Are you on the market for a compact SUV and you are thinking between the Subaru Outback and the Honda CR-V? If that is the case, you are at the right place because we are going to cover everything you need to know when it comes to the Outback VS CRV.
Getting yourself properly informed before you make a purchase of your future vehicle is key. For starters, you will get the right product for your money when it comes to specs and options that you desire for your future car. Knowing the specs will help you spec out a car with all the bells and whistles a driver needs in order to enjoy his car.
The second thing is reliability. After all, you don’t want a car that will be only beautiful on the outside. You need a reliable vehicle that will not have any potential problems that will make you regret buying it. Buying a lemon will make you regret everything in your life and you will only think of getting rid of this vehicle. That’s why research is the key. But we are going to help you out with that.
In this article, we are going to learn what is the Subaru Outback and what is the Honda CR-V. Then we will go through the specs of each of these vehicles and then we will make a comparison between the Outback vs CRV. And lastly, we will draw our conclusion and point out which is the right option for you.
What Is The Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback is a station wagon-slash-SUV produced by Subaru since 1994. The Outback is based on the Subaru Legacy platform which is a 4 door sedan.
At the moment the Outback is in its sixth generation. Which tells quite a lot about the popularity of the Outback model.
This model is extremely popular with people who want extra room inside of their cars and go on off-road adventures. Yeah, that’s right, the Subaru outback also has an increased ground clearance that will make you enjoy your driving on dirt roads.
More precisely, the Outback offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance and that is the minimum. The ground clearance could be increased if you go for the Wilderness package that is off-road-focused that has 9.5 inches in ground clearance. And that is quite a lot. Which puts the Outback on the map when it comes to off-roaders. Namely, the comparison of Outback vs CRV is on point, since both of them offer high ground clearance.
This package also offers extra protection on the sides, as well as the bumper. All, this if you go for the Wilderness package that is intended for people that love to go on adventures on the weekends and also have a proper commuter during the workdays.
Not to mention the symmetrical all-wheel drive system that allows the Outback to perform like a proper off-road machine when it gets into the dirt. But more about the specs of the Outback we are going to cover later after we discuss the Honda CR-V. Then, later in the article, we are going to give you some comparisons when it comes to the Outback vs CRV.
What Is The Honda CRV?
The CR-V is a compact SUV manufactured by Honda since 1995 and at the moment it’s in its fifth generation of production.
This SUV is placed between the smaller HR-V and the bigger Honda Pilot. This means that is a compact crossover, based on the Civic platform.
This also means that the CR-V is sharing some of the componentry with the Civic like the engines and transmissions and also other important bits and pieces that make up the CR-V.
But what is good when it comes to the CR-V is the increased ground clearance. The CR-V sits high from the ground. The ground clearance is 7.8 inches for the 2WD and 8.2 inches for the AWD model. Making it one of the hottest compact SUVs that you can get at the moment.
Since 2017 the CR-V is getting steady sales of more than 370,000 units. And that tells a lot about the popularity of this model. Cars that sell this good are only a handful.
When it comes to an SUV and the future owner does not want to go that big. The CR-V is one of the top options. But it is a better option than the Outback? It is too quick to draw conclusions. First, we need to learn the specs of these two vehicles in detail and then see and compare the Outback vs CRV in a few areas which are key for future buyers.
Then we will answer the question when it comes to the Outback vs CRV. So, if you want to learn more, stick around till the end of the article.
Subaru Outback Specs – Outback VS CRV
First, let’s cover the Outback. In the following chapters, we are going to learn the main characteristics of the Outback. Then we will cover the same things for the CR-V. Later we will compare the Outback vs CRV.
The Outback is mostly a station wagon, but with the added room and practicality of an SUV. Unlike the CR-V which is a proper crossover SUV. But this doesn’t mean that the Outback is a worse performer than the CR-V. Why I’m saying this? I’m telling this because of the specs of the Outback which are even better in some areas than the CR-V.
