2023 Subaru Outback vs Crosstrek

Two Subaru vehicles with many similarities for buyers to consider are the Outback and Crosstrek. But while these Subarus have a lot in common,

they also have some unique features that will appeal to different types of buyers. The Outback offers you a wagon body style with plenty of storage space in the rear, and the Crosstrek is a more compact SUV. Our Subaru experts here in Mobile, Alabama, took a closer look at the key features of these two vehicles to create a comparison for you. Feel free to contact us to learn more or arrange a test drive.

Engine and Performance

The engines in these two vehicles are similar, but the Outback has the edge in terms of power. The base engine in the Outback is a 2.5-liter flat-four that puts out 182 horsepower. If you’d like some stronger acceleration on the highway, take a look at the 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four, which churns out 260 horsepower. In the Crosstrek, the standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder capable of delivering 152 horsepower. The optional upgrade is the Outback’s base engine, which also generates 182 horsepower in the Crosstrek.

Gas mileage in the Outback is solid, with the base engine getting 32 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg on city roads. Ratings drop slightly if you move up to the turbo-four, which gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg at highway speeds. The Crosstrek can achieve slightly better mileage, with up to 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the base engine and 27 mpg and 34 mpg respectively with the upgr

aded option.

Though its gas mileage isn’t quite as high, the Outback has a clear advantage when it comes to towing. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds compared to the Crosstrek’s 1,500 pounds.

Interior

Both Subarus have room for five passengers to sit across two rows. Their base trims also have similar materials in the cabin, with cloth upholstery provided. Optional upgrades as you move up through the trim ladders include synthetic leather and leather upholstery, heated front seats, and power adjustments for the driver and passenger seats. The Crosstrek and Outback also have two sets of LATCH connectors for adding child car seats in the second row.

The edge for cargo storage goes to the Outback, although the Crosstrek still has a substantial amount of room at the rear. With both rows in use, the Outback can carry up to 32.6 cubic feet of cargo, which should be enough for several suitcases during a summer vacation. With the second row folded flat, you’ll have 75.6 cubic feet to work with, which is more than enough space for bulky household items. Cargo storage in the Crosstrek is 20.8 cubic feet with the rear row in use and 55.3 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat.

Infotainment and Safety Features

The Outback has a more extensive array of infotainment features, starting with a pair of 7-inch touch screens to control the entertainment system and a four-speaker stereo. The Crosstrek has a single 6.5-inch display and a four-speaker stereo. Both vehicles offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Outback has two USB ports compared to one in the Crosstrek’s standard setup.

In the Subaru Crosstrek, you can upgrade to an 8-inch display, an eight-speaker stereo system, a navigation system, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The Outback offers an 11.6-inch display, a 12-speaker stereo, wireless device charging, a navigation system, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Numerous safety features are available in both vehicles, but the Outback has more standard features than the Crosstrek. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection are all standard in the Outback but are only offered in the Crosstrek’s higher trims. The same applies to adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. You can get a rear-seat reminder in both Subarus, which gives you an alert to check the back row so nobody gets left behind before you get out.

Trims and Pricing

The Subaru Outback is available in nine trims, while there are four offered in the Crosstrek lineup. One of the biggest advantages offered by the Crosstrek is its price advantage if you’re shopping on a budget. Subaru’s smallest crossover has a starting MSRP of $23,645, while the Outback starts almost $5,000 higher at $28,395. The extra money gets you a more powerful base engine and more extensive infotainment features. You may find even better prices by taking a look at our new vehicle specials page, where you can get Subaru and exclusive local incentives.

Highlights in the Outback’s long lineup include the Premium trim with the 11.6-inch display, heated front seats, and automatic climate control. The Onyx Edition trim adds synthetic leather upholstery, while you can have genuine leather upholstery and the 12-speaker stereo in the Limited trim. The Wilderness trim gets an off-roading look and adds the more powerful turbocharged engine. You also benefit from increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires to help you tackle those rugged trails.

The first step up the Crosstrek trim ladder from the base trim is the Premium. It features heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The Sport trim is the first one to be equipped with the larger four-cylinder engine. It also benefits from synthetic leather upholstery, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. The Limited trim includes genuine leather upholstery, a larger infotainment display, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Choose a New Outback or Crosstrek at Tameron Subaru

As you can see, there are many reasons to recommend both of these Subaru vehicles. The Crosstrek is a solid pick if you’re shopping on a budget and want a fuel-efficient ride for the daily commute with an adequate amount of storage. The Outback costs a little more but has several improved features, such as a stronger engine lineup, better towing capacity, and more infotainment tech. You can browse the new Outbacks and Crosstreks in our online inventory or drop by our Mobile, Alabama, dealership to check them out for yourself.