Subaru Crosstrek vs. Subaru Outback

Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews

Subaru Crosstrek

$492
Average Annual
Repair Cost

Subaru Outback

$607
Average Annual
Repair Cost

Overall Reliability Rating

4
1
2
Excellent
The Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 1st out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $492 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity and frequency of repairs are both much lower than other vehicles, so the Crosstrek is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
3
1
2
Above Average
The Subaru Outback Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 10th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $607 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.
Cost
Average annual repairs total
$492
inexpensive
expensive
$607
inexpensive
expensive
Frequency
Average annual repair shop visits
0.13
not often
very often
0.37
not often
very often
Severity
Percentage of annual repairs that are urgent
7%
not urgent
urgent
12%
not urgent
urgent

Overall Car Ratings & Details

5 (1)
4 (13)
3 (11)
2 (1)
1 (1)
The Subaru Outback ranks highest in safety and ranks lowest in performance.
“This was my 5th of 6 Subaru's and most likly my last. Front rotor's were an issue until I replaced them with a slotted performance set on all 4 corners @ 40,000 miles. My model was a LL Bean with...”
“This was my 5th of 6 Subaru's and most likly my last. Front rotor's were an issue until I...”

Vehicle Comparison Rundown

The Subaru Outback and the Subaru Crosstrek are two SUVs from the same manufacturer. The Subaru Outback is a midsize two-row, car-based SUV. The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact two-row, car-based, five-door hatchback SUV. Both the Outback and the Crosstrek come with standard all-wheel drive.

The engine choices between the Outback and the Crosstrek vary, as you might expect with different-sized vehicles. The larger Outback has a standard engine with 175 horsepower, and an optional engine with 256 horsepower. The smaller Crosstrek has a single engine choice, which puts out 152 horsepower.

Cargo capacity is another major difference between these two Subaru vehicles. The Subaru Outback gives you 73.3 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The Subaru Crosstrek, with its shorter wheelbase and sloping hatchback roofline, has a total of 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Choosing between the Subaru Outback and the Subaru Crosstrek is primarily about how much space you need. If you have a family, or need to carry big loads on a regular basis, the Outback makes more sense. But if a smaller vehicle will suit your needs just as well, go with the Crosstrek.