Among the players in SUV manufacturing, Subaru stands out from the competition. Specifically, the Subaru Outback and the Crosstrek are excellent choices for those looking for all of SUVs’ comfort, safety, and utility features. While both the Outback and the Crosstrek are excellent choices, the Outback’s upgrades over the Crosstrek make it the best pick for almost every shopper. U.S. News dove into the details to figure out why.

Reasons the Crosstrek could be the best choice for you

Although the Outback overall has a lot of advantages, the Crosstrek does have areas that it outperforms. To begin with, the Crosstrek is a more economical option.

With a starting MSRP of $22,245, the Crosstrek is a steal, especially considering AWD and standard safety options come standard. The Crosstrek also is the best choice for drivers seeking fuel economy. With the optional upgraded engine and CVT, the Crosstrek boasts an impressive 34 MPG on the highway. There is even a hybrid alternative for those seeking the ultimate fuel economy. 

The Crosstrek is also in line to be part of Subaru’s lineup that offers the Wilderness Package. While both the Crosstrek and the Outback are currently adept at handling light offroading, the wilderness package will expand the capabilities tremendously.

Of course, the Outback is due to be the first in the lineup to offer the package. This is just the beginning of features offered by the Outback that make it stand out from the competition and its fellow Subarus. 

The 2021 Subaru Outback is the best choice overall

Despite the Subaru Crosstrek possessing desirable qualities, the Outback still stands out as a superior vehicle. The Outback combines excellent power and handling with safety and comfort, making it an appealing vehicle for all motor enthusiasts.

The standard engine in the Crosstrek and the Outback is the same, but the Outback offers a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter engine upgrade that is sure to please drivers who seek acceleration. The Subaru Outback is also much more agile compared to the Crosstrek, allowing a smoother ride.

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), all the Subaru Outback performance features are paired with a five out of five-star overall safety rating. Both the Crosstrek and the Outback are highly rated in safety, but the Outback includes more top-of-the-line safety features.

Standard features including blind spot assist and reverse automatic braking. The Outback also offers more space and comfort than its Crosstrek counterpart. While both crossover vehicles possess ample cargo space for their class, the Outback has an impressive 2.5 cubic feet of trunk space, which expands to 75.7 cubic feet with the back seats folded down.

This is over 10 cubic feet more than the Subaru Crosstrek. The Outback’s interior is also much more spacious and luxurious. Both the Crosstrek and the Outback comfortably seat five adults, but the Outback has more space and more comfortable seats.

Why the Subaru Outback is the top pick for 2021

Comfort, reliability, and performance are accentuated with innovative entertainment features in the 2021 Subaru Outback. The standard model has two 7-inch touchscreens, while all other models boast an 11.6-inch touch screen.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in both the Crosstrek and the Outback, and the StarLink infotainment system. Still, the outback offers a Rockford Fosgate audio system and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Overall the Subaru Outback is an SUV crossover that shouldn’t be overlooked. Although the Crosstrek and the Outback are both reliable, safe, and innovative vehicles, the Outback’s upgrades can’t be ignored. The Subaru Outback outperforms the Crosstrek in almost all categories.

It also is highly competitive when compared to its luxury competitors. There is no question that the Subaru Outback is a crossover vehicle worth taking a look at.