Choosing the right can be a challenge because many Subarus are so similar. Take Crosstrek and Outback, for example. They are both five-seater, for the most part, sturdy. But there are some key differences between each, and one is bigger. Which is bigger, Subaru Crosstrek or Outback?
The Crosstrek is the smallest Subaru
It is 176.9 inches long and 71 inches wide. The Crosstrek is the shorter and narrower of the two by a few inches. The Outback is 191.1 inches long and 73 inches wide. This results in three inches less legroom in the rear of the Crosstrek than the Outback. Both have a similar room up front.
, the Crosstrek’s cargo space is limited. The seats fold, but don’t fold completely flat. Holds 55.3 cubic feet of goodies. The Outback holds 75.6 cubic feet of stuff in its longest cargo hold. Both, however, have similar reliability ratings to .
The Crosstrek also features a smaller engine
The Crosstrek comes with a standard 152-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s tied to a CVT, or continuously variable transmission, so it has no gears. It can also be ordered with a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder that jazzes up the more affordable Subaru. However, the Crosstrek offers a manual transmission, making it an enjoyable rarity in the modern world. Still, that rat engine gives the base Crosstrek stellar fuel economy, with 28 mpg city and 33 highway.
Even the Outback has. You can order one with a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter engine or a 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The Outback also has a CVT standard. But, because it’s larger, you can expect gas mileage to take a hit, and you’ll see 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway.
Incidentally, the Crosstrek can only tow 1,500 pounds, while the Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The smallest Crosstrek has the lowest price
The Subaru Crosstrek. That base model, however, is quite austere. Upgrading to the Sport model for $27,995 you get Subaru’s StarTex trim, push-button start and, critically, the 182-horsepower engine. The Limited has all the options and starts at $29,495.
It comes as a plug-in hybrid, but it’s really a different beast as it starts at $36,845. It has even less room in the back due to the battery pack.
The 2023 Outback is more expensive, starting at $28,395. While that version is well-equipped, the Premium at $30,695 comes with more things people want, like the bigger screen, dual-zone climate control, and several charging ports, including USB-C and USB-A. The $39,695 Outback Limited XT and Touring trims include the 260-horsepower engine, navigation, and even a heated steering wheel.
