Choosing between the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V? Our in-depth comparison covers performance, interior features, safety, and more to help you make the right choice for your needs.
Performance Comparison
When it comes to hitting the open road, both the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V are designed to deliver a responsive and engaging driving experience. But which one takes the cake?
Engine Options and Horsepower
Under the hood, the Subaru Outback boasts a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This BOXER engine, a signature Subaru design, allows for a lower center of gravity and improved balance, resulting in a more agile and responsive ride. On the other hand, the Honda CR-V comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, churning out 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. While the CR-V’s engine packs a bit more punch, the Outback’s BOXER design offers a unique advantage when it comes to handling and stability.
Transmission and Drivetrain
When it comes to transmission, both vehicles offer a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard, designed to provide smooth and seamless acceleration. However, the Subaru Outback also offers an available 8-speed automatic transmission on certain trims, providing more precise control and a more engaging drive. The Honda CR-V, on the other hand, sticks with the CVT across all trims. In terms of drivetrain, the Outback features Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides improved traction and control in a variety of driving conditions. The CR-V’s Real Time All-Wheel Drive system is also capable, but may not quite match the Outback’s level of sophistication.
Handling and Towing Capacity
So, how do these performance specs translate to real-world driving? The Subaru Outback is known for its agile and responsive handling, making it a joy to drive on winding roads and rough terrain. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,700 pounds, the Outback is also suitable for light towing duties. The Honda CR-V, while not as agile as the Outback, still offers a comfortable and stable ride, making it well-suited for daily driving and light adventure. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds, the CR-V is better suited for smaller towing tasks.
Interior and Comfort
When it comes to interior space and comfort, both the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V are designed to provide a comfortable and feature-rich environment for drivers and passengers alike. But which one stands out in this department?
Seating Capacity and Space
The Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV that offers ample space for passengers and cargo. It can seat up to five people comfortably, with plenty of legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The Outback also boasts a spacious cargo area, with 35.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 73 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. In contrast, the Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that can also seat up to five people, but with slightly less legroom and headroom than the Outback. The CR-V has a smaller cargo area, with 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.
Infotainment and Technology Features
Both the Outback and CR-V offer a range of infotainment and technology features to keep drivers and passengers entertained and connected on the go. The Outback comes with a standard 7-inch touchscreen display, while the CR-V offers a 5-inch display screen. However, the CR-V’s available 7-inch display is more advanced, with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as a navigation system. The Outback also offers a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, while the CR-V offers a similar range of features, including a collision mitigation system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
When it comes to comfort and convenience features, both the Outback and CR-V have plenty to offer. The Outback comes with standard features like dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power moonroof, while the CR-V offers features like a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a leather-trimmed interior. Both vehicles also offer a range of convenience features, including remote start systems, automatic climate control, and power liftgates. But which one offers the most comprehensive package of comfort and convenience features? The answer lies in the details.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, both the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V have a reputation for being reliable and sturdy. But what sets them apart from each other? Let’s dive into the details to find out.
Airbag Systems and Crash Test Ratings
Both vehicles feature a plethora of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to ensure maximum protection in the event of a collision. However, the Subaru Outback has a slight edge with its seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, compared to the Honda CR-V’s six.
In terms of crash test ratings, both vehicles have received top marks from reputable organizations. The Subaru Outback has a perfect 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is designated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Honda CR-V also boasts a 5-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. However, the CR-V’s IIHS rating is contingent upon the trim level, with the higher trims receiving the coveted Top Safety Pick+ label.
Advanced Safety Technologies
Beyond airbags and crash test ratings, both vehicles are equipped with advanced safety technologies to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. For example, both the Outback and CR-V feature adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot detection. However, the Outback has a more comprehensive system, including sway warning, lane centering, and a rear seat reminder.
The Honda CR-V, on the other hand, offers a more sophisticated collision mitigation system, which can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and even traffic signs. This is complemented by its innovative traffic jam assist feature, which can take control of the vehicle in heavy traffic conditions, allowing the driver to relax and take their hands off the wheel.
Driver Assistance Features
In addition to the advanced safety technologies mentioned above, both vehicles offer a range of driver-assistance features to make driving easier and less stressful. For instance, both vehicles come equipped with forward-facing cameras, which enable features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
However, the Subaru Outback takes the cake when it comes to driver assistance features, with its innovative DriverFocus system. This system uses facial recognition technology to monitor the driver’s attention and alertness, providing warnings if the driver appears distracted or drowsy. The Outback also features a more comprehensive rearview camera system, with a 180-degree view and dynamic guidelines.
In the end, both the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V prioritize safety, but the Outback’s more comprehensive safety features and advanced technologies give it a slight edge in this department.
Exterior and Design
The exterior design of a vehicle is more than just aesthetics; it’s a reflection of the car’s capabilities and functionality. When comparing the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V, one obvious difference is their respective body styles.
Body Style and Dimensions
The Subaru Outback is a mid-size SUV with a more rugged and boxy design, reminiscent of a traditional wagon. Its longer wheelbase and overall length provide a more spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for families or those who need ample cargo room. In contrast, the Honda CR-V is a compact SUV with a more modern, aerodynamic design. Its shorter wheelbase and length make it more agile in tight spaces, ideal for city dwellers or singles.
Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles
Both vehicles boast impressive ground clearance, with the Outback offering 8.7 inches and the CR-V providing 7.8 inches. This feature is essential for those who enjoy off-road adventures or live in areas with rough terrain. When navigating steep inclines, the approach and departure angles come into play. The Outback’s approach angle is 17.6 degrees, while its departure angle is 20.8 degrees. The CR-V’s approach angle is 19.3 degrees, and its departure angle is 23.5 degrees. These differences may seem minor, but they can significantly impact your ability to traverse challenging landscapes.
Wheel and Tire Options
The Subaru Outback offers a range of wheel options, from 17-inch steel wheels on the base model to 18-inch alloy wheels on higher trims. The Honda CR-V also features 17-inch steel wheels on its base model, with 18-inch alloy wheels available on upper trims. Both vehicles provide a variety of tire options, including all-season and winter tires, depending on your climate and driving needs. However, the Outback’s more aggressive wheel design and wider tire selection make it a better choice for those who venture off the beaten path.
Fuel Economy and Maintenance
When it comes to fuel economy and maintenance, the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V are two very different animals. While both SUVs are designed to provide a comfortable ride and decent fuel efficiency, they take different approaches to achieving these goals.
Fuel Efficiency and MPG Ratings
So, how do these two SUVs stack up when it comes to fuel economy? The Subaru Outback boasts an impressive EPA-estimated 24 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 27 MPG combined. Not to be outdone, the Honda CR-V offers an equally impressive 25 MPG in the city, 31 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined. While the Outback edges out the CR-V in terms of highway fuel efficiency, the CR-V takes the lead in city driving. However, it’s worth noting that both SUVs offer respectable fuel economy, making them solid choices for commuters and road trippers alike.
Maintenance Schedules and Costs
But what about maintenance costs and schedules? Both the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V have their own unique maintenance requirements. The Outback recommends oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on driving conditions, while the CR-V recommends oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first. When it comes to more extensive maintenance, such as tire rotations and brake pad replacements, the Outback and CR-V have similar schedules, with most maintenance tasks falling due every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
Warranty and Reliability
Finally, let’s talk about warranty and reliability. Both the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V offer comprehensive warranties that provide peace of mind for new car buyers. The Outback comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 5-year/60,000-mile corrosion perforation warranty. The CR-V, on the other hand, offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion perforation warranty. In terms of reliability, both SUVs have solid reputations, with the Outback ranking high in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study and the CR-V earning Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the IIHS.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The age-old question: how much is this going to set me back? When it comes to the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V, the answer depends on which trim level you’re interested in. Let’s break it down.
Base Model Features and Price
The base model of the Subaru Outback, aptly named the Outback, starts at around $25,000. For that price, you’ll get a respectable list of standard features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch touchscreen, and adaptive cruise control. The Honda CR-V’s base model, the LX, starts at around $25,500 and comes with similar features, including a 5-inch display screen and a rearview camera.
Mid-Level and High-End Trim Options
As you move up the trim levels, the prices (and features) escalate quickly. The Subaru Outback’s Premium trim adds features like heated seats, a power liftgate, and 17-inch alloy wheels, with a price tag of around $28,000. The Honda CR-V’s EX trim offers similar features, including a power moonroof and dual-zone climate control, for around $27,000. At the high end, the Subaru Outback’s Touring XT trim boasts a turbocharged engine, 20-inch wheels, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system, all for around $37,000. The Honda CR-V’s Touring trim, meanwhile, adds features like a panoramic sunroof and a heated steering wheel, with a price tag of around $33,000.
Optional Packages and Add-Ons
But wait, there’s more! Both the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V offer a range of optional packages and add-ons to customization your ride. The Subaru Outback’s Moonroof Package adds, you guessed it, a moonroof, as well as a blind-spot detection system and rear cross-traffic alert. The Honda CR-V’s EX-L Navi trim adds a navigation system and a premium audio system. And for the ultimate in customization, the Subaru Outback’s STARLINK Entertainment Package adds a rear entertainment system, complete with a DVD player and dual 10.1-inch screens. Prices for these packages vary, but expect to add anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 to your base price.
Off-Road and Towing Capability
The great outdoors beckons, and with the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to venturing off the beaten path. But how do these two rugged companions stack up when it comes to tackling rough terrain and hauling heavy loads?
All-Wheel Drive Systems
When it comes to all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, both the Outback and CR-V boast advanced technologies designed to maximize traction and control. The Outback features Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which continually monitors and adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels to ensure optimal grip and stability. The CR-V, on the other hand, uses Honda’s Real Time AWD system, which can transfer up to 50% of available torque to the rear wheels when needed. Both systems are designed to provide seamless power delivery and confident handling, no matter the terrain.
Towing Capacity and Hitch Ratings
If you plan on towing a trailer, boat, or RV, you’ll want to know that both vehicles are up to the task. The Subaru Outback boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg), making it suitable for small to medium-sized trailers and boats. The Honda CR-V, on the other hand, has a slightly lower towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds (680 kg). However, it’s essential to note that towing capacity can vary depending on the trim level, engine, and other factors, so be sure to check the specifications of your chosen vehicle carefully.
Approach and Departure Angles for Off-Road Use
When venturing off-road, it’s crucial to consider the approach and departure angles of your vehicle, as these can greatly impact its ability to navigate rough terrain. The Subaru Outback boasts an impressive approach angle of 18.5 degrees and a departure angle of 20.8 degrees, making it well-suited for moderate off-roading. The Honda CR-V, while not designed for extreme off-roading, still offers a respectable approach angle of 18.2 degrees and a departure angle of 20.5 degrees. While neither vehicle is intended for extreme rock-crawling or mudding, they’re both capable of handling rough roads and light off-roading with ease.