2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback | Features & Specs Compared in Moline, IL

Adventure comes in two styles: the agile 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the versatile 2025 Subaru Outback, each ready to carry you confidently through every journey. These highly capable, two-row, five-passenger SUVs are thoughtfully designed with sophisticated features and style. In this guide from McLaughlin Subaru, we compare the similarities and differences between the 2025 Crosstrek and Outback to help you decide which Subaru matches your adventurous spirit.

For deeper details on performance, features, and specifications, explore our full Crosstrek review, as well as our comprehensive Outback review.

Discover the compact Crosstrek SUV and the mid-size Outback SUV in our new inventory. Visit our Subaru dealership in Moline, IL, to explore our selection in person and take your preferred model for a test drive. Have questions? Reach out to our associates online or by giving us a call at (309) 797-5654.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Exterior Design

From city streets to winding trails, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback exteriors showcase their capability before you step inside. The Crosstrek and Outback are standard with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, LED steering-responsive headlights, and power side mirrors. The Crosstrek delivers a sportier stance with its lower profile, while the Outback stretches into a longer, wagon-inspired style built for extra versatility.

Purpose-built for those who venture beyond the pavement, the Wilderness models boast rugged design details that signal their trail-ready spirit. The 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness and Outback Wilderness feature enhanced ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and a retuned suspension.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek Standard Exterior Features:

• 17-in. aluminum alloy wheels
• LED steering-responsive headlights
• Power-adjustable, manually foldable side mirrors
• Roof cross-bar mounting points
• Roof spoiler

2025 Subaru Crosstrek Available Exterior Features:

• 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels
• LED fog lights
• Heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Raised roof rails
• Power tilt/sliding moonroof (optional)

2025 Subaru Outback Standard Exterior Features:

• 17-in. aluminum alloy wheels
• LED steering-responsive headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• LED fog lights
• Power-adjustable, manually foldable side mirrors
• Raised roof rails

2025 Subaru Outback Available Exterior Features:

• 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels
• Power-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Hands-free power rear gate
• Power tilt/sliding moonroof (included on select trims)

2025 Crosstrek Wilderness and Outback Wilderness Exterior Features:

• Metal front skid plate
• Yokohama GEOLANDAR® all-terrain tires
• 17-in. matte black-finished aluminum alloy wheels
• Anodized Copper-finish accents
• Matte black anti-glare hood decal
• Hexagonal-style LED fog lights

Exterior Length Differences

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek offers a compact 176.4-inch exterior length and an 8.7- or 9.3-inch ground clearance, which makes navigating through narrow streets and trails effortless. In contrast, the 2025 Outback has a longer 191.9-inch length and an 8.7- or 9.5-inch ground clearance for a more commanding on-road presence.

See the differences in length between the 2025 Crosstrek and the 2025 Outback in the following table.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Interior Design

Experience refined comfort and a spacious layout in the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback cabins. The interior designs of the 2025 Crosstrek and Outback offer premium materials such as cloth, StarTex® water-repellent, and leather seat upholstery, as well as contrast yellow or orange accents depending on the trim. The Crosstrek emphasizes a compact, intimate atmosphere, and the Outback prioritizes generous passenger space and enhanced cargo capacity.

Shared Standard Interior Features of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Subaru Outback:

• Cloth seat upholstery
• Manually-adjustable front seats
• 60/40-split flat-folding rear-seat backs
• Cargo area bag hooks and tie-downs
• Keyless entry

2025 Subaru Crosstrek Available Interior Features:

• StarTex, sport cloth, and leather seat upholstery
• Ten-way power driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Yellow or orange contrast stitching
• Simulated carbon fiber trim
• Retractable cargo cover

2025 Subaru Outback Available Interior Features:

• StarTex, leather, and Nappa leather seat upholstery
• 12-way power driver's seat
• Eight-way power front passenger's seat
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Retractable cargo cover
• Heated steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror

2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Technology

Premium infotainment tech in the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback keeps you entertained and informed on every drive. The 2025 Crosstrek and Outback are available with dual 7- or single 11.6-inch displays, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and wireless device charging. Both SUVs also offer four or six speakers, while the Outback includes a Harman Kardon® sound system on top trim levels.

Shared Standard Tech of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Subaru Outback:

• Subaru Multimedia system with dual 7-in. displays
• Four-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• HD Radio™
• Bluetooth®
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability
• Front USB-A ports

Shared Available Tech of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Subaru Outback:

• Subaru Multimedia Plus or Multimedia Navigation system
• 11.6-in. multimedia display
• Six-speaker audio system
• Harman Kardon audio system (optional on Crosstrek, included on top Outback trims)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless device charging
• Front and rear USB-A and USB-C ports
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability

Tech Exclusively Available on the 2025 Subaru Outback:

• CD player

2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Dimensions & Seating

Designed for trips of any distance, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback are built to comfortably carry you, your travel companions, and gear. The 2025 Crosstrek and Outback seat five passengers and include a flat-folding rear-seat back for easily configurable cargo space. In both SUVs, front-row legroom is comparable, but the Outback offers 3 inches more rear legroom than the Crosstrek.

