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If you’re looking for an analysis of two top contenders in the outdoorsy two-row SUV sphere, our Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V guide is for you. Although both models in today’s comparison are good choices and have excellent interior features, the Subaru Outback stands out in terms of power, convenience, and overall luxury – not to mention its trail-conquering prowess. Read our guide to learn about the specs, amenities, and more for each of these sport-utes. Then, contact the friendly Quantrell Subaru staff if you’d like to know more about the 2025 Subaru Outback – a model that we think is more than worthy of your time and attention.
The specifications of these two SUVs can help you decide which model is better for your lifestyle, which is why they’re the first stop on our 2025 Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V matchup.
The 2025 Subaru Outback specs are excellent. There are two engine options found within the 2025 lineup. A 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine comes standard on most trims, offering drivers 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, plus the ability to tow 2,700 pounds.1 Move up to one of the top four trims – the XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT – and you’ll find a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Choose this engine option to tow up to 3,500 pounds.1
The Honda CR-V specs also come from two engine options. However, one of them is a hybrid setup, meaning you’ll only have one gas-only powertrain if that’s what you’re looking for. Let’s start with the gas-powered engine.
The LX, EX, and EX-L trims for the 2025 Honda CR-V are your gasoline trims – a much more limited selection for motorists who aren’t seeking a hybrid vehicle. They come standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. While these specs appear a bit more impressive on paper than those of the standard Outback engine, they’ll only allow you to pull up to 1,500 pounds2 behind the SUV.
As you move on to the Honda CR-V Hybrid trims – the Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid – you’ll find increased output. Their 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with a two-motor hybrid setup to deliver 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. Here, we see that these available engines can’t keep pace with the upgraded power of the 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER in higher Outback trims. What’s more, where the Outback increases your towing capacity with its available engine, the stronger available hybrid powertrain in the CR-V will drop your towing capacity to 1,000 pounds.2
Given the close values with the standard engines, higher available output, and significantly beefier towing capacity, we think the specs section of this battle is a clear win for the 2025 Subaru Outback.
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in |
| Cargo Capacity (Behind 2nd / 1st Row) | 32.6 / 75.6 cu ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 26 / 32 / 283 |
| Towing Capacity | 2,700 lbs1 |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain |
|
| Ground Clearance |
|
| Cargo Capacity (Behind 2nd / 1st Row) | 39.3 / 76.5 cu ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) |
|
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs2 |
Both models in our Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback comparison are fuel-efficient. Let’s start with a look at the Subaru Outback MPG. The base model garners drivers an EPA-estimated 26/32/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)3 with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, allowing you to go far between trips to the gas pump, especially given its 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
The Honda CR-V MPG varies depending on several factors, including the trim level and the drivetrain. Choose the LX, EX, or EX-L in 2WD to take advantage of an EPA-estimated 28/34/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4 While this is slightly more efficient than the Subaru Outback model, this rating is with standard front-wheel drive, which does not provide the same level of traction on icy roads or uneven terrain. AWD varieties offer an EPA-estimated 26/31/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)4 – slightly lower than the Outback, with its standard AWD.
In addition, the Honda CR-V comes with a 14-gallon fuel tank capacity, so even though it is slightly more efficient in its standard configuration than Subaru Outback MPG, you’ll need to make trips to the gas station more often – opting for the available AWD will increase that frequency even more.
Let’s compare the interior of the two SUVs in our Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V showdown. The Subaru Outback interior can come in the following interior color and upholstery combinations:
The Subaru Outback Base offers you technology features to help you feel confident behind the wheel, including a dual 7-inch multimedia system, a Rear-Vision Camera, and driver-assistance features ranging from High Beam Assist to Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control.
Take a couple of steps up to the third-tier Onyx Edition, and you’ll find an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® as standard technology – this feature comes standard on every subsequent model, too. The Touring and Touring XT models get an upgraded “smart” version of this auto-dimming rearview mirror. Choose a middle-tier trim, like the Touring, for more enhanced features, including Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery, a power tilt/sliding moonroof, a Harman Kardon® premium audio system, 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability, and ventilated and heated front seating.
The higher trims are XT options, which offer the turbocharged engine with boosted performance. In other aspects, the Limited XT shares many features with the Limited model, while the Touring XT resembles the Touring model – technology like the 11.6-inch touchscreen with navigation are standard on the Limited and Touring trims, along with their XT variants.
Alternatively, the Honda CR-V interior has four interior color and upholstery combinations: Black cloth, Gray cloth, Black leather, and Gray leather. While some trims can feature heated front seating, no trim comes with a ventilated option, which means you might find the available leather a little hot to sit on during the peak of summer. This SUV’s color touchscreen also tops out at 9 inches, and it only offers Wi-Fi hotspot compatibility on its highest-level Sport Touring Hybrid variant.
While preferences can be subjective when it comes to the features inside the cabin, we think of the Subaru Outback as the more well-equipped choice that also gives you more options to customize the interior. You can explore this excellent cabin once you book an appointment at your local Subaru dealer in Lexington, KY.
The two models in our 2025 Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V comparison have similar cargo volumes and sizes. The 2025 Subaru Outback dimensions showcase a sleek and spacious SUV with a 191.9-inch long and 74.2-inch wide frame. The model offers an elevated 66.1 inches of height with 8.7 inches of standard road clearance. Inside, you can expect the SUV to offer 32.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear row, which means ample space for most belongings, gear, and groceries. Fold the rear seats to enjoy 75.6 cubic feet of total cargo volume.
Comparatively, the Honda CR-V dimensions show a slightly smaller model. The Honda CR-V rests at only 184.8 inches in length and 73.5 inches in width, meaning it’s a bit shorter and narrower than the Subaru Outback. Honda CR-V models with 2WD measure 66.2 inches tall, while models with AWD measure 66.5 inches tall. This SUV has 7.8 and 8.2 inches of ground clearance with 2WD or AWD, respectively, making the more elevated Subaru Outback a better choice for uneven terrain.
Behind the rear row, the Honda CR-V allows up to 39.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, which expands to a maximum of 76.5 cubic feet. However, that standard load space behind the rear row is only true of gas variants. Opting for the Sport Hybrid or Sport-L Hybrid will drop that value from 39.3 cubic feet to 36.3 cubes. Take home the range-topping CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, and you’ll be looking at 34.7 cubic feet of space with all seats in use, much closer to the standard trunk area in the Subaru Outback.
As you can see, both models have their advantages. The Subaru Outback offers more front legroom and shoulder room by being longer and wider. The Honda model has slightly more cargo space, but it comes out on top in just about every other category that matters in an SUV comparison. It should also be noted that several trims of the 2025 Subaru Outback for sale come with cargo-area underfloor storage, making it that much more competitive in this regard.
Are you ready to see the winner of our Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V comparison in person? Book an appointment with our store to take a test drive and enjoy this rugged SUV’s benefits. Discuss your desired features with our friendly staff, who will help you find the trim perfect for your lifestyle. Then, you can work with a Subaru financing department that understands your budgetary restrictions and can find you the best rates available for your Subaru-owning journey.
Don’t forget to ask about our new Subaru specials and leasing deals, which can potentially help you get behind the wheel of a higher-level trim than you were initially anticipating.
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1Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
2Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
3EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
4Based 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.
