Subaru has made a name for itself in the automotive world by producing rugged, reliable vehicles that thrive on rough terrain while offering comfort and practicality for everyday driving. Among Subaru’s most popular offerings are the Crosstrek and the Outback, two cars that have drawn attention for their versatility, off-road capabilities, and solid engineering.
While both the Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Outback share a similar ethos in design, performance, and features, they cater to different needs and preferences in compact SUVs. This comprehensive comparison will look in-depth at the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback across several important categories, including performance, design, interior space, features, pricing, and off-road capability. By the end of this article, you should clearly understand which vehicle better suits your lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Overview: Subaru Crosstrek vs Outback
Before we dive into the detailed comparison, let’s first take a quick overview of each vehicle.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV ideal for those who need a vehicle capable of handling urban roads and off-the-beaten-path adventures. It slots between Subaru’s smaller vehicles, like the Impreza, and larger models, like the Outback. With a higher ground clearance, an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, and compact dimensions, the Crosstrek offers a more urban-friendly alternative to traditional off-road SUVs while maintaining Subaru’s characteristic ruggedness.
Subaru Outback
On the other hand, the Subaru Outback is a midsize crossover SUV that leans more towards the outdoor enthusiast who needs more cargo space and a slightly more refined driving experience. Developed initially as an off-road variant of the Subaru Legacy wagon, the Outback has since evolved into one of the most beloved crossovers in the Subaru lineup, offering a generous blend of comfort, practicality, and performance. It is larger than the Crosstrek, has more interior space, and is designed for those who need extra cargo room and are planning longer road trips or family outings.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The Subaru Crosstrek and the Outback are equipped with Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, making them ideal for tackling various road conditions, including slippery, wet, or snowy surfaces. However, due to their size, engine options, and handling characteristics, the two vehicles offer different experiences regarding performance and driving dynamics.
Subaru Crosstrek Performance
In its base configuration, the Subaru Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing around 152 horsepower. This engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), depending on the trim level. The Crosstrek also offers an upgrade in the form of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine (available in later trims or newer models) that provides more power and torque for a more spirited driving experience.
Despite being smaller and less potent than the Outback, the Crosstrek offers excellent fuel efficiency, with an average highway fuel economy of approximately 34 mpg. Its ground clearance of around 8.7 inches makes it capable of handling light off-roading or unpaved roads while providing a smooth and composed ride on the tarmac.
Subaru Outback Performance
The Subaru Outback offers a more refined driving experience as a larger and more powerful vehicle. It has two engines: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine (producing around 182 horsepower) and a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (producing 260 horsepower) available in higher trims. Both engines are paired with Subaru’s continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to improve fuel efficiency while providing smooth power delivery.
The Outback is quicker and more potent than the Crosstrek, thanks to the increased engine power. It offers a more stable and comfortable ride, especially on long highway drives or when carrying heavier loads. The Outback’s ground clearance of 8.7 inches is the same as the Crosstrek’s, meaning it’s just as capable for off-road or all-weather driving.
Verdict
If you’re after a more nimble and efficient compact SUV for daily commuting or light off-roading, the Crosstrek will serve you well. However, the Outback will be better if you want more power for long trips, towing, or off-roading.
Interior and Comfort
While the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback share a similar interior design philosophy, they differ significantly in space and luxury features. The Outback is more spacious and comfortable, designed to accommodate larger families or those who often carry a lot of gear.
Subaru Crosstrek Interior
Inside, the Crosstrek is surprisingly well-equipped for a compact SUV. It offers seating for five passengers, with comfortable and supportive seats. The rear seats provide ample room for passengers, though taller individuals might find headroom tight. The cabin is well-built with quality materials, though it is not as upscale as the Outback’s. The dashboard design is clean and easy to navigate, with a touchscreen infotainment system (ranging from 6.5 to 8 inches, depending on the trim).
The Crosstrek’s cargo space is decent for a compact crossover, with around 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This makes it suitable for most day-to-day needs, such as grocery runs or weekend getaways.
