2013 Honda CR-V	2013 Subaru Outback

 

Many of our customers who buy Planet Outbacks tell us that they had looked at the the Honda CR-V too.  We created this Outback vs. CR-V page to save you the trip to the Honda store!


What the Outback and CR-V have in common:

• Great reputation for quality
  
• Bluetooth phone connectivity and streaming audio
• Power windows, locks, mirrors, cruise, tilt/telescope wheel, air conditioning
• Six airbags, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes
• 71 cubic feet of cargo room (with the back seat folded)
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick"
  

Where they differ:

Ground Clearance

Outback:  8.7 inches

CR-V:  6.8 inches

Advantage:  The Outback is less likely to get stuck in snow or slop.

Automatic Transmission

Outback:  Continuously variable automatic transmission

CR-V:  Traditional 5-speed automatic

Advantage:  Outback.  Traditional four- and five-speed automatics are going the way of the dinosaur because CVT's are smoother and get better fuel economy.  The automotive world was baffled when Honda put an old transmission in the CR-V when it introduced the all-new version in 2012. 

Fuel Economy

Outback:  24 city, 30 highway

CR-V:  22 city, 30 highway

Advantage:  The Outback, despite having more room and being more substantial, actually gets better combined fuel economy (primarily because of the superior CVT transmission). 

Fuel Capacity

Outback:  18.5 gallons

CR-V:  15.3 gallons

Advantage:  The Outback has better fuel economy AND a bigger tank, so less worries about running out of gas in the middle of nowhere!

Power Folding Mirrors

Outback:  not available

CR-V: standard on all models

Advantage:  The CR-V is good for street parking because it's a shorter car and the mirrors tuck in.  If you need a car that's a little smaller than the Outback, then you might want to check out the Forester. 

Roof Rails and Crossbars

Outback:  standard on all models

CR-V:  available only on the most expensive model

Advantage:  The Outback is more practical.  Its folding crossbars nestle out of the way but are easily swung into place if you need them. 

Power Driver Seat

Outback:  standard on most models

CR-V:  available only on the most expensive model

Advantage:  Outback. 

Wheelbase

Outback:  107.9 inches

CR-V:  103.1 inches

Advantage:  The Outback offers a smoother ride because the axles are farther apart from each other. 

Overall Length

Outback:  188.3 inches

CR-V:  178.3 inches

Advantage:  The Outback has more interior room and larger crumple zones for better crashworthiness. 

Windshield Wiper De-Icer

Outback:  standard on most models

CR-V:  not available

Advantage:  Outback.  Before Subaru's innovation, in freezing rain we all had to smack our wipers against the windshield to break off the encrusted ice and get a clean wipe.  

Back-up Camera

Outback:  optional

CR-V:  standard

Advantage:  CR-V. 

Rear Visibility

Outback:  Very good

CR-V:  Not so good

Advantage:  Outback.  Look at the pictures at the top of the page.  In the 2012 re-design, Honda chose to create a dramatic, downward swooping rooflline.  It looks nice, but those small side windows in the back and the high tailgate glass make it very difficult to see out because there's a lot more metal than glass back there.  The CR-V's standard back-up camera helps you in parking lots, but not on the road. 

Price

Comparably equipped, the Outback costs about a $1,000 more than the CR-V.   Click here for Outback pricing. 

Advantage:  CR-V.  You get a lot more with the Outback, but you pay a little more too.  

MORE COMPARISONS:

• Crosstrek vs. Forester
  
• Crosstrek vs. Plowtruck
  
• Crosstrek vs. Impreza 
• Crosstrek vs. Mini Cooper
• Forester vs. Outback
  
• Previous generation Forester vs. previous generation Outback
  
• New Forester vs. previous generation Forester
  
• Forester vs. Toyota RAV4
  

More Good Stuff!
Explore all the other exclusive Planet content you won't find anywhere else!

Search our big NEW or PRE-LOVED Outback inventory. 

See a Planet-exclusive summary chart of all the Subaru models.
 

"Keep being friendly and honest and not pressuring people. We really appreciated that! 
--Richard B., Scituate, MA

Planet Subaru.  Your unDealership.