Crosstrek Wilderness vs. Outback Wilderness, Which 2024 Subaru is Better?

What’s up guys?! Here’s my comparison of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness vs. the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness!

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Vehicle links below…

[misaa.]

This was the best, most informative, in depth detail oriented video I have ever seen that had me focused the entire time, and answered every single question I could have possibly come up with. I was so set on wanting the Crosstrek, but watching this video show the vents and heated seats in the back, power trunk, power seats, now I really need to rethink what I want. PLUS omg you're in idaho!! I am too!! Thank you for this video!

[CurtGodwin]

It's funny - whenever I drive my OBW for a while, I start daydreaming about getting something else. The CVT is uninspired and the stereo ('22 model) is awful. But then I watch someone like you give a review of an OBW (and/or compare it w/ something else like the CW) and I think: "It's not so bad. It looks great. Has awesome features. Does everything I *need* it to do. I'll keep it." It really isn't a bad car at all... it's just frustrating that it falls short of perfection due to decisions that didn't have to be made. Regardless, thanks for the video!

[RazgrizFD]

I received my Alpine Green Crosstrek Wilderness last Monday. I got the option of the sunroof, power seat and Harmon Kardon sound system. I am absolutely loving it!!!

[rkworth]

i just picked up the crosstrek wilderness. VERY happy with it.. very nice ride for a smaller car. well made, and lack of turbo is what i wanted, fewer issues, maintenance. given it is a smaller, lighter car over the outback, turbo really isn't necessary.

[goodman]

Best side by side on Youtube for these models. Thank you.

[andrewspanogle]

I drove an Orange CT 2018 Limited and loved it. Bought a 2024 OBW a few months ago and it absolutely blows it away in most categories. Although I do miss the gas mileage on the CT.

[leomdk]

Love em both, but the cargo room of the Outback makes it a no-brainer for me, personally!

[Bill.R.]

This is just the review I needed. I just test drove both and was torn. The acceleration and slightly nicer interior was a huge plus, but being bigger, longer, wider was a negative (since it's just me an my dog). Suburu quality, safety(!!!!), and CR ratings are top-notch.

[Goose.]

Thanks for the video. I just ordered me a OBW as it was more comfortable and definitely more spacious.

[mattkretchmar]

Thanks for the comparison video. I'm looking at the Outback. I do a lot of cycling and the Outback can swallow a whole bicycle without having to remove the wheel. That seals the deal for me. My wife has the Crosstrek and loves it (in non wilderness). I have an Outback ( in non wilderness ) but my kid will likely be stealing it from me soon. Time for a replacement ... Outback Wilderness is on the top of my list.

[sam-yau]

Absolutely bonkers that Subaru didn't think the Crosstrek Wilderness needed a front facing camera. With only 20 degrees of approach angle, I've already snapped some of my front plastic bumper clips on small trail impacts when approaching steep ditches and hills off-road. Front trail cam would've cost like $10 from their parts bin and made the Crosstrek truly deserving of its Wilderness badge.

[MNsaint]

I clicked on this as fast as I could! I had been waiting on the CTW ever since the OBW was announced. Unfortunately, timing worked against me so I ended up getting a 2024 OBW because I needed a car and the CTW wasn't yet available. Now that they are, I'm contemplating switching to one. I realize the OBW bests the CTW in both HP and torque but would love to know how the CTW handles a "white-knuckle" situation like passing a semi on a two-lane highway. I'm also interested to know how the CTW climbs steep highway mountain grades and if it'll be able to maintain 75-80 MPH up those grades. I know the OBW can do those things with ease so I'm looking to find out if the CTW can adequately do them. You've already answered some of my questions in the past regarding this subject and I really appreciated it. I'm constantly scouring the Internet (forums, Reddit, YT, etc) trying to get owners' real world experiences. As more and more CTW's make it into people's hands, I hope to get some good information so I can make an informed decision. I really love my OBW but I just miss the size of the Crosstrek. Thanks for the video.

[sarge]

I personally chose the outback onyx edition, which has the larger cargo space, and nearly every feature of the OBW except the turbo, 1" of clearance, and heated rears seats. The towing cap is also 2700 vs 3500 for the OBW. I am old, so care nothing about the added HP, or more serious off roading ability of the OBW. My main attraction was the safety features, such as fwd and rev auto braking, BSM, adaptive cruise, lane keep assist...etc. The AWD is a plus for wet or snowy conditions. can see why some would opt to pay a few thousand more for the added power and clearance. For me however, the turbo is an additional failure point with added heat in the engine compartment. Since nobody ever sits in the back, the rear seat heaters would be a waste. The only feature the OBW has that I wish the Onyx had, is the full size spare. I also care nothing about the sunroof, that it does have.

[wordchrisjones]

Very impressive reivew. Things I never would have thought about you covered so nicely!

[WillMcSpadden]

There are a couple of “overland” OBW guys that can fit an aired down full size matching spare into the spare tire bucket lol

[KT-ewdt]

I wish they would make a wilderness sport on the crosstrek!!

[randseedbin]

I traded in a 16 year old Outback for a new 2024 Crosstrek because I actually wanted a smaller vehicle and I don't do that much off road anymore. 80% of the time I'm just zipping around town and it's perfect for that.

[Hatchbm]

Great review! Looking forward to the Forester review.

[stevep]

Thank you for making this video...trying to decide which one to pick is hard lol

[edsmith]

I am a big fan of the Impreza/Crosstrek. I have an Impreza hatch, which has lower step in height for my wife, who cant step up easily into a crossover. As for the two cars tested, I actually think the Outback Wilderness is a better deal. The Crosstrek Wilderness is way to expensive; it can reach 35k with the moonroof/upgraded stereo, and you still get a mediocre engine. To me for a few thousand more, the Outback is worth it. The upgraded engine is the determining factor. For normal driving, the 2.5L is fine in the Crosstrek. However, the Wilderness models are marketed for camping/exploring off road, loaded up with lots of gear and probably in hilly, elevated terrain. In those circumstances, the turbo of the Outback is a huge plus. Ultimately, though it just comes down to whether you want a larger vehicle with more power and carrying capacity, or a smaller, more nimble vehicle for mainly congested city driving. Actually, IMO, the Wilderness package is kind of lame in either model. They should add some sort of clutch based rear locker if they are going to market them as "Wilderness" models.