Subaru Outback Interior
The Outback, being a larger vehicle, offers a more spacious and luxurious cabin. The interior is designed with long road trips and comfort in mind, with higher-quality materials and a more refined feel overall. The Outback provides generous space for both front and rear passengers, with excellent legroom and headroom, making it more comfortable for taller individuals.
The Outback’s cargo space is significantly larger than the Crosstrek’s, with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 75.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This makes it a better option for those needing to transport larger loads, such as camping gear, luggage, or other bulky items.
Both vehicles have various standard and available features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system in higher trims. The Outback, however, offers more advanced technology, including an available 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, making it more modern and user-friendly.
Verdict
The Outback is the winner if you prioritise passenger space and cargo capacity. However, if you’re after a compact SUV with a functional and practical interior, the Crosstrek offers excellent value.
Off-Road Capability
Subaru is known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles, and both the Crosstrek and Outback are equipped with the brand’s Symmetrical AWD system, making them competent for being off-road vehicles. However, there are differences in their off-road capabilities.
Subaru Crosstrek Off-Road Performance
The Subaru Crosstrek is built for off-road enthusiasts who want a compact vehicle that can handle a range of terrains. Its higher ground clearance, standard AWD, and the availability of the X-Mode off-road driving system (in certain trims) make it a solid choice for light off-roading, gravel paths, and snowy or muddy conditions. However, the Crosstrek’s smaller and lighter build limits its capabilities compared to larger SUVs in the Subaru lineup.
Subaru Outback Off-Road Performance
The Subaru Outback is built with the serious adventurer in mind. With a similar ground clearance to the Crosstrek, the Outback has features like X-Mode and Hill Descent Control to improve traction and stability on challenging surfaces. While it is larger and more comfortable on highways, it can also tackle rougher terrains such as dirt roads, rocky trails, and snow-covered paths. The Outback’s greater size and powerful engine options provide more confidence when taking on challenging conditions.
Verdict
The Crosstrek will be sufficient for most light off-road activities and weekend adventures. However, if you plan to take your vehicle on longer, more rugged off-road journeys, the Outback’s added stability and power make it a better option.
Safety Features
Subaru has always been at the forefront of safety, and both the Crosstrek and Outback have many advanced safety features. These features provide peace of mind to drivers and passengers, whether on the highway or off-road.
Both vehicles come with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Both vehicles offer rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, although availability may depend on the trim level.
The Outback does have a slight edge in terms of overall safety, with a slightly larger and more robust frame, which can be beneficial in the event of a collision. Additionally, the Outback’s larger size may offer more protection in some situations.
Verdict
Both vehicles are highly safe, with the Outback offering a slight advantage due to its size and additional safety features in higher trims.
Pricing and Value for Money
Pricing is always an essential factor when choosing between two vehicles, and both the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback offer great value for money. However, there is a clear price difference between the two.
Subaru Crosstrek Pricing
The Subaru Crosstrek is priced lower, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. The base model typically costs around £23,000 to £24,000, with higher trims like the Crosstrek Hybrid pushing the price to around £32,000.
Subaru Outback Pricing
The Subaru Outback starts at a higher price point, typically around £28,000 for the base model. As you move up to higher trims, the price can increase significantly, with fully loaded models reaching prices over £40,000.
Verdict
If you are looking for a more affordable option with strong features, the Crosstrek offers excellent value for money. However, if you are willing to invest more for added comfort, technology, and cargo space, the Outback is worth the extra investment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Outback comes down to your individual needs and priorities. The Crosstrek is a compact, efficient, and budget-friendly option for urban dwellers and light off-road adventurers. On the other hand, the Outback is a more powerful, spacious, and comfortable option that offers superior performance, safety, and off-road capabilities, making it a better choice for families and those who regularly embark on longer road trips or rugged adventures.
Ultimately, both the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback are outstanding vehicles, but your choice depends on how you plan to use it and your budget. Both are backed by Subaru’s reputation for reliability, safety, and versatility, ensuring that whichever you choose, you’re getting a quality vehicle that will serve you well for years to come.