Hicks Family Subaru
Torn between the Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback? Our guide breaks down which SUV is the better buy for you.
Looking for a reliable SUV to take you on your next adventure? Two of the most popular models drivers decide between are the Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback. While both of these crossovers have a lot to offer in terms of practicality and performance, only one is the better choice for you.
So, when it comes to these two vehicles, which is the better buy? To help you decide, let’s compare the Honda CR-V to Subaru Outback in terms of performance, cargo space, fuel efficiency, safety, AWD capability, and overall versatility.
The Subaru Outback delivers reliable performance and smooth driving with its standard 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine. Most buyers, however, will want to opt for the available turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that cranks out an exciting 260 horsepower. That’s plenty of power to handle light off-roading, mountain roads, and most other taxing driving conditions.
Like other Subarus, the Outback also excels when it comes to towing capacity. Even on the standard engine, the Outback’s 2,700-pound tow rating nearly doubles the CR-V’s 1,500-pound towing capacity. Choose the turbocharged engine and the Subaru’s tow rating bumps up to 3,500 pounds—ideal for mid-size boats, small campers, and any other mid-size equipment you want to bring along for the ride.
The Honda CR-V’s 190-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers a comfortable ride. It’s a solid and responsive daily driver best suited for city streets and highways. This compact SUV also comes standard with hill-descent control, useful for handling steep or slippery declines safely.
While the standard engines on both vehicles are comparable, the Outback’s optional turbocharged engine, with its punchy acceleration and impressive towing capacity, gives Subaru the win for performance.
Though the Outback is really more of a midsize crossover than a compact SUV, its 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space falls short of the CR-V’s more spacious cargo area. Still, the Outback’s low, wagon-like cargo floor makes for easy loading and unloading of groceries, gear, or even your four-legged family members. Fold the rear seats down and the cargo space opens up to 75.6 cubic feet—plenty of space for any adventure.
For a compact SUV, the CR-V offers an excellent 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and maxes out at 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The cargo area’s tall, box-like design also helps the CR-V fit bulkier items that the Outback might have more trouble with.
While the Outback provides plenty of room in most situations, the Honda CR-V offers moderately more cargo space in a more compact vehicle—and therefore wins this category.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Subaru Outback delivers a respectable 28 mpg combined city/highway rating with its standard engine. Even though all-wheel drive (which comes standard on all Subarus) tends to reduce fuel economy, the Outback’s gas mileage is among the best in its class.
With its front-wheel drive powertrain, the CR-V offers slightly better fuel economy at 30 mpg combined. Where this SUV’s fuel efficiency really excels, however, is in the CR-V’s available hybrid versions. The hybrid Honda CR-V Sport delivers an impressive 40 mpg combined fuel rating, relying on battery power to help you save at the pump.
This category goes to the Honda CR-V for its better standard fuel economy and the availability of a hybrid model in the CR-V Sport.
In addition to high safety ratings, the Outback comes standard with Subaru EyeSight®, featuring a suite of modern safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, pre-collision braking, and even steering responsive headlights. EyeSight®’s driver assistance technology gets its name from its use of dual sensing cameras on either side of the rearview mirror that constantly scan the road ahead for hazards. It’s like having an extra pair of eyes in the front seat with you for that extra peace of mind.
The CR-V comes with its own safety suite called Honda Sensing® that offers similar driver assistance technology to make the road safer for you and your passengers.
As with many modern cars, both the Outback and CR-V offer robust safety features and strong crash-test scores.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) comes standard across almost all Subaru models. It’s part of what makes a Subaru a Subaru—and the Outback is no exception. The Outback’s AWD evenly distributes power to all four wheels at all times, providing enhanced traction, stability, and control when you need it most. It’s your ticket to taking the adventure off-road, or simply handling challenging conditions like ice, gravel, and snow.
The Outback’s AWD capabilities are further boosted by an off-road-friendly 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode® system. X-Mode® optimizes the AWD system for maximum traction on slippery surfaces and uses hill descent control to help you drive down difficult grades with confidence.
While the CR-V offers confident handling, it only comes standard with front-wheel drive. Even with a slightly more powerful base engine, the CR-V’s front-wheel drive can’t compete with the Outback’s standard AWD. Add to that a lower ground clearance of 7.8 inches, and you won’t be taking the CR-V off paved roads any time soon.
Whether you’re driving through inclement weather, bad roads, or no road at all, the Subaru Outback’s AWD features make it the go-anywhere SUV that easily wins this category.
With nine different trim levels available for the Subaru Outback, buyers can choose from the standard trim all the way up to the rugged Outback Wilderness or spacious Touring models. This variety allows drivers to really dial in the features that matter to them most—whether that’s premium all-leather seats or greater off-road capability.
Plus, with roof rails and AWD standard on the Outback, you have the flexibility to go more places and take more with you.
Fewer trim levels and less overall range of capabilities means the Honda CR-V has less to offer in this category. The CR-V does everyday driving very well but lacks flexibility. The one exception is the CR-V’s available hybrid models, which help drivers to get more out of every fill up.
With much greater versatility in trim levels and capabilities, the Subaru Outback wins this category.
Here’s a snapshot of the key differences for the Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V:
| Feature | 2025 Subaru Outback | 2025 Honda CR-V |
| Base Engine | 2.5L flat-4, 182 hp | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder, 190 hp |
| Optional Engine | 2.4L turbo, 260 hp | Hybrid option available |
| Drivetrain | AWD (standard) | FWD (standard), AWD optional |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in. | 7.8 in. |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 3,500 lb. | Up to 1,500 lb. |
| Fuel Economy (Base) | 26/32 mpg (city/hwy) | 28/34 mpg (city/hwy) |
| Cargo Space | 32.6 cu. ft. (75.6 max) | 39.3 cu. ft. (76.5 max) |
| Safety Features | EyeSight® (standard) | Honda Sensing® (standard) |
Ultimately, both the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V offer excellent value and practicality for drivers looking for a small to midsize SUV. If a more everyday, city-friendly car with ample cargo space and great gas mileage suits your needs, then the Honda CR-V might be the right fit.
However, for adventure-minded drivers who want more than just a daily commuter, the Subaru Outback is the better buy. The Outback’s more powerful engine options, stronger towing capacity, superior off-road capabilities, and AWD versatility are well worth the small difference in fuel economy and cargo space. Plus, with a wider range of trim levels and capabilities to choose from than the CR-V, it’s easier to find the right balance of power and efficiency for your lifestyle.
With the Subaru Outback, one thing is certain: your ride will never be boring. It’s the SUV that’s built to do more—and it might just be the standout, off-road-ready vehicle you’ve been looking for.
Still deciding between the Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback? While both offer reliability and efficiency, the Outback’s standard AWD and rugged versatility make it an ideal choice for all-weather driving and adventure seekers. Visit Hicks Family Subaru today to test drive a new or Certified Pre-Owned Outback and see why it’s a top pick for crossover shoppers!
