrid options give it a blend of usable power and everyday composure—plus Wilderness tuning that actually makes a difference off the beaten path.


Comfort & Convenience: Little Things, Big Impact

Feature 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Ford Escape 2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Two-zone automatic climate control ? Standard Contact dealer for details Available with Convenience Package
Keyless entry / push-button start ? Keyless entry standard Contact dealer for details Push-button start available
Roof rail cross bars Available (Premium trim adds cross bars) Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details
All-weather / water-repellent upholstery Available (Wilderness) Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details

Small comforts add up: the Crosstrek's dual-zone climate, thoughtful storage, and available heated elements turn cold morning starts in Sunset Hills into something you actually look forward to.


Dimensions & Cabin Space: Fit for Everyday Life

Dimension 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Ford Escape 2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Overall Length 14' 8.5" (176.5 in) 15' 1.2" (181.2 in) Contact dealer for details
Overall Width 5' 11" (71 in) 6' 3" (75 in) Contact dealer for details
Overall Height 5' 3.6" (63.6 in) 5' 10" (70 in) Contact dealer for details
Seating Capacity 5 passengers 5 passengers 5 passengers
Cargo Volume 20 cu ft Contact dealer for details 54.4 cu ft
Wheelbase / Contact Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details

The Crosstrek hits a sweet spot: compact for town and long enough for practical cargo, with interior packaging that makes day-to-day life easier without sacrificing off-road capability.


Towing & Trailering: Built for the Long Haul

Trailering Spec 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Ford Escape 2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Max towing capacity 1,500 lbs Contact dealer for details 1,000 lbs
Tongue weight limits Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details
Hitch specifications Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details
Recommended use Light trailers, small boats, cargo up to 1,500 lbs Contact dealer for details Small trailers and cargo up to 1,000 lbs

The Crosstrek’s 1,500-lb rating is practical — think small boats, light trailers, and weekend gear. In real-world use around Sunset Hills, it means freedom to tow without moving up to a larger truck.


Trim Lineup & How to Buy

Trim / Price 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Ford Escape 2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Base Base: $29,079 Active: $34,354 LS: $26,575
Premium / Mid Premium: $32,486 ST-Line: $36,754 LT: $29,444
Sport / Performance Sport: $34,148 ST-Line Select: $39,300 RS: $33,469
Limited / Luxury Limited: $36,838 Platinum: $43,435 Activ: $33,520
Wilderness / Off-road Wilderness: $38,643 Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details
Hybrid variants Hybrid / Limited Hybrid (Hybrid starts higher) Contact dealer for details Contact dealer for details
Source Manufacturer market data Manufacturer market data Manufacturer market data

From the agile Premium to the rugged Wilderness, the Crosstrek line gives you tangible choices — pick capability or comfort without losing Subaru’s core AWD trait. Visit our inventory to see exact trims and local availability.


Sunset Hills Subaru — 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 • (314) 476-9638 • Open for sales and service. Explore our New Subaru Inventory and Used Vehicle Inventory for local availability and specials.

© 2026 Sunset Hills Subaru. All rights reserved. For the most accurate and up-to-date vehicle configurations and pricing, please contact our sales team or visit the links above.