The 2024 Crosstrek and Outback are two of the most popular choices in the Subaru lineup. They offer drivers the signature Subaru safety, reliability, and all-terrain capability they expect. While the Crosstrek is a compact SUV that excels in maneuverability and fuel efficiency, the Outback is a midsize SUV that offers more space and power. If you’re wondering which one is right for you, explore this comprehensive comparison to decide whether the Crosstrek or Outback is the best option for your lifestyle, budget, and driving needs.
Exterior Design and Color Options
The 2024 Crosstrek features a sportier, hatchback-inspired style with a shorter length of 176.4 inches, making it easier to maneuver and park in tighter spaces. Its bold front grille, angular headlights, and optional roof spoiler lend a youthful, adventurous look that appeals to urban drivers. You can choose from these 12 eye-catching paint 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
The 2024 Outback, however, boasts a more rugged and traditional SUV appearance. Its larger frame is 191.9 inches long, giving it a commanding road presence. The Outback’s standard raised roof rails and available hands-free power rear gate make it practical for outdoor adventures and family road trips. It also features sleek LED steering responsive headlights and a choice of 10 sophisticated exterior 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
Interior Comfort and Features
The Crosstrek offers up to 100.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it roomy for a compact SUV while providing plenty of storage with up to 54.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The standard model has cloth upholstery and a 7-inch touch screen with the SUBARU STARLINK multimedia system. Higher trims come with 11.6-inch touch screens, available heated front seats, and a ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Passengers will also appreciate dual-zone automatic climate control, allowing the driver and front passenger to set individualized temperature preferences. Add the available leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle for a refined touch.
If you’re looking for more space, the Outback boasts up to 109 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Premium features such as available nappa leather seats, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and an optional 11.6-inch multimedia navigation touch screen make the Outback feel more refined and luxurious. The Outback also offers additional comfort features, such as ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, for a more upscale cabin experience.
Performance and Handling
Both the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Outback come with the renowned SUBARU BOXER engines, which provide a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution for superior handling. The Crosstrek comes standard with a 2.0-liter BOXER engine that produces 152 horsepower, while an available 2.5-liter engine offers 182 horsepower if you want a bit more punch. The Crosstrek’s smaller frame and shorter wheelbase result in nimble handling and a tighter turning radius, making it a great option for city driving and light off-roading.
The Outback’s standard 2.5-liter engine also generates 182 horsepower, but it’s the available 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that sets it apart, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This power boost gives the Outback better acceleration and the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Combined with its longer wheelbase and advanced suspension system, the Outback offers a smoother ride and enhanced stability, making it a better choice for highway cruising and long-distance travel.
Safety Features
Regarding safety, both the 2024 Crosstrek and Outback come with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Outback, however, takes safety a step further with additional standard features such as LED steering responsive headlights and the available DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which monitors driver attentiveness.
The Outback also offers more advanced driver-assistance options, including a 180-degree front-view monitor and reverse automatic braking, features not available on the Crosstrek. Both models have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, making either choice a solid option for safety-conscious buyers.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a budget-friendly option, starting at a lower price point than the Outback. It’s available in the Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims, with prices ranging from $25,195 for the Base trim to $31,095 for the fully equipped Limited model. Drivers looking for more off-road capability can opt for the Crosstrek Wilderness, which starts at $32,195.
The Outback, a larger and more luxurious SUV, has a higher starting price. Its base model starts at $28,895, and the top-of-the-line Touring XT trim at $42,795. The Outback also offers the rugged Wilderness trim, starting at $39,960.
Test-Drive a Subaru Today
Making the right choice between the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Outback ultimately requires getting behind the wheel to see how they handle in real life. To experience these models firsthand, visit our John Kennedy Subaru dealership in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to walk you through the features of each vehicle, discuss financing options, and make sure you drive off with the best choice. And if you have any questions, simply send us a message. We’re here to make your car buying experience as straightforward as possible.
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