See the differences in seating and cargo capacities between the 2025 Crosstrek and the 2025 Outback in the following table.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback MPG & Towing Capacity

Adventure-ready capability starts under the hood of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback. The 2025 Crosstrek and Outback each offer two SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engines paired with a Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT), and symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD). Both models also include Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE®) performance dynamics and X-MODE® engine management system for more confident on- and off-road handling. The 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness and Outback Wilderness include dual-function X-MODE with additional settings.

Compare the engine specifications of the 2025 Crosstrek and the 2025 Outback in the following table.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Exterior Colors

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback offer a vibrant palette of paint colors, letting you express style and personality on every drive. From bold, eye-catching shades with metallic or pearl flake to classic, understated tones, each SUV provides options to suit a variety of tastes.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek Paint Colors

• Alpine Green
• Crystal Black Silica
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Magnetite Gray Metallic
• Geyser Blue
• Offshore Blue Metallic
• Daybreak Blue Pearl
• Lithium Red Pearl
• Pure Red
• Sun Blaze Pearl
• Crystal White Pearl
• Sapphire Blue Pearl

2025 Subaru Outback Paint Colors

• Autumn Green Metallic
• Crystal Black Silica
• Geyser Blue
• Cosmic Blue Pearl
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Crystal White Pearl
• Magnetite Gray Metallic
• Crimson Red Pearl
• Dark Mahogany Pearl

2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Safety Features

In the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback, innovation helps bring peace of mind to your journeys. Subaru EyeSight® technology is standard on the 2025 Crosstrek and the 2025 Outback, which features systems designed to provide enhanced awareness while you're on the road. Both SUVs include blind spot detection with a rear cross-traffic alert on higher trim levels. The advanced DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system is also available on the Outback.

Shared Standard Safety Features of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Subaru Outback:

• EyeSight driver assist technology
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane keep assist
• Automatic emergency steering
• Electronic cruise control
• High beam assist
• Rear vision camera

Shared Available Safety Features of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Subaru Outback:

• Blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking

Safety Features Exclusively Available on the 2025 Subaru Outback:

• DriverFocus distraction mitigation system
• 180-degree front-view monitor

2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback | Head-to-Head Comparison

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Subaru Outback are five-passenger SUVs packed with modern amenities, but what are the differences? The Outback offers certain exclusive cabin and infotainment features, while the Crosstrek has the better fuel economy ratings and is small enough for tight parking spaces. Learn more by reading through this Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback comparison crafted by the McLaughlin Subaru team and by checking out our Crosstrek review and Outback review. 

Intrigued? View our new Subaru Crosstrek inventory and new Subaru Outback inventory and pair your favorite model with a lease offer. Next, use our online form to schedule a test drive at our Moline, IL, dealership. If you have any questions, you can give us a call at (309) 726-4684 or message us online. 

2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Exterior Design

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback stand out from the crowd with their shiny exteriors and eye-catching features. The Crosstrek adds the “cool” factor with a roof spoiler that gives it a sporty vibe. The Outback adds convenience to shopping trips with a hands-free power rear gate. The Crosstrek Wilderness has a ground clearance of 9.3 inches, which increases slightly to 9.5 inches when you choose the Outback Wilderness. Other differences — the Crosstrek has manual-folding side mirrors and an optional power tilt/sliding moonroof, while the Outback offers power-folding side mirrors with two-position memory settings and a standard power tilt/sliding moonroof on select trims. 

Other available exterior features include: 

• 17- or 18-in. wheels
• Unique LED fog lights in a hexagonal style (Wilderness trims only)
• LED steering responsive headlights and fog lights
• Raised roof rails

Exterior Length Differences

How long are the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Outback? The Subaru Crosstrek is 176.4 inches in overall length and has a wheelbase length of 105.1 inches. Meanwhile, the Subaru Outback is 191.9 inches long and has a wheelbase measurement of 108.1 inches. 

2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Interior Design & Tech

Discover supple, textured upholstery options and expansive infotainment touchscreens in both the 2024 Subaru Outback and Crosstrek. Find your ideal seating positions with a ten-way power driver’s seat on the Crosstrek or reclining rear seats and a 12-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory settings on the Outback. Adjust to the outside temperature with heated front seats on both models and Outback-exclusive ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel and rear outboard seats. 

Blast your driving playlists with the available ten-speaker Harman Kardon® system on the Crosstrek or the 12-speaker Harman Kardon system on the Outback. The Outback also offers a CD player so you can play music on your terms.

Other available interior and infotainment features include: 

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle
• Dual-zone climate control
• Keyless access with push-button start
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability
• SUBARU STARLINK® dual 7-in. Multimedia screens or 11.6-in. Multimedia Plus or Multimedia Navigation
• Voice-activated multi-touch gesture high-resolution GPS navigation system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
• SiriusXM Traffic® and Travel Link®
• AM/FM stereo
• HD Radio®
• Bluetooth®

2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Dimensions & Seating

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Outback both offer ample space, with the Outback offering the most cargo capacity. Utilize the versatile configurations offered by the 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks on both models. View 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Outback interior dimensions in the accompanying table. 

