7 Surprising Facts: Is Crosstrek Bigger Than Outback?

When it comes to choosing between the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback you might find yourself scratching your head They both look rugged they both handle well and they both scream "adventure" But which one is actually bigger? Is the Crosstrek bigger than Outback? Let’s dive deep into the details and size things up pun totally intended In this article we will compare everything from dimensions to features and help you decide which Subaru fits your lifestyle better

Check out the complete comparison here

Subaru Crosstrek vs Outback: The Big Size Debate

Subaru’s SUVs have a cult-like following and for good reason They are reliable off-road champs with a knack for blending utility with style But if you are caught between the Crosstrek and the Outback you are probably wondering about size Does the Crosstrek actually hold its own against its bigger sibling the Outback?

Exterior Dimensions: Size Matters More Than You Think

One of the first things people notice about these two Subarus is their size While both vehicles share that unmistakable Subaru look their dimensions tell a different story Here’s how they stack up:

1. Length:

   • Outback: 191.1 inches
   • Crosstrek: 176.5 inches

2. Width:

   • Outback: 73 inches
   • Crosstrek: 71 inches

3. Height:

   • Outback: 66.4 inches
   • Crosstrek: 63.6 inches

4. Wheelbase:

   • Outback: 108.1 inches
   • Crosstrek: 104.9 inches

Clearly the Outback is the bigger vehicle in terms of exterior dimensions It’s longer wider and taller than the Crosstrek This means more cabin space more cargo room and a generally more imposing presence on the road But hey bigger isn’t always better right? Sometimes it’s about finding the right fit for your needs

Pros of Outback’s Bigger Size:

• More room for passengers and cargo
• Better for long road trips and family adventures
• Feels more like a full-size SUV

Cons of Outback’s Size:

• Harder to park in tight city spaces (cue nervous laughter at every parallel parking attempt)
• Heavier and slightly less nimble in urban driving

Interior Space: Room to Stretch Out or Just Enough?

When it comes to interior space the Outback and Crosstrek offer very different vibes If you are someone who likes to pack half your house for a weekend getaway the Outback’s got your back The Crosstrek is a little more modest but still plenty spacious for everyday use

Passenger Volume:

• Outback: 109 cubic feet
• Crosstrek: 100.9 cubic feet

Cargo Space (Behind the Rear Seats):

• Outback: 32.5 cubic feet
• Crosstrek: 20.8 cubic feet

Cargo Space (With Seats Folded):

• Outback: 75.7 cubic feet
• Crosstrek: 55.3 cubic feet

There you have it the Outback wins the interior space battle offering significantly more room for passengers and cargo With nearly 10 more cubic feet of passenger volume and 12 extra cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats the Outback is the go-to for those who need more room

However the Crosstrek isn’t exactly cramped It’s just built for those who don’t need a small apartment’s worth of space in the back So if you’re more of a minimalist adventurer the Crosstrek might suit your needs just fine

Humorous Drawbacks of Space:

• Outback: “Who needs that much trunk space unless you’re moving furniture every other week?”
• Crosstrek: “Perfect for those who like to pack light or just can’t commit to bringing all the camping gear”

Performance and Handling: How They Drive Matters

Both the Crosstrek and Outback are known for their solid performance but their driving dynamics are as different as their sizes Let’s take a look at what you can expect behind the wheel

Engine Options:

1. Outback:

   • Standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower
   • Optional 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower

2. Crosstrek:

   • Standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower
   • Optional 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower

The Outback offers more powerful engine options especially with the turbocharged variant which gives it a nice boost for highway passing and uphill climbs The Crosstrek’s engines are more modest but still capable especially with the optional 2.5-liter engine If you’re big on power the Outback’s got the edge

Off-Road Capability:

• Both vehicles come standard with Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE which enhances off-road performance
• Ground Clearance: Outback 8.7 inches Crosstrek 8.7 inches — So they’re tied on this front!

Safety Features: Protecting You No Matter the Size

When it comes to safety Subaru doesn’t mess around Both the Crosstrek and Outback come loaded with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology including adaptive cruise control lane keep assist and pre-collision braking

Advanced Safety Features:

• Outback: Standard on all trims
• Crosstrek: Available on most trims but not always standard

The Outback takes a small edge here with more safety features standard across its lineup So if safety tech is high on your list the Outback might feel like the safer bet (pun intended again)

Fuel Efficiency: Which One Will Save You More at the Pump?

While both vehicles perform admirably in terms of fuel efficiency there are some differences to note

MPG Ratings (City/Highway):

• Outback: Up to 26/33 mpg
• Crosstrek: Up to 28/34 mpg

Surprisingly the Crosstrek is slightly more fuel-efficient making it a better option for those who are conscious of their gas bills It's smaller size and lighter weight contribute to this edge making it an attractive choice for daily commuting

Price Point: What’s the Cost of More Space?

Price is always a deciding factor when choosing a car especially when you are trying to balance space performance and features The Crosstrek and Outback cater to slightly different budgets

Starting MSRP:

• Outback: Around $28,000
• Crosstrek: Around $24,000

The Crosstrek’s lower starting price makes it a great option for those looking to get into a Subaru without breaking the bank You can get a well-equipped Crosstrek for the price of a base model Outback making it ideal if you’re not dead set on the extra space

What Real Drivers Are Saying: Alex Collantes from Avenue Motors

To get a better perspective on these two vehicles we spoke with Alex Collantes the owner of Avenue Motors car dealership He offered his personal take on the Crosstrek vs Outback debate

“I always tell customers that the Outback is the SUV for those who want everything bigger space power features The Crosstrek on the other hand is like the little brother that’s full of energy nimble and easy on the wallet It’s really about what fits your lifestyle” said Collantes

Final Verdict: Which Subaru Should You Choose?

At the end of the day it boils down to what you need out of your vehicle

Choose the Outback if:

• You need more interior space for family or cargo
• You prefer a more powerful engine especially with turbo options
• You want more standard safety features across trims

Choose the Crosstrek if:

• You’re looking for a smaller more maneuverable vehicle
• Fuel efficiency and lower cost are your priorities
• You love a stylish compact SUV that still handles off-road fun

Ultimately is Crosstrek bigger than Outback? No but it’s also not trying to be The Crosstrek excels in areas like cost and maneuverability while the Outback wins when it comes to space and power Either way you can’t go wrong with a Subaru adventure machine

For more insights check the full breakdown of the Crosstrek and Outback here