5 Reasons to Choose Between the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback: A Complete Guide

Are you stuck deciding between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Outback? Well, you're not alone It's a debate that has driven many car buyers to stare blankly at the dealership lot wondering which one is the right fit Don't worry we've got you covered Whether you're looking for the rugged appeal of the Outback or the compact versatility of the Crosstrek this guide will help you make the best choice for your lifestyle Let's dive into the details comparing these two popular Subaru models to see which one deserves a spot in your driveway

Comparing the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback: Key Differences

The Subaru Crosstrek and Outback are both excellent vehicles in their own right but they cater to slightly different audiences Before jumping into the nitty-gritty let's get a quick overview of each model

Subaru Crosstrek Overview

The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV that's great for city driving with a splash of off-road capability It's a small package but don't let its size fool you the Crosstrek is designed to handle a lot more than your typical commute

• Engine Options: 2.0L 4-cylinder and 2.5L 4-cylinder engines
• Horsepower: 152 hp (2.0L) and 182 hp (2.5L)
• Fuel Efficiency: Up to 34 MPG on the highway
• Cargo Space: 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats

Subaru Outback Overview

The Subaru Outback is the larger sibling to the Crosstrek known for its spacious interior and smooth ride It’s perfect for families adventurers and anyone needing extra room for gear or groceries

• Engine Options: 2.5L 4-cylinder and 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engines
• Horsepower: 182 hp (2.5L) and 260 hp (turbo)
• Fuel Efficiency: Up to 33 MPG on the highway
• Cargo Space: 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats

Which One Should You Choose Subaru Crosstrek vs Outback?

Both cars are great but they serve different needs Here's a closer look at some factors you might consider when choosing between the Crosstrek and Outback

Price and Value for Money

If your budget is tight the Crosstrek is a bit easier on the wallet The starting price for a Crosstrek is usually lower than the Outback making it a more accessible entry point for many buyers The Outback on the other hand offers more space and power so you’re getting more car—but you'll pay more for it too

1. Subaru Crosstrek Starting Price: Around $24,000
2. Subaru Outback Starting Price: Around $28,000

Pros:

• Crosstrek: Affordable and great fuel efficiency
• Outback: More features and a larger size for the price

Cons:

• Crosstrek: Fewer standard features compared to the Outback
• Outback: Higher starting price can be a stretch for some budgets

Driving Experience and Performance

When it comes to performance the Outback has a clear edge thanks to its more powerful engine options The turbocharged variant can be particularly fun to drive if you’re looking for some pep in your step The Crosstrek however is no slouch it just leans more towards efficiency than raw power

3. Engine Performance:
   • Crosstrek: Feels nimble in urban settings but lacks punch on the highway
   • Outback: Strong acceleration especially with the turbo engine

Pros:

• Crosstrek: Easy to maneuver in tight spaces
• Outback: Smooth powerful ride for longer trips

Cons:

• Crosstrek: Can feel sluggish when fully loaded or climbing steep hills
• Outback: Larger size can be tricky in crowded parking lots

Interior and Cargo Space

If you regularly haul a lot of stuff the Outback is the clear winner Its cargo space outshines the Crosstrek making it the better choice for road trips or camping adventures The Crosstrek's cargo area is still decent but it’s better suited for day-to-day errands than cross-country excursions

4. Interior Space:
   • Crosstrek: Cozy cabin with adequate space for passengers
   • Outback: More legroom and headroom plus a spacious cargo area

Pros:

• Crosstrek: Compact yet surprisingly roomy for its size
• Outback: Tons of room for passengers and gear

Cons:

• Crosstrek: Limited cargo space means less room for bulkier items
• Outback: Feels a bit like driving a small boat sometimes—it’s a lot of car!

Off-Road Capabilities

Both the Crosstrek and Outback come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive making them great choices for off-road enthusiasts But here's where the Outback shines: it has higher ground clearance and more robust off-road features like the dual-function X-MODE on higher trims The Crosstrek can still handle some dirt and gravel but it’s more of a soft-roader

5. Off-Road Features:
   • Crosstrek: Ground clearance of 8.7 inches good for light trails
   • Outback: Ground clearance of 8.7 inches but with more advanced off-road tech

Pros:

• Crosstrek: Handles basic off-road tasks and winter roads with ease
• Outback: Better suited for tougher terrains and serious adventure

Cons:

• Crosstrek: Not as rugged as it looks—it's more of a city dweller with a wild streak
• Outback: You might feel like you need a flannel shirt and a beard just to drive it (kidding...sort of)

Safety Features and Reliability

Safety is a big deal in the Subaru world and both the Crosstrek and Outback deliver Each vehicle comes equipped with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology a suite of safety features like adaptive cruise control lane departure warning and pre-collision braking The Outback however has a slight edge with additional available features such as DriverFocus which helps detect distracted or drowsy driving

Safety Highlights

• Crosstrek: Includes standard EyeSight technology on most trims
• Outback: Available DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System

Pros:

• Crosstrek: Solid safety features even on lower trims
• Outback: More advanced options for those who want extra peace of mind

Cons:

• Crosstrek: Some of the advanced safety features are only available on higher trims
• Outback: The added tech can sometimes feel like it's doing the driving for you

Fuel Efficiency and Cost of Ownership

For many buyers fuel efficiency can be a deal-breaker Here’s the scoop—the Crosstrek is the winner when it comes to sipping gas Its smaller engine and lighter weight make it more economical especially in city driving The Outback is no gas guzzler but it's a bit thirstier particularly the turbocharged version

Fuel Economy Comparison

• Crosstrek: Up to 34 MPG on the highway
• Outback: Up to 33 MPG on the highway

Pros:

• Crosstrek: Great gas mileage that’s easy on the wallet
• Outback: Decent fuel economy considering its size

Cons:

• Crosstrek: It’s economical but don’t expect to win any races
• Outback: You’ll pay a bit more at the pump especially if you go for the turbo

What Do the Experts Say?

According to Alex Collantes the owner of Avenue Motors car dealership “Both the Crosstrek and Outback have their strengths It really depends on what you need If you want something compact that’s easy to park and economical the Crosstrek is fantastic But if you need more space and don’t mind a bigger vehicle the Outback is hard to beat”

To get more insights on this topic check out subaru crosstrek versus outback for a detailed comparison

Final Verdict: Which Subaru is Right for You?

Choosing between the Crosstrek and Outback comes down to what you prioritize Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

• Pick the Crosstrek If:

  • You’re looking for a budget-friendly SUV
  • Fuel efficiency is a top priority
  • You need something easy to maneuver in the city

• Pick the Outback If:

  • You want more space for passengers and cargo
  • You love the idea of off-roading or camping adventures
  • You prefer a more powerful engine and extra safety tech

In the end both vehicles deliver on Subaru’s promise of reliability and versatility Whether you’re trekking through the mountains or navigating city streets you’ll find a capable companion in either the Crosstrek or Outback Now get out there and take a test drive—your next adventure awaits!