Both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek embody a similar tough crossover attraction, providing the spaciousness and interior features of a large hatchback or wagon, coupled with dependable all-wheel-drive capabilities and ample ground clearance.
These models give excellent value for the price and boast a robust selection of safety features and notable safety qualifications. However, both could be perceived as lacking in high-mpg hybrid alternatives and Subaru’s somewhat lackluster touchscreen infotainment systems.
Nonetheless, these crossover vehicles share Subaru’s fundamental qualities of sturdiness and longevity, offered at a lower overall price compared to other all-wheel-drive crossovers. While the Outback has a more conventional wagon appearance due to its additional foot in length, the Crosstrek sports a hatchback design—suiting varied buyer preferences. So, which of the two emerges victorious in this sibling face-off? Keep reading to find out.
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Subaru Outback cost and configurations
- Subaru Crosstrek’s price range starts from nearly $27,000 and goes up to close to $34,000.
- Outback begins at around $30,000 and escalates to approximately $44,000.
- The Crosstrek Sport, featuring the larger engine, starts at around $30,500.
Highly recommended choices include the Crosstrek Sport, Outback Premium, along with its numerous feature enhancements, available for about $33,000.
How much does a Subaru Crosstrek cost? Which Crosstrek model should you select?
The Crosstrek and Outback both share standard all-wheel drive, yet they differ in the array of available trims. Both incorporate a robust suite of driver-assist safety technologies, along with compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via cable, and a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
The base Crosstrek, priced at about $27,000, features dual climate control, 17-inch wheels, and a variety of USB-A and USB-C ports. Premium models command an extra $1,150 and come equipped with CarPlay, Android Auto, an enlarged 11.6-inch infotainment system, and an all-weather package that includes heated seats and mirrors, a power sunroof, and blind-spot monitors.
The Crosstrek Sport stands out in the lineup as it introduces the larger 2.5-liter engine, wireless phone charging, sport cloth interior, and an upgraded version of Subaru’s X-Mode traction system, starting at approximately $30,500. Our top choices from the range are the Premium or Sport options as they provide significant extra features without a substantial price increase.
There is ample room for further upgrading. Crosstrek Limited variations sport 18-inch alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat, and several additional active safety features (including blind-spot warnings, active lane control, and rear cross-traffic alert) for approximately $32,000. The Crosstrek Wilderness editions are purposefully tailored for off-road adventures and feature robust aesthetics, concluding the lineup at just under $34,000—excluding the $2,240 Harman Kardon audio package.
How much does a Subaru Outback cost? Which Subaru Outback variant should you opt for?
Commencing at approximately $30,000, the 2025 Subaru Outback’s base model includes keyless entry, adaptive cruise control with active lane control, LED fog lights, and LED steering-responsive headlights. The base version is equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Moving up the ladder, Premium models, priced at about $33,000, offer a more vibrant 11.6-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an expanded selection of USB ports, and rear ventilation.
For an additional $1,400, features such as push-button start, a hands-free power tailgate, and an enhanced assortment of safety aids (inclusive of rear cross-traffic alerts) can be incorporated, making the upgraded version our recommended pick from the lineup at around $34,000.
Onyx Edition models, starting at nearly $38,000, present a gray two-tone appearance with black alloy wheels and water-repellent upholstery, in addition to a heated steering wheel and sunroof among other extras. The Limited edition, priced around $39,000, offers a sunroof, leather upholstery, navigation, and a heated steering wheel.
For roughly $41,000, the Wilderness edition boasts a raised suspension along with off-road equipment and rugged styling features, while the top-tier Touring model, exceeding the Limited model, includes sumptuous leather elements, cooled front seats, and a surround-view monitor.
The Wilderness variant is powered by the robust 2.4-liter turbo engine, which is optionally available on the Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring models, thereby resulting in the Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT respectively, at a cost increment. The supreme Touring XT models top off the range at approximately $44,000.
Advantage: The Crosstrek, for individuals content with a smaller interior.
Crosstrek compared to Outback performance and specifications
- The majority of the Outback lineup is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine generating 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
- Outback Wilderness and XT variants feature a 2.5-liter turbo-4 engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
- The base Crosstrek hosts a 2.0-liter flat-4 engine delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
- Crosstrek Sport models and above house a 2.5-liter flat-4 engine generating 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
How is the driving experience with the Subaru Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek provides a driving experience that entails certain compromises. Nevertheless, if navigating through rugged trails or deep snow forms part of your intended journey, the Crosstrek’s adeptness in off-road environments may meet your requirements.
Each iteration of the Crosstrek is equipped with all-wheel drive at all times, and its X-Mode features hill descent control along with a distinct calibration for traction systems that typically enhances finesse. Sport, Wilderness, Premium variants with the larger 2.5-liter engine incorporate a Deep Snow/Mud mode that permits more wheelspin when beneficial.
The Crosstrek Wilderness trims appear more muscular and rugged externally, and more significantly, they offer genuine off-road capability, with increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and substantial hardware enhancements including a transmission cooler. Moreover, they elevate the tow rating to 3,500 pounds.
For those predominantly driving on paved surfaces, the Crosstrek may be marginally less appealing. The base 2.0-liter engine can seem lethargic during highway passing with this model’s CVT automatic transmission, resulting in a 0-60 mph time exceeding nine seconds. Sport, Wilderness, and Premium trims are notably sprightlier—and slightly more sophisticated in demeanor, as they are less strained during routine daily driving.
On the whole, the Crosstrek provides a comfortable ride. Subaru has softened its suspension in recent times and added sound insulation, although its handling on highways isn’t particularly precise and it can still exhibit a bit of bounce due to its relatively compact wheelbase.
How does the Subaru Outback perform?
- XT turbo models are swift, but the CVT isn’t a great fit
- The Outback lineup emphasizes a plush ride over sporty handling
- Wilderness trims offer increased ground clearance and off-road driving modes
The Subaru Outback isn’t particularly swift—in fact, some would describe it as slow—with its base 182-hp flat-4 engine and CVT automatic transmission. Passing power is scarce and can necessitate some foresight when carrying a full load, but despite this drawback, the CVT complements this engine well.
Outback XT models step up significantly with a 260-hp 2.4-liter turbo flat-4 engine that provides ample torque at lower revs, yet the CVT somehow fails to fully utilize it, resulting in occasional delays before the surge of acceleration kicks in.
All Outbacks feature all-wheel drive, but in Wilderness guise, there is 9.5 inches of ground clearance (0.8 inches more than other models), in addition to a specialized version of Subaru’s X-Mode off-road logic that incorporates a low-speed crawl control. Onyx and Wilderness trims introduce a mode for Dirt and Deep Snow.
The Outback’s notable advantage—especially when compared to the Crosstrek—is its offering of a more composed, almost luxurious ride quality that remains consistent across various road surfaces. It may not excel in sporty handling or cornering abilities, but it doesn’t compromise on family comfort with any of its trim levels.
Advantage: Outback for its refined on-road performance, Crosstrek for its compact Wilderness off-road variant.
Image Source: Jan Zabrodsky / Shutterstock
