Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Outback.
When we compare the Honda CR-V's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the area of interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Honda CR-V's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V is a better car than the Subaru Outback.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda CR-V loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value. This means the Honda CR-V retains 8.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Outback.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda CR-V is 8.7 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Honda CR-V being ranked 2 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 11 out of 67. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Honda CR-V is ranked 2 and the Subaru Outback is ranked 6.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda CR-V is 8.2 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Honda CR-V a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Outback.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda CR-V’s base engine makes 190 horsepower, and the Subaru Outback base engine makes 180 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Subaru Outback has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Honda CR-V has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space. The Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Outback have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
The Honda CR-V and the Subaru Outback, in their current iterations, sell for about the same price and provide identical factory warranties. The Outback, however, comes standard with all-wheel drive while the CR-V starts with standard front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional) and offers more interior room and cargo space. The Outback has a smaller turning radius and quicker throttle response, making it feel lighter and more agile on the road. The Outback also has a higher tow rating, but only the CR-V has a hybrid powertrain option, delivering higher fuel efficiency than the Outback or standard CR-V.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32770 - 38750
Starting MSRP:
30920
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
34995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35755
Price Range:
31958 - 39215
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Honda CR-V Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.8 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda CR-V
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.363
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Honda CR-V Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 18Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 56Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 56Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 67Summary Review
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover with mass appeal. It has been one of the best-selling SUVs since its introduction as a 1997 model. The current CR-V benefitted from a redesign for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,288 and 3-year-old models averaging $25,089.
Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Pros and Cons
- Hybrid version available
- Assertive exterior design
- Highly functional and comfortable interior
- Priced higher than some competitors
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is not to every driver’s taste
- Blind-spot monitoring unavailable in base models
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Honda CR-V Trim Levels
EX, EX-L, LX
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Limited, Limited XT, Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
179 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
39.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
145.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
34.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3472 lbs
Width:
73.5 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3741 lbs
Width:
82.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
191.7 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Gray
Meteorite Gray Metallic / Urban Gray Pearl
Red
Radiant Red Metallic
Silver
Solar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Beige
Not available
Blue
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Beige
River Rock Pearl
Blue
Sapphire Blue Pearl
Green
Deep Emerald Green Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Titanium Gray