2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback MPG & Towing Capacity

Power through your daily commute and weekend getaways with an energy-efficient engine under the hood of your chosen 2024 Subaru Crosstrek or Outback. Both models have standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD). Both also offer a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with adaptive control and an eight-speed manual mode with paddle shifters. 

2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Exterior Colors

Whether you prefer an earthy green or a subtle silver, there’s a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek or 2024 Subaru Outback color for you. 

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Colors

• Alpine Green
• Crystal Black Silica
• Geyser Blue
• Horizon Blue Pearl
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Lithium Red Pearl
• Magnetite Gray Metallic
• Offshore Blue Metallic
• Pure Red
• Crystal White Pearl
• Sun Blaze Pearl
• Sapphire Blue Pearl

2024 Subaru Outback Colors

• Autumn Green Metallic
• Brilliant Bronze Metallic
• Crystal Black Silica
• Cosmic Blue Pearl
• Crimson Red Pearl
• Dark Mahogany Pearl
• Geyser Blue
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Crystal White Pearl
• Magnetite Gray Metallic

2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Safety Features

Protect your loved ones in the 2024 Subaru Outback and Crosstrek with the EyeSight® driver assist technology suite. The Outback offers a few additional features like LED daytime running lights, an 180-degree front-view monitor, and a DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system. Features offered on both models include:

• Blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert
• Rear vision camera
• EyeSight driver assist technology
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane keep assist
• Automatic emergency steering

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Comparison

Are you looking for a new Subaru SUV but aren’t sure which one is right for you? McLaughlin Subaru has put together a comprehensive comparison of two popular options: the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek compact crossover SUV and the 2023 Subaru Outback mid-size SUV. In this article, we’ll take a look at their similarities and differences so you can be confident in your decision. If you have any questions along the way, please feel free to get in touch with our Subaru dealership in Moline, IL, and serving Bettendorf and Davenport, IA, by sending a message or calling (309) 726-4684.

Learn more about the Crosstrek and Outback by reading our individual reviews on both vehicles. Once you make a decision, check out our new inventory and then schedule a test drive at McLaughlin Subaru. You can also browse current offers for a great deal.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Interior Features

Get comfortable and stay connected with the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback. Both vehicles come with several seating options, including StarTex® water-repellent upholstery, contrast seat stitching on the CrossTrek, and Nappa leather upholstery on the Outback. 

Other available interior features include:

• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Automatic climate control
• Eight cup and bottle holders
• Ventilated front seats (Outback)
• Heated rear seats (Outback)

You’ll find a STARLINK® infotainment system inside of both the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and Outback. The Crosstrek is available with a 6.5- or 8-inch touchscreen, while the Outback is available with a dual 7-inch or 11.6-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® are standard features on both SUVs as well.

Other available technology features include:

• 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
• Four- or six-speaker audio system, or Harman Kardon® premium audio system (eight speakers on Crosstrek, 12 speakers on Outback)
• Keyless access with push-button start and PIN code access

Engine Options & Performance

The Subaru Crosstrek and Outback have a wide range of engines for you to choose from. The energetic Crosstrek has two gas SUBARU BOXER® engine options, as well as a plug-in hybrid engine, which gets up to 90 MPGe. The Crosstrek has two SUBARU BOXER gas engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. 

Both SUVs are standard with Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), while the Outback is standard with X-MODE®, an AWD optimization feature for enhanced traction. X-MODE is available on the Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Hybrid. If you’re looking for a vehicle that offers significant towing capabilities, the 2023 Subaru Outback is a great choice as it can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Cargo Space & Dimensions

Although they’re both adventure-driven SUVs that seat five passengers, the Crosstrek and Outback are substantially different in size. The Subaru Crosstrek has 100.9 cubic feet of total passenger space and 55.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, while the Subaru Outback has 109 cubic feet of passenger space and 75.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Both models have rear seating that folds completely flat for better loading efficiency. For added storage capacity, you’ll love the under-floor cargo storage area for increased flexibility and protection.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Colors

• 2023 Subaru Crosstrek
• Crystal Black Silica
• Cool-Gray Khaki
• Horizon Blue Pearl
• Crystal White Pearl
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Lagoon Blue Pearl
• Magnetite Gray
• Pure Red
• Plasma Yellow Pearl

• 2023 Subaru Outback
• Autumn Green Metallic
• Brilliant Bronze Metallic
• Cosmic Blue Pearl
• Crimson Red Pearl
• Crystal Black Silica
• Crystal White Pearl
• Dark Mahogany Pearl
• Geyser Blue
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Magnetite Gray Metallic

Safety Options & Features

No matter which model you choose, you’ll get EyeSight® driver assist technology features, which are designed to help you navigate tricky driving situations. Plus, the Crosstrek and Outback are also available with blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.

Available safety features include:

• EyeSight driver assist technology
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Pre-collision braking system
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Pre-collision throttle management (Crosstrek)
• Lane keep assist (Outback)
• Automatic emergency steering (Outback)
• High beam assist
• DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system (Outback)
• Reverse automatic braking (Outback)

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Price

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $23,645 MSRP, while the 2023 Subaru Outback starts at $28,395 MSRP.