The most obvious difference between the Subaru Outback and Subaru Crosstrek is their size. The Crosstrek is a compact SUV with hatchback style that measures out to a 176.4-inch length, up to 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 191.7 inches, width of 74 inches, and height of up to 68.3 inches (including roof rails).

This means the Crosstrek is easier to park on a cramped downtown street and gives it a more nimble driving feel due to its shorter wheelbase and lower driver’s seat. But if you’re heading out on a road trip with family or friends, you’ll appreciate all the extra passenger and cargo space the Outback offers, its off-road capability, and the longer wheelbase and higher seating position that make your ride a little smoother.

Engine power and towing capacity are also key differences between these two crossovers. The Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback are both equipped with the time- and trail-tested SUBARU BOXER^® engine to power their standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems. Every 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 2026 Crosstrek lets you balance fuel economy and horsepower with a standard 2.5-liter engine gives the Crosstrek up to 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque for fun everyday driving. The 2026 Outback offers a standard 2.5-liter engine and an available 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged BOXER engine that provides 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque across a wide power band. The Outback wins on power with 80 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. However, both vehicles’ Wilderness trims provide 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. For shoppers who are looking to tow large boats or cargo trailers, the available turbocharged engine Outback and the Crosstrek Wilderness are clear winners. 

If you’re interested in even greater gas mileage without sacrificing the Subaru performance you’ve come to expect, check out the new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.

At first glance, both the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru 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.

Although both vehicles can seat up to five passengers, the more compact Subaru Crosstrek has less interior space than the midsize Subaru Outback. But the right-sized interior of the Crosstrek still offers up to 100.5 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 54.7 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 112.3 cubic feet of passenger space and up to 80.5 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.

Now you’ve explored some of the major differences in specs and features between the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 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. 

Subaru also offers the Crosstrek Hybrid, delivering enhanced fuel efficiency compared to our traditional gas models.