Boston Subaru Dealer | Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V Comparison

Subaru Outback

Honda CR-V

Planet's Executive Summary
Honda CR-V is in the "Small Crossover" segment and the Outback is a "Midsize Crossover." The distance between the axles ("wheelbase") is a substantial five inches longer on the Subaru, so the ride is smoother compared to the CR-V with its closer-set axles (think limousine vs. army Jeep). CR-V typically competes with Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4, but we see many people comparing it with the Outback, too.

Outback was all-new for the 2020 model year, and the CR-V was "refreshed" for 2020, so both versions are quite contemporary in terms of technology.

Let's start with what they have in common:

Standard Features:

Bluetooth phone connectivity
Steering wheel audio controls
Power windows, locks, mirrors
3 year, 36,000 mile comprehensive warranty; 5/60 powertrain

Standard Safety:

Back up camera;
Vehicle stability control to avoid skids;
Brake override system;
Anti-lock brakes with brake assist;
Learn all about how these safety features work.

Similar dimensions but Outback is quite a bit longer:

CR-V is about a half inch wider.
Outback is about a half inch taller.
Outback is about nine inches longer.

	CR-V EX AWD (with Honda Sensing)	Outback Premium (with Eyesight)

All Wheel Drive System Outback was built from the ground up with all wheel drive; Honda started with a front driver and bolted on some extra hardware later. More sophisticated Subaru system responds more quickly to a loss of traction.	All wheel drive optional.	Symmetrical All Wheel Drive Standard.
Optional Driver-Assistive Technologies Standard on all of the models, both offer their own versions of pre-collision warning and braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection/lane change assist, and lane departure warning. The safety suites also include additional features.	Honda Sensing	"Subaru Eyesight"
Ground clearance Outback is a little less likely to get caught in snow or slop.	8.2 inches	8.7 inches
Cargo Space CR-V cargo space is a little bigger with the seats up but Outback is about ten inches longer so it's preferable for bicycles and other long cargo.	76 cubic feet (seats down) 39 cubic feet (seats up)	76 cubic feet (seats down) 36 cubic feet (seats up)
Passenger Volume Outback is a little roomier inside for people.	103 cubic feet	108 cubic feet
Towing Capacity	1500 pounds	2700 pounds (4 cylinder) 3500 pounds (turbo)
Standard Engine Outback engine is slightly less powerful but accelerates comparably.	1.5 liter turbocharged in-line four cylinder with 190 horsepower	2.5 liter four cylinder Boxer engine with 175 horsepower
Fuel Economy/Range This is another close one.	Continuously variable automatic transmission 27 city, 33 hwy	Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission 26 city, 33 hwy
Need some extra go-go? The optional turbo in the Outback is designed for performance, the optional hybrid in the CR-V is optimized for fuel efficiency. If you want a Subaru with a hybrid powertrain, look at the Crosstrek.	212 horsepower 1.5 liter four cylinder	260 horsepower 2.4 liter four cylinder turbo 23 city, 30 highway
Outward Visibility Tailgate glass in Outback is taller and wider, and side windows are more square, reducing blind spots. Honda chose a dramatic, downward swooping roofline which looks sporty but makes it hard to see out the back. CR-V's standard back-up camera helps you in parking lots, but not on the roads. (Back up camera is also standard on Outback). Outback is recognized for being among the cars with best visibility.
Roof Rails and Crossbars Outback's ingenious integrated racking system includes rails and integrated swinging crossbars standard on all Outback models. CR-V crossbars are optional and do not store conveniently.		Articulating cross bars are shown here partially extended.
Purchase and Ownership Experience You can buy a new Subaru at Planet, but not a new Honda.	Typical dealership experience.	Friendly folks undealership experience Free Planet Passport Program
Price with Automatic Transmission Outback costs more but is better equipped.	$29,895	$29,905 Outback Models and Prices
Safety CR-V has six airbags, Outback, eight. Both are "Top Safety Picks" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.	CR-V test results	Outback test results