Introduction
The Subaru Outback and Subaru Crosstrek stand out in the crowded crossover market, each embodying Subaru’s renowned ruggedness, all-wheel-drive capability, and practicality. Both vehicles blend the versatility of a hatchback or wagon with the adventurous spirit of an SUV, offering ample ground clearance and all-weather confidence. For car buyers seeking a reliable and capable crossover, comparing these two Subaru siblings is essential to determine the best fit. This in-depth comparison dives into their key differences and similarities to help you decide which Subaru crossover car better suits your needs.
Price and Trims: Crosstrek vs. Outback
When comparing crossover cars by price, the Subaru Crosstrek generally starts at a lower price point than the Outback. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek begins at nearly $27,000 and ranges up to approximately $34,000 for the top-tier trims. In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Outback has a starting price around $30,000, reaching up to about $44,000 for the premium models.
The Crosstrek lineup includes base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims, offering a variety of features and capabilities. The Crosstrek Sport, priced from around $31,000, is particularly appealing as it includes a more powerful engine. For value, the Crosstrek Sport and Premium trims are recommended due to their enhanced features without a significant price jump.
The Subaru Outback trim levels consist of base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Wilderness, and Touring. The Outback Premium, starting around $33,000, is considered a strong value pick, adding a larger infotainment screen and more USB ports. For buyers seeking the best value in the Outback range, the Premium trim is highly recommended.
Performance and Specs: Engine and Driving Experience
When comparing crossover cars in terms of performance, the Subaru Outback offers a broader range of engine options. Most Outback trims utilize a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. For enhanced power, the Outback Wilderness and XT models feature a 2.4-liter turbo-4 engine delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
The Subaru Crosstrek, on the other hand, features a 2.0-liter flat-4 engine in its base models, generating 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. However, the Crosstrek Sport and higher trims are equipped with a more potent 2.5-liter flat-4 engine, providing 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, similar to the base Outback engine.
Driving dynamics reveal that the Crosstrek excels in off-road scenarios, especially the Wilderness version with increased ground clearance and specialized X-Mode. While the base Crosstrek engine can feel underpowered for highway passing, the 2.5-liter engine in higher trims offers a more responsive and refined driving experience.
The Outback prioritizes on-road comfort with a softer ride quality. Although the base engine can feel sluggish, the XT models with the turbo engine deliver brisk acceleration. The Outback Wilderness also enhances off-road capability with increased ground clearance and specialized driving modes. Notably, a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is anticipated, promising improved fuel efficiency and performance with a 194 hp hybrid system.
Fuel Economy: MPG Comparison
Fuel efficiency is a key factor when consumers Compare Crossover Cars. The Subaru Crosstrek generally offers better fuel economy compared to the Outback. Most Crosstrek models achieve around 29 mpg combined (27 mpg city/34 mpg highway) with the 2.0-liter engine, and slightly less at 26 mpg combined (25 mpg city/29 mpg highway) with the 2.5-liter engine. The Crosstrek Wilderness variant achieves 27 mpg combined (25 mpg city/29 mpg highway).
In comparison, the Subaru Outback with the 2.5-liter engine gets 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city/29 mpg highway), while the 2.4-liter turbo engine achieves 28 mpg combined (26 mpg city/32 mpg highway). The Outback Wilderness has the lowest fuel economy in the lineup at 23 mpg combined (21 mpg city/26 mpg highway). The upcoming 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid is expected to significantly improve fuel economy, potentially reaching close to 40 mpg.
Size and Specs: Interior and Cargo Space
Size is a critical differentiator when you compare crossover cars. The Subaru Outback is significantly larger than the Crosstrek in both exterior dimensions and interior space. The Outback measures approximately 191 inches in length, classifying it as a mid-size wagon, while the Crosstrek is about 176 inches long, placing it in the compact hatchback category.
The Outback provides 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. It also offers 39.5 inches of rear legroom and a total interior volume of 141.6 cubic feet. The Crosstrek offers 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 54.7 cubic feet with them folded, along with 36.5 inches of rear legroom and a total interior volume of 100.5 cubic feet. The Outback is considerably more spacious, offering greater comfort for passengers and significantly more cargo capacity.
Safety Ratings and Features
Safety is paramount when comparing crossover cars, and both the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback excel in this area. Both models are recognized as IIHS Top Safety Picks and have earned 5-star overall ratings from NHTSA.
However, the IIHS updated moderate overlap frontal and side impact tests revealed slightly different performances. The Crosstrek received a “marginal” rating in the updated moderate overlap test, while the Outback achieved a “good” rating in the updated side impact test, indicating a slight safety edge for the Outback in these specific evaluations.
Both models come standard with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alerts are available on upper trims for both vehicles. The Outback offers slightly better standard safety features and rearward visibility can be enhanced with an optional surround-view camera system.
Styling and Design: Exterior and Interior
When comparing crossover cars on styling, the Subaru Outback presents a more traditional wagon silhouette with a focus on purpose-driven design. While not overtly stylish, its design is functional and recognizable. The interior of the Outback ranges from utilitarian in base trims to more luxurious in the top-tier Touring model, with Onyx and Wilderness trims offering a rugged and stylish appeal.
The Subaru Crosstrek maintains a consistent hatchback shape with sporty design elements inspired by the WRX. The Crosstrek Wilderness trim enhances its visual appeal with rugged wheels, body cladding, and increased ride height. The interior of the Crosstrek is generally utilitarian, with base and outdoorsy trims being particularly well-suited to its character.
Conclusion: Which Crossover Car Wins?
In the comparison of crossover cars, the Subaru Outback and Crosstrek cater to different needs and preferences. The Subaru Outback emerges as the overall winner due to its superior comfort, more extensive feature set, slight safety advantage, and available turbo performance. It earns a higher TCC Rating compared to the Subaru Crosstrek.
However, the Subaru Crosstrek holds its own as a compelling option, particularly for buyers prioritizing fuel economy, off-road capability in a smaller package, and a lower price point. For those who don’t require the extra space of the Outback, the Crosstrek offers a nimble and efficient crossover experience. The upcoming Crosstrek Hybrid could further enhance its appeal by addressing the desire for higher MPG in the Subaru crossover lineup. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Winner: Subaru Outback.
