Hicks Family Subaru
Are you comparing the Subaru Crosstrek vs Outback vs Forester? Look no further than this helpful guide. Pick the right Subaru SUV for you and hit the road!
You’re shopping for a new Subaru SUV and can’t decide: Crosstrek, Forester, or Outback? All three are fantastic vehicles and some of the most popular models that Subaru has to offer. So how do you decide? This guide will walk you through the similarities and differences so you can pick the right Subaru SUV for you.
If you’re looking for a compact SUV that doesn’t skimp on capability, the Subaru Crosstrek might be for you. A smaller size means no more fighting giant blindspots while you parallel park, but in this case, it doesn’t mean you’re compromising. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was named #1 in its class by MotorTrend for a reason!
The Subaru Outback is a classic, and current-year models are no exception. With Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive and reliability (97% of Outbacks sold in the last 10 years are still on the road!*), this mid-size SUV is ready for anything you throw at it – from the carpool lane to the road less traveled.
A Consumer Reports top pick for 11 consecutive years, the Subaru Forester is legendary. Load the Forester with your skis, throw your bike on the back, put the dogs in the back, and take off for that long-awaited weekend away. Or, pick the kids and all of their friends up for a movie night in the snow. Either way, your new Subaru Forester has your back.
The Subaru Crosstrek brings capability and adventure to a small package! The smallest of the Subaru SUV lineup, the Crosstrek still sports impressive ground clearance and enough space to fit all your gear. Flat-folding rear seats open up even more area to carry whatever your next adventure calls for.
The Outback offers the most cargo and passenger space of these three Subaru models, so you’ll have plenty of room for your friends, family, and belongings. The Subaru Outback sports a longer, lower shape for smooth, controlled handling in a sleek, midsize crossover design.
The Subaru Forester is a more traditional crossover design with a higher stance and nimble body style. Its space and size put it solidly between the Crosstrek and Outback, making it the perfect middle ground for drivers who might want a little more room than the Crosstrek offers.
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard on the Crosstrek. The base 2024 Subaru Crosstrek comes with a 2.0-liter Subaru Boxer 4-cylinder engine, and Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims get an upgraded 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine for an extra push on hills and highways. The Wilderness trim offers a 3,500 lbs max towing capacity for extra towing capacity over the other trims’ 1,500 lbs.
The Subaru Outback, like the Crosstrek, comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Base, Premium, Onyx, Limited, and Touring trims of the 2025 Outback have a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer 4-cylinder engine and 2,700 lbs towing capacity, while the remaining trims have a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine and 3,500 lbs towing capacity.
The 2025 Subaru Forester also comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, so you can get wherever the road less traveled might take you. The 2025 Forester sports a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer 4-cylinder engine across all of the trim options. Each trim option for the 2025 Forester provides 1,500 lbs of towing capacity.
Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, and Forester all come standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. EyeSight offers Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and more so that you can feel safer in your Subaru.
Additionally, no matter which Subaru SUV you choose, you’ll be able to control the soundtrack of your adventure with standard Subaru Starlink Multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, and Forester have a lot to offer for everyone. But which one of these classic Subaru SUVs is right for you?
The Crosstrek is perfect for an urban commuter. The smaller size makes it more fuel efficient, allows it to fit in tight city parking spots, and maneuvers better on narrow surface streets. But this isn’t just your everyday commuter: Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive means you’re ready for snow, rain, or anything else the road throws your way.
The forecast calls for snow, and your whole crew wants to hit the slopes. But who’s going to drive? With your Subaru Outback, you’re the obvious choice! With seating for five, plenty of cargo space, and the capability to handle almost any road (or lack thereof), your Outback can get you where you want to go – with all the people you want to take along for the ride.
Hard-to-reach campsites. Unspoiled views. Stunning sunset after sunset. And don’t forget, ample cargo space for your gear and furry friends! The Subaru Forester is perfect for the adventurous-spirited looking for capability and fun paired with Subaru’s legendary reliability. Your Forester will be your best adventure buddy!
Choosing the right Subaru can be challenging, but we’re here to help. From adventure-ready features to family-friendly designs, each Subaru model has something unique to offer. Schedule a test drive at Hicks Family Subaru in Corpus Christi today and experience the Subaru difference firsthand.
*Based on Experian Automotive vehicles in operation vs. total new registrations for MY2014-2023 as of December 2023.
