Honda CR-V vs Subaru Outback

$28,410 (2023)

Pictured: 2023 Sport Touring AWD Hybrid in Canyon Blue Metallic.  Starting MSRP $39,100.

Base trim: 2024 $28,895 / 2023 $28,395

Pictured: 2023 Outback Wilderness AWD in Geyser Blue. 2023 starting MSRP: $38,445 / 2024 starting MSRP: $39,960.

The 2023 Honda CR-V underwent an impressive redesign, featuring a more rugged exterior, enhanced driving dynamics, and an upscale interior (particularly in the Sport Touring hybrid model. We loved its comfy seats!). While the standard driver's digital display is commendable, the infotainment system still lags behind its segment competitors.

Honda's focus on hybrids has left the gas-only CR-V model relatively underpowered compared to rivals. Both two-wheel and all-wheel drive options are available across all trims, providing excellent fuel economy throughout the lineup.

During our test drive with the CR-V, we were impressed by its improved driving dynamics. This compact SUV offers a comfortable interior with spacious seating and ample cargo capacity, making it a practical choice.

Subaru is renowned for its exceptional safety features, all-wheel drive handling, and reasonable pricing. The Outback is no exception. In general, we love the Subaru Outback! The Outback offers a wide range of safety features that come as standard across all nine trim levels. 

The Outback is an excellent choice for people in colder climates that experience challenging winter weather conditions, outdoor enthusiasts, and pet owners. Its safety features make it an appealing option for teens or inexperienced drivers, as well as senior drivers seeking peace of mind on the road.

For the most capability and highest ground clearance, you'll want the Wilderness model.

Subaru's SUV inventory is getting more plentiful which is great news for car shoppers.

The 6th-generation Honda CR-V comes with notable upgrades, including an advanced hybrid powertrain, enhanced capability, and increased space. Honda has made extensive improvements to the body, chassis, powertrain, safety technology, and overall driving refinement for the 2023 CR-V.

The CR-V Sport and Sport Touring trims now feature a fourth-generation hybrid system, making them the most powerful CR-Vs ever with 247 lb.-ft of torque. The available all-wheel drive system has been updated to be quieter and can distribute up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels.

Additionally, the CR-V now includes a Hill Descent Control system, improving its off-road capability. Noteworthy safety updates include the introduction of new driver and passenger airbags, which were first introduced on the new Civic.

For families with teenage drivers, the CR-V offers an excellent option. Honda has recently introduced the Honda Driver Coaching iPhone app, designed to enhance the skills of new drivers and promote safe driving practices. This app is compatible with CR-V models from the 2020 model year equipped with Apple CarPlay.

In 2023, the Outback was completely refreshed with updated exterior and interior styling, technology, and safety features. The only major exterior changes in 2024 were to the Wilderness trim level, which received an update to its grille and front bumper. 

2023 updates also included the latest version of the Subaru's 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system, which has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available Multimedia Navigation system is voice-activated. The Outback is Subaru's first model to integrate what3words (W3W), a location technology that provides a simple way to communicate precise locations using just three simple words. 

• Well-designed interior with very comfortable seats
• More cargo space than the Outback
• Slightly more fuel efficient than the Outback
• More powerful standard engine

• More off-road capable with more ground clearance
• Maximum towing is more than double of that offered by the CR-V
• Better available multimedia technology includes 11.6-inch tablet touchsreen
• Subaru's Eyesight Safety System is superb

• Not as much ground clearance
• Can't tow as much
• Multimedia technology isn't as impressivey

• Offers less cargo space
• Not as fuel efficient
• Lackluster base engine doesn't offer as much power

21-26 mpg

26-32 mpg

• 9" multimedia touchscreen is standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid  with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, Sirius XM and Bluetooth.  
  
• 7-inch TFT Meter DisplayMulti-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Sport Touring Hybrid features 12-speaker Bose Sound. (Other trims are equipped with 4-, in 6-, or 8-speakers systems.)
• Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic and Honda Link Subscription Service (Only on the Sport Touring Hybrid.)

• SUBARU STARLINK^® Dual 7.0-inch Multimedia or 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus or 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation
• 4-speaker (Base) or 6-speaker (Premium) Audio system
• 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system on all other trims
• 4.2-inch LCD color combination meter display (functions vary by trim level)
• Rear Vision or Wide-Angle Mono Camera depending on trim
• Optional wireless charging accessory 

• Wireless charging on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid trims.
• 1 USB-A and Three USB-C charging ports on EX-L and Sport Touring.
• WiFi Hotspot capability on Sport Touring Hybrid only.
• 2 12-volt power outlets (front and cargo area)

• 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability on all but Base trim.
• Illuminated front USB-A and USB-C charging ports
• Illuminated rear USB-A and USB-C charging ports

• Honda Sensing Safety suite of driver assistance tech that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System* (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Rear Seat Reminder (RSR) 
• Available Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic (standard on Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Low-Speed Braking Control (standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Available Front and Rear Parking Sensors (on Sport Touring Hybrid only)
•  

• Standard EyeSight^® Driver Assist Technology
• Standard High Beam Assist
• Available DriverFocus^® Distraction Mitigation System
• Available Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Available Reverse Automatic Braking

• Standard Rear-Vison Camera

• Available 180-Degree Front-View Monitor

• 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions
• Front and Outboard Rear 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
• Seat-Belt Reminder for all Seating PositionsLower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)
• Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Advanced Front Airbags (SRS)
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Knee and Side Airbags (SRS)
• Rear Outboard Passengers' Side AirbagsVehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
• Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover SensorAnti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
  
• Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) -(Standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)

• SUBARU STARLINK^® Safety and Security
  Subaru advanced frontal airbag system (SRS)
• Side curtain airbags
• Seat-mounted front side impact 
• Front passenger seat cushion airbag
• Driver's knee airbag
• Whiplash-reducing front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints
• Rear height adjustable head restraints
• Height adjustable 3-point front seatbelts
• Rear child-safety locks
• LATCH system
• Vehicle Dynamics Control
• 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Brake Assist
• Brake Override System
• Traction Control System

191.3"-191.9"

73.5"

74.2"-74.6"

182-horsepower - 2.5-liter engine

260-horsepower - 2.4-liter turbocharged engine

176 lb.-ft. - 2.5-liter

277 lb.-ft.- 2.4-liter turbocharged

18.5 (AWD)

3,641-3,946 lbs

2,700 (Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring

3,500 pounds (Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, Touring XT.)