The first important thing to know about the Outback is that the Outback is built on the Subaru Global Platform which is shared with the 4-door sedan the Subaru Legacy. This means that these vehicles share a lot of the parts between them.
But unlike the legacy, the Outback’s fuselage is stretched and is a proper station wagon. But not only that it is stretched to accommodate more space. The Outback also sits higher than the Legacy, more precisely 8.5 inches. Which goes up to 9.5 inches for the Wilderness trim level intended for off-roading.
In terms of trim levels, there are a couple of them. There is the Base, Premium, Limited, Onyx Edition, Touring, and Wilderness. There are XT models on the Onyx, Limited, and Touring that offer more options for the buyers.
Also, an important feature is the AWD system that powers all 4 wheels. This allows the Outback to be a proper off-roading beast. But there are other important aspects that we are going to cover in the next chapters.
1. Engines And Transmissions
In terms of engines, there are two to choose from. One of them is a naturally aspirated 2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer engine that is making 182hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
While the other engine is a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged Boxer engine that is making 260hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The second engine is the way to go if you are in the search for performance.
The 2.4L is also quick from the line, with only 5.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and a quarter-mile of 14.6 seconds.
In terms of transmission, there is a single transmission available and that is the CVT type of transmission that has 8 speeds in total. Overall good transmission for increased fuel economy. And that we are going to cover next.
2. Outback Fuel Economy
Considering the horsepower the 2.4L engine is making. The fuel economy is quite good, to be honest. The EPA numbers are 22 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and combined fuel consumption of 24 mpg.
3. Outback Reliability
When it comes to the Outback vs CRV it is also a good idea to discuss the reliability of each of these vehicles. In this chapter, we will cover the Outback and later when we will cover the CRV we will cover the CR-V reliability.
When it comes to the Outback the 2021 model on Edmunds gets 3.9 stars out of five. Which is quite respectable for a vehicle of this class. Most of the reviews were from satisfied owners while some were from people that weren’t satisfied with the car at all.
Some of them have reported a problem with the TPMS sensors on the tires. Also, electrical issues with the lights and the car battery were reported. In addition to this, some of the owners reported a check engine light. Overall, minor issues with the 2021 model.
4. Safety
According to the data that we learned. The Outback performed quite well on the NTHSA tests. The 2020 model got 5 stars on most of the tests. Both five stars on the frontal crash tests as well as the side impact. What was bad was the rollover resistance test, in which the Outback only got 4 stars.
5. Practicality
The Outback is quite practical. The base trunk offers 32.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. And if you decide to roll over the seats. You will increase this cargo capacity up to 75.7 cubic feet.
Not the best out there, but when you consider that the outback is more of a station wagon and not a full-on SUV like the CR-V, this is understandable. So which is the winner Outback vs CRV when it comes to practicality? That we are going to cover a bit later.
6. Price
The base price for the Outback starts at $28,070 for the base package. And if you go up the ladder, you might reach $41,070 for the most expensive Touring XT package.
We finished with the Outback and in the following chapters we are going to cover the CR-V in detail and after we will see which is the winner when it comes to the Outback vs CRV.
Honda CRV Specs – Outback VS CRV
The CR-V as we mentioned in the third chapter is a compact crossover SUV. Unlike the Outback which is a station wagon. It doesn’t matter that they both have a higher ride height. Honda’s CR-V still has a higher ride height and you see better in front of you when you are driving.
The CR-V was introduced in 1997 and it uses the same platform as the Honda Civic. By which we can learn that they share a lot of the componentry. What is different though is the body. Which is taller and much more focused on SUV performance than a sedan or a hatchback built on the same platform.
This also makes the CR-V a bit more expensive. But more on that later where we will cover the prices. Nevertheless, has a couple of trim levels. Namely, the EX, LX, EX-L, Touring, and the Special Edition.
