Subaru Crossovers: Balancing Fuel Efficiency and Performance
When it comes to choosing the right Subaru crossover, whether for your daily commute, weekend adventures, or family road trips across South Africa, one thing is certain—fuel efficiency and performance need to be balanced perfectly. The Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback are two standout choices in this regard. Both are designed with comfort, performance, and fuel efficiency at their core, offering distinct advantages depending on your needs.
With Subaru’s longstanding reputation for innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction, these two Subaru crossovers are not just vehicles—they’re trusted companions for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive into how these two models stack up when it comes to design, performance, and fuel economy.
Overview of the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback
The Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is compact yet capable and is the preferred choice for urban dwellers seeking the freedom to explore the vast outdoors. It offers a smooth, efficient ride, thanks to Subaru’s renowned all-wheel drive (AWD) technology and impressive fuel efficiency. The Crosstrek is perfect for smaller families or city drivers who enjoy weekend getaways and need a vehicle that can handle both city streets and rugged terrains.
The Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is designed for those who crave a larger, more powerful vehicle for both everyday use and longer trips. With more cargo space and enhanced off-road capability, the Outback delivers an unbeatable blend of rugged performance and luxury. It’s ideal for families who enjoy weekend escapes, camping, and exploring South Africa’s diverse terrains, from sandy beaches to rocky mountains.
Design and Dimensions: Size and Versatility
What are the Key Design Differences?
Exterior Styling
The Crosstrek has a sporty, compact design that excels in city environments, making parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces a breeze. Its sleek profile is paired with rugged features like roof rails and higher ground clearance, making it equally capable in urban and off-road settings. The Outback, on the other hand, offers a more SUV-like appearance with a larger, bolder stance, perfect for those who need extra space and power for off-road adventures.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Crosstrek offers a snug yet efficient cabin with seating for up to five passengers. It provides ample legroom and comfortable seating, especially suited for shorter trips. The Outback, with its larger build, boasts generous seating and cargo space, making it a better option for long road trips, larger families, and those needing more room for gear or luggage.
Who Will Love Each?
The Crosstrek is ideal for city drivers or smaller families who prioritise fuel efficiency and compactness. It’s great for those who need a versatile vehicle but have limited parking or storage space. The Outback is the better choice for those who frequently embark on road trips, need more space for cargo or a bigger family, or enjoy off-road excursions.
Performance Comparison: Power and Capability
How Does Each Subaru Crossover Model Perform on the Road?
Engine Options and Specs
The Subaru Crosstrek offers a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled BOXER engine that produces 113kW at 6,000rpm of power and 196 Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. It’s perfect for everyday driving in urban environments while still being capable enough for light off-roading.
The Outback takes it up a notch with a more powerful 2.5L petrol engine, which delivers impressive towing capacity and off-road performance. The 2.4L turbocharged engine, available in higher trims, is perfect for those who crave extra power for challenging terrains.
All-Wheel Drive Capability
Both vehicles are equipped with Subaru’s signature AWD system, known for its reliability and stability, especially in challenging weather or rough terrain. Whether you’re navigating rainy roads or sandy dunes, Subaru’s AWD technology ensures excellent traction and handling.
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback Performance
While the Crosstrek provides a smooth and responsive drive ideal for city streets, the Outback stands out for its enhanced off-road capabilities. The Outback is more suited for rough terrains, with better towing capacity, making it perfect for adventurous families.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Which Subaru Crossover is More Fuel-Efficient?
Subaru Crosstrek Fuel Consumption
The Crosstrek shines when it comes to fuel efficiency. The petrol version delivers an average of around 7.2L/100km, which is quite competitive for an AWD vehicle.
Subaru Outback Fuel Consumption
The Outback strikes a balance between power and efficiency. Its 2.5L engine offers a fuel consumption rate of approximately 7.3L/100km, while the more powerful XT turbocharged engine delivers slightly higher consumption at 9.0L/100km. Nevertheless, considering its increased size and off-road capabilities, the Outback remains fuel-efficient within its class.
Subaru Crossover Comfort and Interior Features
What Comfort Features Make Each Model Stand Out?
Subaru Crosstrek Comfort
The Crosstrek’s interior is focused on comfort and functionality. With a snug layout, and easy-to-use infotainment, it’s perfect for everyday commuting. The Crosstrek is an ideal choice for city dwellers seeking a compact and comfortable ride.
Subaru Outback Comfort
The Outback elevates the experience with its luxurious interior finishes, premium seating materials, and expansive cargo space. For long trips, the Outback’s cabin offers ample room and a higher level of comfort, with more advanced tech features and premium options such as leather upholstery and a larger touchscreen.
Technology and Infotainment
Both models come with Subaru’s infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless connectivity for South African drivers. Navigation systems, voice recognition, and smartphone integration further enhance the driving experience in both Subaru crossovers.
Safety Features: Protecting What Matters Most
How Safe are the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback?
Both the Crosstrek and Outback come standard with Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking—critical for ensuring safety on South African roads.
Standard Safety Packages
Standard packages on both Subaru crossover models include Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking, adding an extra layer of protection, especially for families on the go.
Differences in Safety Features
While both vehicles offer the same core safety technology, the Outback’s higher trims provide additional advanced safety features, such as DriverFocus™ Distraction Mitigation System, further enhancing peace of mind for longer trips and off-road excursions.
Choosing a Subaru Crossover Based on Lifestyle
Which Subaru Crossover is Better for Road Trips?
The Outback, with its larger cargo space, more powerful engines, and off-road readiness, is ideal for long road trips and adventurous getaways. Whether you’re heading to the Drakensberg or along the Garden Route, the Outback is the perfect companion.
Which is Better for City Life?
For those living in cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town, the Crosstrek’s compact size, fuel efficiency, and agile handling make it an ideal choice for urban driving and short weekend trips.
Daily Driving vs. Off-Roading Needs
If your daily driving is mostly on paved roads and you don’t need extensive cargo space, the Crosstrek is your best bet. If you’re more of an adventurer who enjoys exploring rural routes, beaches, or the bush, the Outback is built to handle more demanding terrains.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main differences between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Outback?
The Crosstrek is smaller, more fuel-efficient, and ideal for city driving, while the Outback offers more power, cargo space, and off-road capability.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Outback more suitable for off-road adventures?
The Subaru Outback is the better choice for off-roading, offering more power and off-road capabilities.
How do the safety features in the Crosstrek and Outback compare?
Both vehicles offer Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, with the Outback providing additional advanced safety options.
Which Subaru crossover offers better comfort and space for families?
The Outback offers more space, premium features, and a more comfortable ride for families.
Whether you’re exploring the urban jungle or venturing into South Africa’s vast wilderness, both the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback provide the perfect balance of fuel efficiency, performance, and safety. Book a test drive now, choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and embark on your next adventure with confidence.
