Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Outback Specs: Which Subaru SUV is Right for You?

When it comes to rugged and reliable SUVs Subaru always manages to stand out with its impressive lineup Whether you're considering the Subaru Crosstrek or the Subaru Outback both models bring unique strengths to the table But which one is better suited for your needs In this in-depth comparison we’ll break down the specs features and quirks of these popular SUVs to help you make the right choice Buckle up and let’s dive into the ultimate showdown of Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Outback specs

Engine and Performance: Powering Your Adventures

Subaru Crosstrek Performance

The Subaru Crosstrek is known for its versatility and agile handling making it a great option for city drivers and weekend warriors alike It comes with two engine options:

1. Base Engine: The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which provides smooth shifts but can feel a bit sluggish when you need quick acceleration
2. Upgraded Engine: For those craving a bit more pep the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine available in higher trims cranks out 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque giving the Crosstrek a much-needed boost in power

Pros of the Crosstrek Performance

• Agile handling and compact size make it easy to navigate tight urban spaces
• Impressive fuel efficiency with up to 34 mpg on the highway with the 2.0-liter engine
• Standard all-wheel drive for confidence in various weather conditions

Cons of the Crosstrek Performance

• The base engine can feel underpowered especially when fully loaded with passengers and gear
• CVT can be noisy and droning during hard acceleration
• Not exactly a speed demon—expect to merge onto highways with patience

Subaru Outback Performance

The Outback takes the Crosstrek’s rugged spirit and cranks it up a notch Designed for those who love adventure but also appreciate comfort this model offers two engine choices:

1. Standard Engine: A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine provides 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque—yes the same one found in the upgraded Crosstrek trim
2. Turbocharged Engine: Need more power Consider the 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a hefty 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque This engine transforms the Outback into a surprisingly quick and responsive SUV

Pros of the Outback Performance

• Turbocharged engine option provides excellent acceleration and power when you need it
• Smooth ride quality even on rough roads thanks to the longer wheelbase and improved suspension
• Slightly higher towing capacity up to 3500 lbs with the turbo engine

Cons of the Outback Performance

• The standard engine is adequate but feels slightly sluggish when carrying heavy loads
• Bigger size makes it a bit more cumbersome in tight parking situations
• Fuel efficiency takes a hit with the turbo engine option

Interior and Cargo Space: Room to Roam

Subaru Crosstrek Interior

Inside the Crosstrek you’ll find a comfortable and functional cabin though it might feel a bit cozy for larger families Here’s a closer look:

• Passenger Space: The Crosstrek seats up to five with good legroom in the front but the back seats can feel cramped for taller adults especially on longer trips
• Cargo Capacity: Offers up to 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats which expands to 55.3 cubic feet when folded flat—plenty for groceries weekend gear or a couple of bags but if you’re a serious packer you might feel a bit squeezed
• Technology: Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay Android Auto and a user-friendly interface but not the most tech-savvy screen out there

Pros of the Crosstrek Interior

• Comfortable seating with good visibility for the driver
• Easy-to-use controls and logical layout make driving more intuitive
• Durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of active lifestyles

Cons of the Crosstrek Interior

• Limited cargo space compared to larger SUVs in its class
• Rear seats are a bit tight for adults especially on long drives
• Base infotainment screen feels a little small and dated

Subaru Outback Interior

Step into the Outback and you’ll immediately notice the difference in space and comfort It’s more akin to a mid-size SUV with its generous interior:

• Passenger Space: Offers ample room for five passengers with generous legroom even for those in the back Making it great for family road trips or hauling around friends
• Cargo Capacity: With 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 75.7 cubic feet with the seats down the Outback is practically a cargo hauler disguised as a family SUV
• Technology: Available 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with split-screen functionality gives the Outback a modern feel though it’s not immune to the occasional tech glitch

Pros of the Outback Interior

• Spacious and comfortable cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo
• Modern tech options including an available Harman Kardon sound system for audiophiles
• Sleek design that feels more upscale compared to the Crosstrek

Cons of the Outback Interior

• Infotainment system can be buggy at times responding slowly to touch inputs
• Some might find the materials a bit too utilitarian for a vehicle at this price point
• Taller ride height means climbing in and out could be awkward for shorter passengers

Safety and Driver Assistance: Staying Secure on the Road

Subaru Crosstrek Safety Features

Subaru takes safety seriously and the Crosstrek is no exception All trims come equipped with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which includes:

