The Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback are beloved by drivers for their all-terrain traction, advanced safety features, roomy comfort, and all the dependability that comes with a Subaru vehicle. If you’re comparing these two popular SUVs, you’ve probably noticed the similarities: standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology.
They even offer some of the same convenient features like available heated front seats and SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia with available wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. But there are some key contrasts between them which we'll examine below to help you find your perfect SUV.
Which is bigger: Crosstrek or Outback?
The most obvious difference between the Outback and Crosstrek is their size. The Crosstrek is a compact SUV with hatchback style that measures out to a 176.4-inch length, 71.7-inch width, and up to 63.6-inch height (including roof rails). The Outback, on the other hand, is a midsize SUV, which is larger in every dimension with a length of up to 191.9 inches, width of up to 74.6 inches, and height of up to 66.9 inches (including roof rails).
This means the Crosstrek is easier to park on a cramped downtown street and gives it a slightly nimbler driving feel due to its shorter wheelbase and lower driver’s seat. But if you’re heading out on a national park road trip with family or friends, you’ll appreciate all the extra passenger and cargo space the Outback offers, and its longer wheelbase and higher seating position can make the ride a little smoother.
2024 Premium shown
Length:
176.4 inches
Width:
Up to 71.7 inches
Height:
Up to 63.6 inches
Wheelbase:
Up to 105.1 inches
Base Curb Weight:
3,277 – 3,369 pounds
Length:
Up to 191.9 inches
Width:
Up to 74.6 inches
Height:
Up to 66.9 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Base Curb Weight:
3,641 - 3,946 pounds
Which has a more powerful engine and greater towing capacity: Crosstrek or Outback?
Engine power and towing capacity are also key differences between these two crossovers. The Crosstrek and Outback are both equipped with the time- and trail-tested SUBARU BOXER® engine to power their standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems. Every SUBARU BOXER engine is built with a unique horizontal layout, giving both vehicles a lower center of gravity and a finely tuned balance between power and fuel efficiency.
The Crosstrek lets you prioritize fuel economy or horsepower with a choice between 2.0- or 2.5-liter direct-injection engines. The available 2.5-liter engine gives the Crosstrek up to 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque for fun everyday driving. The Outback offers a standard 2.5-liter engine and an available 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine that provides 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque across a wide power band. The Outback wins on power with 78 more available horsepower than the Crosstrek. For towing capacity, the Outback also comes out on top with 2,700 pounds for 2.5-liter models and 3,500 pounds for turbocharged models, compared to the Crosstrek with 1,500 pounds
Engine:
2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
Available 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
Horsepower:
152 hp at 6,000 rpm (2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine)
182 hp at 5,800 rpm (2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine)
Towing Capacity
1,500 pounds
3,500 pounds (Wilderness)
Engine:
2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
(Available 2.4-liter Turbocharged SUBARU
BOXER engine)
Horsepower:
182 hp at 5,800 rpm (2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine)
260 hp at 5,600 rpm (2.4-liter Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine)
Towing Capacity
2,700 to 3,500 pounds
Which has more ground clearance: Crosstrek or Outback?
At first glance, both the Crosstrek and Outback seem evenly matched on ground clearance at 8.7 inches, which lets them rise above terrain and deep snow for even more standard off-road capability. But for those looking for more adventure-ready SUVs, the Outback Wilderness trim features rugged upgrades that include 9.5 inches of ground clearance and a standard front skid plate so you can explore rougher trails. The Crosstrek Wilderness has the same durable features, but with a ground clearance of 9.3 inches.
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Wilderness Ground Clearance:
9.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Wilderness Ground Clearance:
9.5 inches
Which has more passenger and cargo space: Crosstrek or Outback?
Although both vehicles can seat up to five passengers, the more compact Crosstrek has less interior space than the midsize Outback. But the right-sized interior of the Crosstrek still offers up to 100.5 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 54.9 cubic feet of versatile cargo space with the standard 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks lowered. The Outback maximizes its longer layout with up to 109 cubic feet of passenger space and up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo room with its similar rear seatbacks folded. While both SUVs give you loads of room to bring along endless combinations of people and gear, the Outback gives you the most room for hauling cargo.
