7 Key Differences Between Crosstrek vs Outback Ground Clearance: Which One Rises Above the Rest?

When you're choosing between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Outback ground clearance is a major factor to consider especially if your idea of fun involves going off the beaten path These rugged all-wheel-drive SUVs may seem similar but there are some real differences in how they handle bumps rocks and unpaved roads Read on to discover which one is better for your lifestyle whether you're navigating city streets or tackling nature's toughest trails And don't miss our link for more insights on the crosstrek vs outback ground clearance

Crosstrek vs Outback: Understanding Ground Clearance

What is Ground Clearance and Why It Matters

Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle and the ground It’s a critical measurement for anyone interested in off-roading or driving on uneven surfaces Higher ground clearance means you can conquer obstacles without damaging the car’s underbody It's essentially your SUV’s ability to avoid scraping bottom—something we all want to avoid unless you’re into that kind of thing

Crosstrek Ground Clearance

The Subaru Crosstrek comes with 8.7 inches of ground clearance which is pretty impressive for a compact SUV It's a perfect balance between high enough to tackle most trails and low enough to provide stability on the highway It’s like wearing hiking boots to a city stroll just in case you decide to go off the sidewalk

Pros of Crosstrek Ground Clearance

1. Maneuverability: The Crosstrek is smaller making it easy to handle in tight urban settings or narrow trails
2. Efficiency: Despite its good ground clearance it still offers great fuel efficiency—up to 34 MPG on the highway
3. Affordability: Generally the Crosstrek is more budget-friendly compared to the Outback making it accessible for younger adventurers or those who don’t want to break the bank
4. Lightweight Feel: Less ground clearance means it’s easier to handle and feels less like you’re piloting a boat down the highway

Potential Drawbacks of the Crosstrek

• Interior Space: It's not a clown car but you might feel like a sardine if you pack it full A great excuse to leave the in-laws at home though
• Power: With a standard 2.0L engine it won’t win any drag races You’ll have to come to terms with your inner speed demon
• Noise: The Crosstrek isn't the quietest on the highway due to less sound insulation You'll become well-acquainted with road noise and wind gusts just consider it a symphony of adventure

Outback Ground Clearance

The Subaru Outback also boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance aligning perfectly with the Crosstrek But the Outback’s larger frame and design make it a sturdier option It’s like the Crosstrek’s beefier sibling who spent a little more time at the gym and eats their veggies

Pros of Outback Ground Clearance

1. More Cargo Space: You can fit just about anything in the Outback from camping gear to Costco hauls
2. Enhanced Power: With options up to a 2.4L turbo engine you’ve got the muscle to tackle steep climbs and quick highway merges
3. Rugged Features: Extra features like skid plates and off-road drive modes make it more prepared for rugged adventures
4. Comfort: More space means more comfort especially on longer trips where legroom becomes essential to human sanity

Potential Drawbacks of the Outback

• Bigger Size: Parking an Outback in a compact space is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole just good luck and don’t be afraid of a little fender nudge
• Pricey: It’s not outrageously expensive but you will pay more for the extra bells whistles and overall room
• Fuel Economy: Slightly lower MPG compared to the Crosstrek thanks to its bigger engine options But hey you can’t have your cake and eat it too—or can you?

Comparing Features Crosstrek vs Outback

Dimensions and Practicality

Crosstrek Dimensions

• Length: 176.5 inches
• Width: 71.0 inches
• Height: 63.6 inches

Outback Dimensions

• Length: 191.3 inches
• Width: 73.0 inches
• Height: 66.1 inches

Key Takeaway

If you're a city dweller who occasionally ventures out the Crosstrek’s smaller size is easier to park and maneuver Conversely the Outback's spaciousness makes it perfect for families or road-trippers who need more room to stretch out

Off-Road Capability

Crosstrek Off-Road

The Crosstrek offers X-MODE with hill descent control which optimizes engine transmission and AWD performance on steep or slippery surfaces It’s more than enough for the occasional weekend warrior or for those spontaneous “let’s take the dirt road home” moments

Outback Off-Road

The Outback’s dual-function X-MODE available in higher trims is even more adept at handling tough terrain You can switch between Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for maximum traction—it’s like having a Swiss Army knife for wheels

Interior and Comfort

Crosstrek Interior

• Cargo Volume: 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• Max Cargo: 55.3 cubic feet with seats folded

Outback Interior

• Cargo Volume: 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• Max Cargo: 75.7 cubic feet with seats folded

Verdict on Comfort

The Outback’s larger size provides more space for you and your gear making it the more comfortable choice for longer journeys However the Crosstrek is nimble and still offers ample space for its class Think of the Crosstrek as the cozy apartment in the city while the Outback is the spacious suburban house with a big backyard

Safety Features

Crosstrek Safety

• EyeSight Driver Assist: Standard on most trims
• Blind-Spot Monitoring: Available on higher trims
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Keeps you safe when backing up like a digital guardian angel

Outback Safety

• Enhanced EyeSight: Comes with even more advanced features like lane centering and pre-collision braking
• Reverse Automatic Braking: Stops the car automatically if it detects an obstacle behind you So yes you CAN back up without always looking behind

Safety Recap

Both vehicles are super safe but the Outback has the slight edge with its additional features that feel like having a personal co-pilot who’s never tired

Driving Experience Crosstrek vs Outback

Crosstrek Driving

The Crosstrek drives like a car with the heart of an SUV It’s peppy responsive and easy to maneuver It's perfect for city driving and light off-roading but don’t expect it to win a tug-of-war with a Jeep Wrangler

Outback Driving

The Outback feels more substantial and provides a smoother ride thanks to its longer wheelbase and better suspension It handles like a crossover with off-road chops but with more of a “get out of my way I’m bigger than you” attitude

Alex Collantes Weighs In

Alex Collantes the owner of Avenue Motors dealership shared his thoughts on the Crosstrek and Outback He said “Both are fantastic choices for different reasons If you’re looking for something nimble that’s easy to park and light on gas the Crosstrek is the way to go But if you need more space power and off-road capability the Outback is a no-brainer”

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Key Points Recap

1. Ground Clearance: Both have 8.7 inches so no real winner here
2. Size and Maneuverability: Crosstrek for city Outback for road trips
3. Off-Road: Outback takes the cake with more advanced off-road modes
4. Interior Comfort: Outback is the clear winner for space lovers
5. Safety: Outback edges ahead with more standard advanced safety features

Drawbacks to Consider

• Crosstrek: Less power and smaller cargo space but more affordable
• Outback: Bigger size can be cumbersome in tight spaces and higher price tag

So Which One Wins?

Choosing between the Crosstrek vs Outback ground clearance battle comes down to what you need If you’re a solo adventurer or city commuter who enjoys a bit of off-road fun the Crosstrek is your best buddy But if you need more room more power and an overall rugged feel the Outback is ready to tackle anything life throws at you from family trips to mountain trails

At the end of the day it’s about what fits your lifestyle like that perfect pair of jeans—comfortable practical and capable of handling whatever comes your way

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