• Pre-Collision Braking
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Warning

In addition higher trims add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert making the Crosstrek a solid choice for safety-conscious drivers

Crosstrek Safety Pros

• EyeSight system is standard across the board offering advanced safety features even on base models
• High crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA
• Compact size makes it easy to maneuver and park in crowded areas

Crosstrek Safety Cons

• Rear visibility is somewhat compromised by thick pillars and a small back window
• Standard rearview camera is decent but the resolution could be sharper
• Advanced safety features only come with higher trims which bumps up the price

Subaru Outback Safety Features

The Outback also gets Subaru’s EyeSight system as standard but it goes further with additional options:

• DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System helps keep an eye on drivers showing signs of fatigue or distraction
• Reverse Automatic Braking available on upper trims can prevent those dreaded parking lot mishaps

Outback Safety Pros

• Extensive suite of safety features standard and available
• DriverFocus system is a standout tech that could prevent accidents before they happen
• Solid crash test scores make it one of the safest SUVs on the road

Outback Safety Cons

• Advanced safety tech can be over-sensitive especially when it comes to lane-keeping assist
• Some drivers report that the DriverFocus alerts can feel a bit nagging at times
• Larger size makes parking sensors a must to avoid accidental scrapes

Pricing and Value: Bang for Your Buck

Subaru Crosstrek Pricing

The Crosstrek is one of the more affordable entries into the Subaru family which is part of its broad appeal Here’s a breakdown:

1. Base Model: Starts around $24,000 making it an accessible option for first-time SUV buyers or those on a budget
2. Premium and Sport Models: These add more features like heated seats and a sunroof pushing the price into the $27,000-$29,000 range
3. Limited Trim: Topping out near $31,000 this model includes leather upholstery upgraded tech and the more powerful engine

Pros of Crosstrek Pricing

• Affordable entry-level pricing compared to competitors
• Offers a good blend of features without breaking the bank
• Great resale value thanks to Subaru’s reputation for reliability

Cons of Crosstrek Pricing

• Higher trims can get pricey especially when you add options
• Some features like leather seats and advanced safety tech are locked behind the more expensive trims
• For the price, you might still wish for a little more punch under the hood

Subaru Outback Pricing

The Outback commands a higher starting price but it also offers more in terms of space and power:

1. Base Model: Kicks off around $28,000 slightly pricier than the Crosstrek but justifiable given the extra room and features
2. Onyx Edition XT: With the turbocharged engine and additional off-road capability this trim runs close to $36,000
3. Touring XT: The top-of-the-line trim can soar past $42,000 but comes fully loaded with all the bells and whistles

Pros of Outback Pricing

• Value-packed trims with plenty of standard features from the get-go
• More SUV for your money especially if you need the extra space and power
• Holds value well over time thanks to its loyal following

Cons of Outback Pricing

• Can get quite expensive with higher trims and options especially with the turbo engine
• You’ll pay a premium for features that come standard in some rivals
• Might be overkill if you don’t need the extra space or power

Fuel Efficiency: Saving at the Pump

Subaru Crosstrek Fuel Economy

• 2.0-liter engine: Up to 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway which is quite impressive for an AWD vehicle
• 2.5-liter engine: Slightly lower at 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway but still excellent compared to most SUVs

Subaru Outback Fuel Economy

• 2.5-liter engine: A respectable 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway though the Outback’s size means it’s a little thirstier than the Crosstrek
• 2.4-liter turbo engine: Comes in at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway a reasonable trade-off for the extra power

Conclusion: Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Outback Specs

Choosing between the Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Outback specs really comes down to what you need from an SUV If you’re looking for something nimble efficient and reasonably priced the Crosstrek is a fantastic choice Alex Collantes the owner of Avenue Motors car dealership sums it up well “The Crosstrek is perfect for people who want that classic Subaru ruggedness but in a smaller package” But if you crave more space power and advanced features the Outback is hard to beat As Alex also notes “The Outback is like the Crosstrek’s bigger bolder cousin—it’s ready for anything”

Still undecided? Dive deeper into the detailed specs by checking out this comparison to see exactly how these two Subaru models stack up for your lifestyle

Both the Crosstrek and Outback bring a lot to the table so it’s really about which features matter most to you Whether you’re exploring city streets or hitting the trails one of these Subarus is sure to fit your needs and have you driving with a smile