There’s a reason the 2021 Subaru Outback is revered by many. It’s practical, safe, and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Unfortunately for some, though, the Subaru Outback’s price tag puts it just out of reach. Fortunately, there are other options available. Take, for instance, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.

What’s the price difference between the Subaru Outback and the Crosstrek?

The 2021 Subaru Outback isn’t accompanied by an outrageous price tag. With a starting price of  $26,645, this year’s model falls in line with its many competitors. That’s just the base price, though.

If you’ve got your heart set on an Outback that’s brimming with premium amenities, you will need to step up to the Premium trim level, which gets its start at $28,895. And if you want an even more powerful Outback? The Onyx Edition XT trim, which includes a more powerful turbo engine under the hood, will run you $34,895.

Thinking of buying a used Subaru Outback instead? Not so fast. The Subaru Outback is known for its exceptional resale value and had the ‘Best Resale Value’ in its class for 2020, according to Kelley Blue Book.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, on the other hand, starts at $22,145. Climb the ranks and opt for a well-outfitted Subaru Crosstrek Premium, and pricing begins at $23,195. 

These Subarus offer the same rugged styling  

While the Subaru Crosstrek may not look exactly the same as this year’s Outback, it does offer the same rugged styling as its counterpart. Both vehicles provide 8.7-inches ground clearance. Each also comes readily equipped with roof racks.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offers the same engine, features the Outback abandoned

The biggest drawback to the Subaru Crosstrek was its underpowered engine. Subaru has since remedied that issue and, for 2021, is available with the Subaru Outback’s 2.5-liter flat-four engine that churns out 182-hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.

Subaru has also made this year’s Crosstrek available with a feature that the Outback previously abandoned. As of the 2021 model year, the Crosstrek can be had with a six-speed manual transmission. Also available is a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission.

There’s no shortage of interior space

There’s no denying that the 2021 Subaru Outback is a bigger vehicle than this year’s new Subaru Crosstrek. This year’s Outback boasts 109 cubic-feet of passenger space and a maximum of 75.7 cubic-feet of potential cargo space. 

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, on the other hand, offers 100.9 cubic-feet of passenger space and 55.3 cubic-feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. 

The Subaru Crosstrek does, however, outshine its Outback counterpart when it comes to front legroom. While the Outback offers 42.8 inches of legroom for its driver and front-seat passenger, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek serves up 43.1 inches of front legroom.

Both are still great options

In the end, you can’t go wrong with either of these options. Though, if you’re looking to make the most of your new car purchase, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek does make for a great buy. Not only does it offer a lower base price than the 2021 Subaru Outback, but it also offers many of the same features.