2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a compact crossover that embraced the rugged appeal of larger SUVs while maintaining the practicality of a hatchback. It shared its platform with the Impreza hatchback but distinguished itself with black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height, offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This design allowed the Crosstrek to mimic the SUV aesthetic, providing a more adventurous character than the Impreza. The interior, however, remained largely unchanged from the Impreza, offering functionality but lacking in flair. The Crosstrek Sport trim added some unique touches, like water-repellant StarTex upholstery, but the overall cabin design was straightforward and utilitarian.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, offered a more refined interior experience. While it retained the familiar Subaru feel, the Outback's cabin was fresher, especially in trims above the base level, which featured an 11.6-inch portrait display. The quality of materials was evident, with higher trims offering leather upholstery and contrast stitching that gave a nod to luxury. The exterior design was smooth and understated, with practical gray cladding to protect against scratches. The Outback's styling remained consistent, emphasizing its identity as a lifted wagon rather than a traditional SUV, making it a unique alternative in the crossover market.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrains. The Sport and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims continued with a 2.0-liter engine, delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on the Base and Premium trims, while a CVT was optional. The Sport and Limited trims were CVT-only, providing a more automatic experience. All trims came with standard AWD, featuring torque vectoring and X-Mode for enhanced traction on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek was more at home on pavement, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, struggled with its base 2.5-liter flat-four engine, which produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, was underpowered for the Outback's size, resulting in sluggish performance. The XT trims offered a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving acceleration and refinement. The Outback's AWD system was proactive, driving all four wheels and reacting quickly to varying conditions. X-Mode further optimized performance for challenging terrains. Despite its size, the Outback excelled as a long-distance cruiser, offering a comfortable ride and impressive off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek provided the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. It offered 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded. While competitive in passenger space, the Crosstrek lagged behind some rivals in cargo capacity. The interior featured a practical layout with a handy cubby hole for phones and decent-sized bottle holders. However, storage space was limited, and the driving position, while higher than the Impreza, didn't offer the commanding view of traditional SUVs.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, free of obstructions. Ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions, combined with excellent outward visibility, made the Outback a comfortable choice for passengers. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and convenient pockets in the front console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims, and the moonroof came bundled with costly options.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. A secondary screen displayed additional information, though it seemed redundant.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional navigation system was more visually appealing. Subaru EyeSight was standard, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The system relied on cameras, which could be obstructed, affecting functionality.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the 2020 model a "Top Safety Pick" rating, applicable to 2021 models with optional EyeSight features. EyeSight offered adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency braking. However, the system's cameras could be blocked by wipers or sunlight, limiting functionality.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger chassis and additional airbags. It was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," with top ratings in crash tests and forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims, enhancing safety.