Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V

The Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V are stalwarts of the crossover segment. The Outback’s rugged wagon roots are easily identifiable while the CR-V’s shape has modern looks and cab-reward proportions that are pure SUV. Best of all, both get significant updates; in fact, the CR-V is an entirely new generation. They are both excellent at performing daily duty, accomplishing an occasional road trip, and maybe even some light-duty adventures to a remote campsite, however, they go about it differently. Let’s see how they compare in the key categories.

Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V Price

The restyled and technologically-updated Outback is generally available on dealers’ lots with the well-equipped Limited trim being the most popular. Subaru does not typically offer rebates and the Outback is no different. Its lease rates are not particularly attractive and neither is its loan rate of 3.9% for 48 months. The Honda CR-V is in a very similar situation where it is available on dealer’s lots but rebates are non-existent and the loan rate is typical for the times.

The Outback begins at just under $30,000 and the newly introduced base CR-V LX trim follows suit and is within $100. Pricing ramps up to $43,520 for the top Outback model and the CR-V tops out at $35,505 which does not include all-wheel drive ($1,500) which is standard on the Subaru.

The top CR-V is actually the Hybrid Sport Touring model with its upgraded powertrain and features. The CR-V Hybrid is covered in more detail separately.

Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V Dimensions

The Subaru Outback is six inches longer (191 inches) than the CR-V yet the Honda is about half an inch wider. Both offer generous rear seat comfort with about 40 inches more (41 inches for the Honda) and 57 inches of shoulder room (56 for the Honda).

In terms of ground clearance, the city-focused CR-V offers about eight inches which is average for a crossover while the Outback can clear nearly nine inches or more with the lifted Wilderness model.

Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V Cargo Space

The Honda is more efficient with its interior space and offers 39 cubic feet of space compared to the 33 cubic-foot cargo area of the Outback. The Subaru’s added length helps it to nearly match the Honda’s 77 cubic-foot space with the seats folded. The Outback is better equipped for towing and wears a 2,700-pound rating (3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine) compared to the CR-V’s 1,500-pound rating.

Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V Reliability

The Subaru Outback wears a three-out-of-five star score for predicted reliability according to ComsumerReports.com and a three-star score for predicted owner satisfaction. That falls short of the CR-V’s four-star rating for predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction.

Subaru Outback Touring vs. Honda CR-V Touring EX-L

The best-equipped trims offered are the Outback Touring trim and the CR-V EX-L.

The Outback Touring trim is available with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine which adds the XT designation to the trim. The top trim is well equipped and one will find many of the optional features of the lower trims as well as features that are unavailable. Some of the most notable items include machine-finished 18-inch wheels, satin chrome power folding mirrors, a sunroof, proximity entry with a hands-free power tailgate, leather seats with heating and ventilation in front and heating for the rear, an integrated 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a premium Harman Kardon sound system with a CD player, and a 180-degree forward-view camera.

The CR-V EX-L carries a much lower price, however, it accurately reflects the reduced amount of premium features compared to the Outback Touring trim. Its seats, for example, are heated but not ventilated and the Honda’s seats’ “standard” leather is out-down by the Nappa leather found in the Subaru. The EX-L is also void of a name-brand sound system and a heated steering wheel.

The CR-V sends power to the front wheels and offers all-wheel drive for $1,500 while the Outback maintains its off-road cred with standard all-wheel drive. The Honda’s turbocharged engine is more powerful and more efficient than the base Subaru base engine, however, the XT’s larger turbocharged engine is more powerful. It also requires a significant efficiency penalty which is the opposite of the more powerful and more efficient CR-V Hybrid.

Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback Reviews

There’s a good reason for each model’s success. The Outback’s raised ground clearance seems to have little negative effect on its ride which feels balanced even on rough roads. The base engine will get the job done and its continuously-variable transmission does its best to simulate shifts and avoid droning. The turbocharged engine adds peace of mind, especially if hauling camping gear into the mountains is going to be a regular affair. The CR-V’s smaller turbocharged engine feels strong but not particularly sporty. Power is routed through a CVT with simulated shifts. Its ride is as equally composed as the Outback over most roads and its interior is impressively spacious and includes plenty of small item storage cubbies.

Which Is Better: Honda CR-V or Subaru Outback?

The Subaru Outback feels better suited for those looking for a vehicle that can perform a wider range of functions than a typical crossover and is willing to give up performance for the sake of efficiency. Its styling is downright brutal to some, however, its interior is largely without fault or talking point, for that matter. The Honda strikes with a more powerful and efficient powertrain and its interior is handsome, ergonomic, and high quality. We like the Honda CR-V over the Subaru Outback while we think even more of the CR-V Hybrid.

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