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Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Outback

What's the difference?

VS
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek

$29,905 - $47,990

2023 price

Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback

$40,490 - $61,990

2024 price

Summary

2023 Subaru Crosstrek
2024 Subaru Outback
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Flat 4, 2.0L

Flat 4, 2.4L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
6.5L/100km (combined)

9.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Hybrid not quite efficient enough for cost
  • Spartan second row
  • Minor annoyances e.g. chimes and screen

  • No 360-degree camera despite grade level
  • Exclusive blue paintwork will polarise some
  • Thirsty
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Summary

Things are going well for Subaru. In the first half of 2023, all of its models in Australia are outselling their figures for the same time last year by hundreds, some even by thousands.

Except for one model, the XV. In fact, sales have plummeted! So what happened to it? It was one of the brand’s top sellers, right?

Well, it’s still here, but now it’s called Crosstrek in Australia as it already is in the rest of the world. And maybe we lied a little - it’s selling very well. In June 2023 it outsold the Forester and Outback, both well established models in Subaru’s local history.

But the name isn’t all that’s new, because this Impreza-spinoff SUV now comes as a hybrid - available here as the Crosstrek Hybrid S.

Traditionally, Subaru has been pretty… traditional. So, will a step towards the future - electrification, that is - help or hinder the Crosstrek’s rise to mass popularity?

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Interested in a Subaru Crosstrek?
2024 Subaru Outback Summary

The Subaru Outback has long been a fan favourite and this year sees a special-edition model grade ushered into the ranks.

The AWD Sport Touring XT has all of the bells and whistles of the top Touring XT grade but see's a distinct design difference, at least externally.

So it begs the question, do we need this special-edition model? We're family testing it this week to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Subaru Crosstrek 2024 Subaru Outback

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