If you’re looking for your next car in Plymouth Meeting, the 2025 Subaru Outback and Crosstrek are some big standouts. Although both are perfect for many, they differ significantly in size, power, and cost. In this article, our team at John Kennedy Subaru provides a Subaru Outback vs. Crosstrek comparison to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Size and Dimensions: Which Subaru SUV Fits Your Needs?
The Outback vs. Crosstrek size comparison will help you decide which model is perfect for you.
Exterior Dimensions
The 2025 Crosstrek is 176.4 inches long, 70.9 inches wide without mirrors, and 62.8 inches tall. Its 105.1-inch wheelbase and 3,277-pound weight are perfect for tight Plymouth Meeting parking spots. The Outback measures 191.9 inches in length, 74.2 inches in width, and 66.1 inches in height on a 108.1-inch wheelbase and weighs 3,641 pounds. Higher trims feature 18-inch wheels for a commanding stance.
Interior Space and Passenger Capacity
Although both vehicles comfortably accommodate five people, the interior space differs considerably. The Crosstrek offers front headroom of 39.8 inches and 42.9 inches of legroom. In the rear, passengers get 38 inches of headroom and 36.5 inches to stretch their legs, while the total cabin space measures 120.4 cubic feet. The Outback provides rear passengers with 39.5 inches of legroom and a total interior volume of 141.6 cubic feet. This extra space makes your Poconos weekend adventures much more comfortable.
Cargo Space and Storage Solutions
The Crosstrek offers 19.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This space expands to 54.7 inches with the seats folded, which is ideal for groceries or weekend trips. The Outback provides 32.6 cubic feet with the seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded. Roof rails with flip-around crossbars make strapping kayaks or bikes easy for Valley Forge Park trips.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy Breakdown
The Outback and Crosstrek each feature distinct engine options and fuel-efficiency numbers.
2025 Subaru Outback Engine Options
The 2025 Outback offers two options. The standard 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder engine is paired with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, which generates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This option provides 32 mpg on the highway and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. The optional 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER four-cylinder delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the Outback sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. This SUV offers a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds with the base engine and 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged version.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Performance Specs
The Crosstrek also offers two engines. The base 2.0-liter BOXER generates 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder version produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both options are paired with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The Wilderness trim can tow 3,500 pounds, while regular models can handle 1,500 pounds.
Fuel Efficiency
The Crosstrek wins the fuel economy comparison. The 2.0-liter engine achieves 27 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined. The 2.5-liter version gets 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined.
The Outback’s 2.5-liter engine gets 22 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the 2.4-liter turbocharged option achieves 26 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. Due to its off-road features, the fuel efficiency numbers of the Wilderness trim drop to 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.
All-Wheel-Drive Capabilities
Both models come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The system constantly shifts power between the wheels to improve traction in Pennsylvania’s harsh winters and slippery roads. The Outback features 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the Crosstrek offers up to 9.3 inches across all versions, except for the Wilderness trims. Their extra ground clearance of 9.5 inches is ideal if you’re an off-road enthusiast. Both models have smart X-MODE systems that adjust the traction control to adapt to diverse conditions, such as gravel and steep hills.
Interior and Technology Features
The 2025 Outback’s cabin prioritizes practicality. Base trims offer a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support. Higher models feature 12-way power seats with four-way lumbar support, as well as eight-way power passenger seats. Heated steering wheels and rear USB-A and USB-C ports add convenience.
The base Outback models feature dual 7-inch displays, while higher trims have an 11.6-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Crosstrek starts with an 8-inch screen but offers the same 11.6-inch display as the Outback in higher trims. The Outback adds wireless charging and an optional Harman Kardon audio system.
Safety Features
Both the Crosstrek and Outback offer the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies. The features include adaptive cruise control, lane sway and departure warnings, precollision braking, and lane-keep assist. Both vehicles received a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is available in five trim levels: the Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. Starting prices for the Crosstrek range between $26,560 for the Base trim and $33,360 for the Wilderness model. The 2025 Subaru Outback has nine trims: the Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT. The starting MSRPs for the Outback range between $29,995 for the Base model to $44,730 for the Touring XT.
Find Your Perfect Subaru Match at John Kennedy Subaru
Whether you’re interested in the Crosstrek’s affordability or the Outback’s space, we’ll help you find the perfect SUV. If you’re in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, visit us to experience these exceptional vehicles firsthand. Our team will walk you through the many features, help you explore your financing options, and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.
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