With SUVs dominating the roadways, it can be difficult to pinpoint the one that checks all your boxes when it's time to upgrade the family driver. With practically every automobile brand making at least one SUV, it's not easy to separate which vehicles have the features you're looking for and even if you get it narrowed down to one specific brand, the choice can still be tough choosing from the SUV lineup. At Byers Airport Subaru, we're committed to making your car-buying journey as smooth as possible and just as enjoyable. This is why we've written this useful comparison page that pits the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek against its more rugged sibling, the 2023 Subaru Outback. Below, you'll find an in-depth analysis of the specs and features of both durable and reliable crossover SUVs so you can make an informed decision as to which Subaru you'll drive off the lot in. From the much-lauded safety features to the iconic performance you've come to depend on from Subaru, you'll see how each vehicle stacks up. If you have any questions about either SUV, or anything else we can offer, don't hesitate to contact Byers Airport Subaru online, by phone, or simply stop by our dealership at 401 N. Hamilton Road in Columbus.
You'll find sporty 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels as standard fare on both the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Outback and the option to upgrade to 18-inch wheels. An 8.7-inch ground clearance is standard on both SUVs but if you're looking for a vehicle that can take you more places, the Outback Wilderness model offers a 9.5-inch ground clearance. LED steering responsive headlights are standard on the Outback but you'll have to climb trim levels on the Crosstrek for this innovative feature. To help get you going quicker on those chilly winter mornings, both vehicles offer available heated side mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. Raised roof rails are standard on both SUVs for extra cargo room; if you choose the Outback Wilderness, you'll get 700 lbs of static capacity from the roof rails. A power moonroof is available on higher trim levels of the Outback while it's optional on the Crosstrek. Features exclusive to the Crosstrek only include standard wheel arch cladding and a roof spoiler.
Even though the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Outback are similar in size, the Outback does edge out the win with a bit more head- and legroom, 111.6 cubic feet of passenger volume, and just over 36% more cargo volume when the rear seats are laid flat. Both SUVS offer heated front seats as standard fare on all models above the base while only the Outback delivers available heated rear outback seats. While higher trim levels of both vehicles offer StarTex® water-repellent upholstery only the Outback offers Nappa® leather-trimmed upholstery on higher trim levels.
You'll have full control over your favorite apps including music, maps, and texting inside both the Crosstrek and the Outback thanks to standard Bluetooth® as well as Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard on the Crosstrek and jumping trim levels nets you an 8-inch display while dual 7-inch touchscreens are standard fare on the Outback with the option to upgrade to an 11.6-inch display. Navigation is available on both SUVs.
When it comes to power, you have a multitude of options when it comes to the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Outback. If you're looking to step into the world of eco-friendly vehicles, only the Crosstrek offers a hybrid model, which produces 137 horsepower and gets up to 90MPGe on the highway. Under the base model of the Crosstrek, you'll find a 2.0L BOXER®, generating 152 horsepower or you can upgrade trim levels for the 2.5L horizontally-opposed engine and a potent 182 horsepower, which is standard fare on the Outback. Stepping up trim levels on the Outback, however, will get you a 2.4L turbocharged BOXER®, which makes a hearty 240 horsepower. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the Crosstrek while the Lineartronic® CVT, standard on the Outback, is optionally available.
There's always extra peace of mind when you step into a Subaru, thanks to their consistent award-winning safety features. The EyeSight® suite of driver assist technology is part of the reason the NHTSA awarded both the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Outback a 5-star overall safety rating and the IIHS named the 2023 Outback a Top Safety Pick+. This collection of innovative features is available on the Crosstrek and standard on the Outback and includes the Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking are all standard fare on the higher trim levels of both SUVs.
No matter which crossover SUV you choose, you know you're getting the best value! With a starting MSRP of only $23,645, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek offers solid safety features, potent performance, and luxurious interior features. The 2023 Subaru Outback brings a little extra room, more power, and the rugged Wilderness model to the table, all for a starting MSRP of just $28,395. To see just how the SUV of your choice feels when you're behind the wheel, we encourage you to contact Byers Airport Subaru to set up a test drive. We can't wait to help you!
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2023 Subaru Crosstrek | 2023 Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP* | $23,645 | $28,395 |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 23 City / 33 Highway | 26 City / 32 Highway |
| Standard Horsepower | 152 | 182 |
| Roof Rails | Standard | Standard |
| Passenger Volume | 100.9 Cubic Feet | 109.0 Cubic Feet |
| Cargo Volume | 20.8 Cubic Feet | 32.6 Cubic Feet |
| Max Cargo Volume | 55.3 Cubic Feet | 75.6 Cubic Feet |
| EyeSight® | Available | Standard |
| Standard Wheels | 17-Inch Aluminum-Alloy | 17-Inch Aluminum-Alloy |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 Inches | 39.5 Inches |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
