2025 Honda CR-V Vs. 2025 Subaru Outback Comparison
If you're serious about elevating your drive with a high-value compact SUV instead of a midsize model, compare the Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback engines, dimensions, and features. After an inspection, you'll see that the midsize Outback has plenty to love – from an available 11.6-inch touchscreen display to nice MPG ratings. However, when you tour a more agile CR-V, you'll see the immense level of fuel efficiency that a compact SUV is capable of, as well as a surprisingly spacious interior and suite of standard driver assistance systems.
We at Phil Hughes Honda know the quality you'll bring back to your garage if you choose a CR-V. Before you schedule your test drive, check out how it compares to a larger competitor like the Subaru Outback.
CR-V vs. Outback at a Glance
- The Outback has the highest max horsepower, but the CR-V compensates with excellent MPG ratings.
- Unique features, like Snow Mode, make the CR-V capable of handling national road trips.
- Stretch out with 1.5 inches of extra rear legroom and store more than 6 extra cubic feet of cargo in your standard CR-V.
- Relax with a similar warranty plan and safety ratings, no matter your decision.
- Owners of the CR-V and Outback agree that the CR-V is the more reliable option.1, 2
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback Specs
We'll begin our comparison by looking under the hood. Both the Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback have two engine options. However, while the Subaru powertrain produces higher available horsepower, the CR-V is designed for value.
| CR-V vs. Outback Specs, by the Numbers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | Honda CR-V | Subaru Outback |
| Engine Options |
|
|
| Horsepower |
|
|
| Torque |
|
|
| Transmission |
| CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD, Available AWD | AWD |
| 0-60 |
|
|
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) |
|
|
| Fuel Tank Size | 14 gal | 18.5 gal |
| 2025 Honda CR-V | Used Toyota RAV4 | |
The Subaru Outback has the stronger available engine option, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. That's more than the strongest CR-V, but you may notice that the Honda model wins in MPG ratings. While the standard Subaru engine has less EPA-estimated MPG than the base CR-V option,6, 7 the hybrid powertrain that the CR-V has on offer provides up to 40 MPG (Combined).8
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback Performance in Snow
Speaking of performance, if you're thinking of heading north to tackle the elements, you'll want the CR-V's Snow Mode. This special feature is included in all trims of the CR-V to improve your traction and simplify slowing down or speeding up on icy surfaces.
The Subaru model provides basic Hill Descent Control and X-MODE for improved traction, but to get more specialized snow modes included with the dual-function X-MODE, you must upgrade to higher, more expensive trims.
Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V Dimensions & Cargo Space
The CR-V has the edge in specialized driving but stays similar to the larger SUV for dimension stats. Check out the chart to see how close the 2025 Subaru Outback vs. 2025 Honda CR-V size comparison gets.
| Outback vs. CR-V Dimensions & Features Explored | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | Honda CR-V | Subaru Outback |
| Length | 184.8 in | 191.9 in |
| Width | 73.5 in | 74.2 in |
| Height |
| 66.1 in |
| Headroom (Front / Rear) |
|
|
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 41.3 / 41 in | 42.8 / 39.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Weight | 3,472 - 3,926 lbs | 3,641 - 3,946 lbs |
| Cargo Space | 36.3 - 76.5 cu ft | 32.6 - 75.6 cu ft |
| Interior Feature Highlights |
|
|
| Exterior Feature Highlights |
|
|
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 Stars9 | 5 Stars10 |
| Factory Limited Warranty | 3-yr/36,000-mi11 | 3-yr/36,000-mi11 |
Despite the Outback having a little over 7 inches of extra length, the base Honda CR-V grants an extra 1.5 inches of rear-row legroom and nearly 7 extra cubic feet of additional trunk space. The Outback gives a minor edge in headroom and front-row legroom, but the CR-V easily keeps up with overall passenger space as a compact SUV.
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback Interior & Technology
Climb into those spacious cabins and explore a world of different features. The Subaru Outback seeks to impress with flashy features, like an optional 11.6-inch touchscreen display and Nappa leather seating on its highest-level trim.
However, the Honda model prioritizes bringing comfort to the standard trim and elevating the experience of owning your CR-V. The available 12-speaker Bose® premium sound system matches the Harman Kardon® sound system in the Outback's high-end trims. Both vehicles share a moonroof, though the Honda CR-V gets it standard on its second trim at a lower price than that of the third trim of the Outback.
Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V Safety & Reliability
The Honda Sensing Safety line of driver assistance features include a Lane Keeping Assist System, Traffic Jam Assist, and much more, while the Outback requires additional packages and trim level upgrades to get the same level of automated help. The Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V also have competitive safety and reliability scores. For instance, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, both SUVs received a five-out-of-five star rating.9, 10 They also share a standard Limited Warranty length of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.11
However, the Subaru Outback has a J.D. Power ranking of 80/100 for reliability2 while the 2025 Honda CR-V for sale has a score of 84/100, earning it a "Great" Quality & Reliability rating.1 For overall scores across all J.D. Power categories, the Honda option remains ahead at 83/1001 vs. the Outback's 82/100.2 You can expect better durability for long-term ownership out of the CR-V.
Climb Into a CR-V at Phil Hughes Honda
Now that you've seen how our Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback guide highlights the efficient engine, exceptional spaciousness, and unique features of the Honda vehicle, we hope you're ready to experience it in person. Give us a call and schedule a test drive.
See our additional reviews for more reasons to give this state-of-the-art sport-ute a try – for example, our Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison shows how even fuel-efficient competitors lack all of the CR-V's upsides.
Customer Reviews On The Honda CR-V:
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/honda/cr-v
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/subaru/outback
3Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/cr-v
4Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outback/
5Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/cr-v-hybrid
6Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
7EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
8Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery package/condition, and other factors.
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/HONDA/CR-V/SUV/FWD#safety-ratings-frontal
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/SUBARU/OUTBACK/SW/AWD
11Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