The CR-V also comes with an AWD system. But unlike the Outback that comes as a standard with AWD system. For the CR-V you have to choose the AWD option. But what about the Outback vs CRV? More on that later when we will compare these two models in detail.
1. Engines And Transmissions
The 2021 Honda CR-V comes with only one engine and that is the 1.5L turbocharged straight-4 engine that is producing 190hp and 179 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of transmissions, there is also only one option and that is a Honda CVT transmission.
The 0 to 60 mph time is 7.5 seconds and the quarter-mile time is 16.1 seconds.
2. Honda CRV Fuel Economy
Unlike the Outback, the CR-V offers better fuel economy. The EPA ratings for the CR-V are 35 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and a combined fuel economy of 38 mpg. Overall, good numbers. But the fuel consumption also depends on other factors like how hard you press on the gas.
3. Honda CRV Reliability
The CR-V overall has a good reliability record. The engine and transmission are quite good except for one small problem and that is oil dilution.
The oil dilution is a common problem on this engine that is mostly attributed to the engine design in general. The gasoline doesn’t burn and enters the oil chamber. And because of this, it becomes diluted.
This problem often happens in colder climates. So, if you live up in the north or in Canada. You can expect to experience this problem.
4. Safety
The safety of the CR-V is quite good. In most of the safety tests, the CR-V performed fairly well gaining five-star ratings. The only downside is the rollover where it only got 4 stars. Overall, a good performer based on the NTHSA results. But what about the Outback vs CRV? More on that later, let’s first see the practicality and the price.
5. Practicality
The CR-V has decent size trunk space. The space behind the rear seats offers a cargo space of 39.2 cubic feet. Or if you decide to fold the rear seats. You will have an extra 30 cubic feet of space.
Quite similar to the Outback, but more on that later when we will give our comparison when it comes to Outback vs CRV where we will cover each category in detail.
6. Price
The prices for the CR-V start at $26,575 for the base 2WD model. But as you start adding options, you will get up to $36,500 for the Touring AWD model.
Not to forget that these prices are the MSRP prices and they can vary depending on the dealership from where you purchase your Honda.
Outback VS CRV Comparison
Now it’s time to give our verdict and compare these two models. This will be quite useful to know the ups and downs of each of these models and make the right call when it is time for purchase.
We will focus on the same categories that we covered above and we will give our opinion on which car offers the best when it comes to purchasing it. In the end, we will sum up the data and make a call of which is the right option for you when it comes to the Outback vs CRV. So, follow along.
1. Outback VS CRV Capability
When it comes to off-road capability the clear winner is the Outback, more specifically the Outback Wilderness package. So, why is this the case? This is the case because this Outback offers quite a performance. After all, it is clearly intended to be used off-road.
While the CR-V on the other hand doesn’t have a specific off-road package that will offer you extra off-roading performance besides the standard 4WD.
2. Outback VS CRV Engines and Transmission
When it comes to engines, the Outback also outperforms the CR-V. The engine that the Outback is using is quite more powerful than the one in the CR-V.
The 2.4L turbo delivers 260hp, while the 1.5L turbo only 190. And also the torque is quite smaller on the 1.5L with only 172 lb-ft while the 2.4L delivers 270 lb-ft.
The transmission also plays a big role. In the Outback, the CVT is more engaging in that it tries to simulate a conventional 8-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the CVT in the CR-V has a typical 1-speed CVT gearbox.
When it comes to performance, the clear winner is the Outback yet again.
3. Outback VS CRV Safety
When it comes to safety, both the Outback and Subaru perform quite well with an overall rating of 5 stars according to the NTHSA.
But our pick when it comes to safety would be the CR-V, slightly because of the higher ride position of the driver. We all know that the taller the car, the better performance delivers when it comes to safety.
4. Outback VS CRV Practicality
When it comes to practicality, they both perform pretty much the same. With approximately 75 cubic ft of cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded down and regular trunk space of 35 cubic ft.
