2018 Subaru Outback vs Crosstrek

Performance

Both the Outback and the Crosstrek offer efficient, reliable performance. With options ranging from 176-256 HP, the Outback easily outshines the 152 HP Crosstrek engine. On the other hand, the Crosstrek offers better fuel economy, especially in the city.

Both vehicles use an all wheel drive drivetrain, giving you better traction and handling on rough roads. One of the features of the Crosstrek worth noting is its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This improves its handling as well as its fuel economy, offering a smooth, quiet ride.

If you’re looking to maximize performance, your best bet is an Outback with a V6 engine. Its 252 horsepower engine has plenty of power, but it only averages around 22 MPG. If you’re looking for a smaller crossover with better fuel economy, the Crosstrek gets 29-30 MPG. The Outback is only available with automatic transmissions, while the Crosstrek offers both manual and automatic trims.

Appearance

The 2018 Crosstrek and Outback resemble each other, but the Outback is noticeably larger. Long Subaru’s most popular vehicle, the chassis of the 2018 Outback remains large unchanged. The Crosstrek has been completely redesigned for 2018, however, looking less like a sedan and more like a wagon than previous iterations.

Although the larger Outback boasts 73 cubic feet of room in back, the Crosstrek is no slacker. With over 55 cubic feet of room in back, the Crosstrek is quite a bit more spacious than other similar crossovers. Both vehicles offer 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

Features

Both vehicles offer a comparable set of standard features. These include cloth seats, four-speaker stereos, a Starlink infotainment display screen on your dashboard, and USB ports for charging or connecting your flash drive for music.

There are also a number of optional trims for both crossovers, including an upgraded infotainment system with better app support, a larger speaker system and a moon roof. The Outback does have some deluxe trim options lacking in the Crosstrek, such as leather seating, but that isn’t a big deal for most drivers.

As far as safety features are concerned, both Subarus follow industry-leading standards. Standard safety features include seven airbags, four-wheel ABS and disk brakes, brake assist, traction control and child safety locks. The Outback does rate slightly higher in crash test ratings, but that’s likely due to its larger size. The Crossover also performs well in crash ratings.

If you have any questions about either of these vehicles, we’d be happy to help you. Visit or call Bob Wade Subaru any time, and we’ll get you the information you need to make the right choice for your family.