It’s funny how things evolve, isn't it? Subaru, a brand many of us associate with rugged reliability and a certain outdoorsy charm, actually helped pioneer a whole segment of the automotive world. Back in 1994, they rolled out the Outback, essentially a car with SUV aspirations, and in doing so, they gave us a glimpse of what we now call the crossover vehicle. Today, these are everywhere, and Subaru still offers two fantastic examples: the 2024 Crosstrek and the 2024 Outback.
At their heart, both the Crosstrek and the Outback are designed to offer the best of both worlds. Think of them as cars that decided to get a little more adventurous. They’re built on car platforms, which means they handle more like a sedan – comfortable and predictable on the road – but they’ve got that SUV versatility and a hint of off-road capability that makes them feel ready for anything. They’re not exactly built for scaling mountains, but they’ll certainly handle a dirt road or a snowy path with more confidence than your average car. It’s no wonder people who need to get to work reliably, no matter the weather, often find themselves drawn to Subarus.
Safety is a huge part of the Subaru story, and it’s front and center in both these models. Beyond the usual airbags and sturdy construction, they both come equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology. This system is constantly being refined, and for 2024, it’s even better, offering an extra layer of peace of mind on your journeys.
Now, where do they really differ? Size. And it’s a pretty significant difference. The Crosstrek is built on the smaller Impreza platform, making it a subcompact crossover. The Outback, on the other hand, uses the Legacy sedan platform, placing it firmly in the midsize category. To give you a sense of scale, the Outback is a full 15 inches longer than the Crosstrek. That’s a lot of extra space and presence.
This size difference naturally influences their competition. The Crosstrek is up against a crowded field of subcompacts like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Toyota Corolla Cross. The Outback’s position is a bit more unique. If you see it as a midsize SUV, its competitors are numerous. But if you think of it as a wagon with a penchant for adventure, its rivals become fewer and more upscale, like the Audi A4 Allroad and A6 Allroad – cars that come with a considerably higher price tag.
Subaru offers the Crosstrek in four main trims for 2024: Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited. The Base model kicks things off at a very accessible $26,290 (including destination), and it’s already well-equipped with all-wheel drive, X-Mode for off-road driving, and those essential EyeSight features. Step up to the Premium, and you get niceties like LED fog lights and a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen. The Sport trim is where you’ll find the more powerful 2.5-liter engine, along with some distinctive yellow accents. For those seeking a bit more luxury, the Limited trim offers upgraded safety features like blind-spot warning and a more premium interior with perforated leather.
The Outback, however, offers a broader spectrum of choices, with six main trims: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Plus, there are XT versions of some of these, leading to nine distinct configurations. The Outback Wilderness is particularly noteworthy, designed for those who want to push the boundaries a bit further off the beaten path, and it gets a refreshed, more rugged look for 2024. The Onyx Edition and Limited trims also offer the more potent engine option.
