2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a compact crossover that embraced the rugged appeal of SUVs, offering standard all-wheel drive and a higher driving position. It was essentially an Impreza hatchback with added black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height, providing 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This design allowed the Crosstrek to mimic an SUV's character while maintaining the vibrant color options Subaru was known for, such as the Plasma Yellow Pearl. The interior, however, remained largely unchanged from the Impreza, with a functional but plain look, featuring water-repellant StarTex upholstery in the Sport trim.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of what a station wagon could be, offering a more rugged, Jeep-like appearance. It featured 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents. The interior was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex upholstery and a host of practical features like a waterproof cargo tray and a robust roof rack. Despite its rugged exterior, the Outback Wilderness maintained a comfortable and spacious cabin, with heated seats and dual-zone climate control to enhance the driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrains: a 2.0-liter boxer-four engine with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque for the Base and Premium trims, and a more powerful 2.5-liter boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque for the Sport and Limited trims. The Crosstrek's standard all-wheel drive system included torque vectoring and X-Mode for improved handling on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek's handling was predictable, with a comfortable ride and low wind noise, although the higher center of gravity resulted in noticeable body roll.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize crossover, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, though its droning and soft gear changes detracted from the driving experience. The Wilderness trim stood out with its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and enhanced approach and departure angles, making it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity compared to other small crossovers. It provided 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded. The Crosstrek included a rear-seat reminder system and a convenient cubby hole with USB ports for front-seat occupants, though rear-seat passengers had limited access to charging ports.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offered a spacious interior with StarTex upholstery, providing water-repellant protection for the seats. The front seats were power-adjustable, and the rear seats offered ample room for passengers, along with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with them folded, featuring waterproof materials and LED lighting. The Outback Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

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 and additional features like WiFi and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions, and EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, dominating the dashboard. While it included physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required touchscreen interaction. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, but it featured PIN code entry technology for secure access without a key fob.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS for the 2020 model. It offered standard EyeSight driver-assist features on CVT-equipped models, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, though the system's cameras could be obstructed by windshield wipers or direct sunlight.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness prioritized the effectiveness of its EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.