Passengers:
Seating for up to 5
Maximum Cargo Space:
Up to 54.9 cubic feet
Interior Passenger Room:
99 cubic feet (Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims with moonroof)
100.5 cubic feet (Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims without moonroof)
Passenger Legroom:
42.9 inches (front)
36.5 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
Up to 39.8 inches (front)
Up to 38.0 inches (rear)
Passengers:
Seating for up to 5
Maximum Cargo Space:
75.6 cubic feet
Interior Passenger Room:
107.5 cubic feet (Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, Wilderness, and Touring XT trims with moonroof)
109 cubic feet (Base, Premium, Limited, and Wilderness trims without moonroof)
Passenger Legroom:
42.8 inches (front)
39.5 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
Up to 40.1 inches (front)
39.1 inches (rear)
Build and Price
Now you’ve explored some of the major differences in specs and features between the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback, but online research can only take you so far. Each vehicle has its own unique personality, driving feel, and customization options. You can start by building your own Crosstrek and Outback with our online tools and try each vehicle out in a test drive at your local retailer to find the Subaru SUV that’s perfect for you.
MSRP:
$25,195 - $32,195*
MPG:
Up to 34/27 MPG highway/city**
Sport shown
MSRP:
$28,895 - $42,795*
MPG:
Up to 32/26 MPG highway/city**
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Alpine Green
+ $395 paint upgrade
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Geyser Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Lithium Red Pearl
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Offshore Blue Metallic
+ $395 paint upgrade
Pure Red
Sapphire Blue Pearl
Sun Blaze Pearl
Autumn Green Metallic
Brilliant Bronze Metallic
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Crimson Red Pearl
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Dark Mahogany Pearl
Geyser Blue
Ice Silver Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Base
Premium
Sport
Limited
Wilderness
Base
Premium
Onyx Edition
Limited
Touring
Onyx Edition XT
Wilderness
Limited XT
Touring XT
A commitment to safety is something the Crosstrek and Outback share. They’re both built with trusted Subaru safety engineering like the Subaru Global Platform. Both the Crosstrek and Outback are built on this protective architecture, which uses high-strength steel to provide durable crash protection and rigidity. They are also both equipped with industry-leading active safety systems like standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which gives you an extra set of eyes on the road and, if need be, an extra foot on the brake when you drive
The Crosstrek and Outback both feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across every trim for outstanding capability. The balanced design of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive creates uniform stability and delivers an optimal distribution of power for maximum traction in virtually any weather or road condition. It delivers better handling, improved efficiency, and a quicker response to road conditions than competitors’ optional systems.
X-MODE®, also standard on both vehicles, works in conjunction with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to optimize your traction on slippery surfaces and includes Hill Descent Control, which helps you descend difficult grades. Select Crosstrek and Outback trims offer an enhanced dual-function X-MODE that lets you choose settings for specific conditions like deep snow, dirt, and mud.
The Crosstrek and Outback both use the Subaru Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT system features two pulleys that can vary in width connected by a steel chain. By changing this width, the CVT can create an infinite “gearing” across its range, which lets it continuously and smoothly adapt to performance demand by keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range. Both vehicles also offer available (Crosstrek) and standard (Outback) manual modes, which allow you to move through these “gears” using paddle shifters and give you more precise engine control.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Transmission
2024 Subaru Outback Transmission
Like every new Subaru, the Crosstrek and Outback feature two standard warranties. The Subaru Limited Factory Warranty provides limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the Powertrain Warranty covers the engine, transmission, and all-wheel drive and lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
You can also purchase extended coverage for both vehicles through the Subaru Added Security Program, which offers two different plans. The Classic Plan covers major parts, including the engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), and transmission (as well as towing and car rental), while the Gold Plus Plan adds coverage to air conditioning, electrical, steering, front suspension, brakes, and other systems.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Multimedia Touchscreens
2024 Subaru Outback Multimedia Touchscreens
The size difference between the compact Crosstrek crossover and the Outback midsize SUV are reflected in the vehicles’ fuel efficiency. Both vehicles have excellent gas mileage, thanks to Subaru’s expertly engineered BOXER engine design. However, as the smaller and lighter vehicle, the Crosstrek does have the advantage in this area, with the Base and Premium trims boasting 34/27 MPG highway/city. The Outback’s Base and Premium trims come close, with 32/26 MPG highway/city, but the rugged Wilderness trim’s efficiency declines to 26/21 MPG highway/city. When you select each vehicle's rugged Wilderness trims, fuel efficiency declines to 26/21 MPG highway/city (Outback Wilderness) and 29/25 MPG highway/city (Crosstrek Wilderness).
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Miles Per Gallon**
2024 Subaru Outback Miles Per Gallon**
The larger size of the Outback means it can also fit a larger gas tank, giving it a fuel capacity of 18.5 gallons. With its gas mileage of 32 highway and 26 city MPG**, that means it can reach over 590 miles
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Fuel Capacity:
16.6 gallons
Driving Range:
Over 560 miles
2024 Subaru Outback
Fuel Capacity:
18.5 gallons
Driving Range:
Over 590 miles