Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Outback
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-05 · Specs from the manufacturers and fueleconomy.gov
The short answer
The Crosstrek is the budget pick: it starts at $26,995 versus $32,995, is 15.3 in shorter (176.4 vs 191.7 in), rates up to 29 mpg combined versus 27, and offers a 194-hp hybrid. The Outback has far more cargo room (34.6 vs 23.3 cu ft behind the rear seat, 80.5 vs 51.9 max) and a 260-hp turbo. Both have standard AWD and 8.7 in of ground clearance; each tows up to 3,500 lb (Crosstrek Wilderness, Outback turbo).
Key differences
- The Subaru Crosstrek starts $6,000 lower (base MSRP $26,995 vs $32,995, before destination).
- The Outback is 15.3 in longer (176.4 vs 191.7 in).
- Max cargo: 51.9 cu ft (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 80.5 cu ft (Outback).
- Best combined fuel-economy rating: 29 vs 27 mpg (Subaru Crosstrek leads).
- Most powerful version: 194 hp (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 260 hp (Outback).
Crosstrek vs Outback specs side by side
| Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru Outback | |
|---|---|---|
| Model year compared | 2027 | 2027 |
| Base MSRP range (excl. destination) | $26,995–$35,995 | $32,995–$46,595 |
| Destination charge | $1,525 | $1,545 |
| Powertrains (hp / torque) | 2.5L flat-4 (SUBARU BOXER): 180 hp / 178 lb-ft · 2.5L flat-4 series-parallel hybrid: 194 hp | 2.5L flat-4 (SUBARU BOXER): 180 hp / 178 lb-ft · 2.4L turbo flat-4 (SUBARU BOXER): 260 hp / 277 lb-ft |
| Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined) | 2.5L AWD: 26/33/29 mpg · 2.5L AWD (Wilderness): 24/29/26 mpg · Hybrid AWD: 39/36/— mpg | 2.5L AWD: 25/31/27 mpg · 2.4T AWD (Limited XT/Touring XT): 21/29/24 mpg · 2.4T AWD (Wilderness): 21/27/23 mpg |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo behind rear row | 23.3 cu ft | 34.6 cu ft |
| Max cargo (seats folded) | 51.9 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD | Standard | Standard |
| Length | 176.4 in | 191.7 in |
| Width | 70.9 in | 74 in |
| Height | 62.8 in | 67.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 108.1 in |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in | 8.7 in |
- Subaru Crosstrek: Gas-only Sport trim dropped for 2027. Hybrid: 194 hp combined; engine 162 hp / 154 lb-ft, electric motor 118 hp / 199 lb-ft; Subaru publishes no combined system torque (null). 2027 Hybrid city/hwy (39/36) are Subaru's published figures; the 2027 Hybrid is not yet on fueleconomy.gov and no combined figure is published (the MY2026 Hybrid was EPA-rated 36/36/36). Symmetrical AWD standard. Towing 1,500 lbs (3,500 lbs on Wilderness). Height 62.8 in Base, 63.0 in with roof rails, 63.6 in Wilderness; Wilderness width 71.7 in and wheelbase 104.9 in. Width 70.9 in without mirrors (79.4 in including mirrors). Ground clearance 9.3 in on Wilderness. EPA cargo: gas 23.3 / 51.9 cu ft; Hybrid 21.0 / 49.9. Destination $1,525 ($1,675 in Alaska; may vary in CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT).
- Outback: New-generation Outback (launched as MY2026). Symmetrical AWD standard. Towing 2,700 lbs with the 2.5L (Base/Premium/Limited/Touring), 3,500 lbs with the 2.4L turbo (Limited XT/Touring XT/Wilderness). Wilderness: 68.3 in height and 9.5 in ground clearance. Width 74.0 in without mirrors (82.9 in including mirrors). EPA cargo 34.6 behind the 2nd row / 80.5 max. New entry-level Base trim for 2027. Destination $1,545 ($1,695 in Alaska; may vary in CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT).
Reliability and known issues
More on each model
FAQ
Which is better, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Outback?
The Crosstrek is the budget pick: it starts at $26,995 versus $32,995, is 15.3 in shorter (176.4 vs 191.7 in), rates up to 29 mpg combined versus 27, and offers a 194-hp hybrid. The Outback has far more cargo room (34.6 vs 23.3 cu ft behind the rear seat, 80.5 vs 51.9 max) and a 260-hp turbo. Both have standard AWD and 8.7 in of ground clearance; each tows up to 3,500 lb (Crosstrek Wilderness, Outback turbo).
Is the Subaru Crosstrek cheaper than the Outback?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the lower starting price: the 2027 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $26,995 and tops out at $35,995, and the 2027 Outback starts at $32,995 and tops out at $46,595. Those are base MSRPs before destination ($1,525 and $1,545), from the manufacturers.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek bigger than the Outback?
The Subaru Crosstrek is 176.4 in long on a 105.1-in wheelbase; the Outback is 191.7 in on a 108.1-in wheelbase. Maximum cargo space is 51.9 vs 80.5 cu ft. Seating: 5 vs 5.
Which tows more, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Outback?
Both are rated to tow up to 3,500 lb when properly equipped.
Which gets better gas mileage?
Combined ratings: 26–29 mpg for the Subaru Crosstrek and 23–27 mpg for the Outback, depending on powertrain and drivetrain. Figures are EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov, or the manufacturer's estimate where the EPA has not yet listed the new model year (see notes under the table).
Related comparisons
Sources
- Subaru Media — 2027 Subaru Crosstrek pricing announcement
- Subaru Media — 2027 Crosstrek specifications & at-a-glance
- Subaru Media — 2027 Crosstrek Hybrid specifications & at-a-glance
- Subaru — 2027 Crosstrek specs & trims
- fueleconomy.gov — 2027 Crosstrek
- fueleconomy.gov — 2027 Crosstrek Wilderness
- Subaru Media — 2027 Subaru Outback pricing announcement
- Subaru Media — 2027 Outback specifications & at-a-glance
- Subaru — 2027 Outback specs & trims
- fueleconomy.gov — 2027 Outback 2.5L
- fueleconomy.gov — 2027 Outback 2.4L Turbo
- fueleconomy.gov — 2027 Outback Wilderness
"Not published" means the manufacturer has not released that figure for this model year; CarWhere does not estimate missing specs.
Cite this page: CarWhere Research, "Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Outback," carwhere.com/car-comparisons/subaru-crosstrek-vs-subaru-outback.