But, since the CR-V is an SUV, it gets our vote because it can fit quite taller items in the trunk. Fitting taller items means bigger practicality and overall better capacity for loading.
Not to mention the passenger comfort. The CR-V offers an unmatched comfort when it comes to this aspect since its cabin is quite taller. You basically don’t feel the problems headspace that you will if you drive an Outback. So, on the topic of practicality, our vote goes for the Outback in the duel of Outback vs CRV.
5. Outback VS CRV Fuel Economy
Efficiency is also an important aspect when buying a new car. The CR-V performs quite better than the Outback as well. The MPG for the base Outback engine, which is the 2.5L engine, is quite similar to the CR-V fuel efficiency on the 1.5L. Only slightly worse than the CR-V.
While the 2.4L turbo is incomparable to the 1.5L turbo. It delivers a lot more performance to the table. But the 2.4L spends quite more fuel than the 1.5L and is not one of the most efficient engines that you can find on the market.
6. Outback VS CRV Price
When it comes to the price, yet again the CR-V is the better option for you. But, how come? The base price of the CR-V is slightly above $26,000. While the Outback starts at $28,000.
With options, the Outback is still quite more expensive than the CR-V. For the highest trim level Outback, you can expect to pay $41,000 while for the best optioned CR-V you can expect to pay almost 5 grand less. Around $36,375 to be more precise.
So, the better value would probably be the CR-V in this duel of the Outback vs CRV.
Outback VS CRV – Our Verdict
When it comes to deciding which is better between the two, it really depends on what are your requirements. Both of these vehicles perform well in some aspects and bad in other aspects.
If you need a bigger car and more practicality, namely an SUV. Then getting the CR-V would be the right call. It is also quite cheaper when it comes to the price.
Else, if you need a station wagon that performs quite well in off-road conditions. Then you should go for the Outback without a doubt.
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback: Comparison Facts
- The Honda CR-V and the Subaru Outback are popular compact crossover SUVs that were redesigned for the latest model year.
- The Honda CR-V offers a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and a hybrid with 204 horsepower. In comparison, the Subaru Outback offers a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower.
- The CR-V has a better fuel economy than the Outback, with an estimated gas mileage of up to 30 combined mpg for the fully gas-powered version and up to 40 combined mpg for the hybrid version.
- The Outback has a higher towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the CR-V.
- While both vehicles offer all-wheel drive, the Outback is better for off-road use, with a higher ground clearance of up to 9.5 inches and a Wilderness trim designed specifically for off-road capabilities.
- The Outback has a better safety rating than the CR-V, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for the previous model year.
- The Outback offers more passenger space, with a total volume of 109 cu-ft, while the CR-V has more storage space with a maximum cargo capacity of 76.5 cu-ft.
- Both vehicles have similar warranty coverage, with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the CR-V includes a complimentary maintenance plan for two years or 24,000 miles.
- The CR-V has a higher starting price, ranging from $31,110 MSRP for the EX trim to $38,600 MSRP for the Sport Touring Hybrid trim. In comparison, the Outback starts at $28,395 MSRP for the Base trim and goes up to $42,295 MSRP for the Touring XT trim.
- The CR-V and Outback have their own set of advantages, with the CR-V excelling in base engine horsepower, fuel economy, cargo space, and complimentary maintenance plan, while the Outback has a lower starting price, better towing capacity, more passenger space, off-road capabilities, and higher maximum horsepower.
Conclusion – Outback VS CRV
In this article, we covered both the Outback and CR-V. First, we learned what they are and then we covered the specs of both of these cars. We included all the important aspects that a buyer needs to learn when he is buying a car.
Then we made a comparison of the Outback vs CRV in several aspects that are of huge importance when planning to get a new car. Lastly, we made our conclusion on which car you should go for. And that is depending on your needs. If you need a tall car that has a lot of space and a bigger ride height, go for the CR-V, if you want something like a regular car, the Outback would fit the bill.
