2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$30,100 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Subaru Ascent is the $10,695 difference in MSRP, positioning the CR-V at $30,100 versus the Ascent's $40,795. This price gap is accompanied by substantial performance variations; the Ascent offers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly overshadowing the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. However, efficiency strongly favors the CR-V, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Ascent is notably larger, with a length of 196.8 inches versus the CR-V's 184.8 inches, yet the CR-V provides superior utility, boasting 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft. Furthermore, the CR-V comes standard with FWD, while the Ascent includes AWD, affecting both purchase price and running costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda CR-V

The 2025 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is favored for families because it offers greater size and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent appeals more to driving enthusiasts by producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the CR-V's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda CR-V

The 2025 Honda CR-V provides better overall value with a $10,695 lower MSRP and significantly higher fuel efficiency.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

Primary focus is minimizing running costs, evidenced by the 34 MPG highway rating.
A budget under $31,000 is necessary, as the MSRP is $30,100.
Maximum hauling space is prioritized, offering 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Standard performance figures are paramount, particularly the 260 hp output.
All-Wheel Drive capability is non-negotiable for traction requirements.
A larger overall footprint (196.8 inches in length) is desired for occupants.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Subaru Ascent
Length	184.8"	196.8"
Width	73.5"	76.0"
Height	66.2"	71.6"
Wheelbase	106.3"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/34 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/476.0 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.2 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.0 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Wheel Material	Steel	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Subaru Ascent than the 2025 Honda CR-V?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is substantially more powerful, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is a direct advantage over the 2025 Honda CR-V, which is rated at 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque.

What is the trade-off regarding fuel economy between these two crossovers?

There is an 8 MPG combined difference favoring the CR-V, which achieves 30 MPG combined (28 City/34 Highway). The Ascent, with standard AWD, returns 22 MPG combined (20 City/26 Highway).

Which vehicle offers better utility for cargo storage?

The 2025 Honda CR-V offers nearly double the usable space for cargo, providing 39.3 cu ft behind the rear seats. The 2026 Subaru Ascent is listed with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Does the price difference correlate with standard drivetrain features?

Yes, the $10,695 price differential accounts for the Ascent including standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base CR-V model uses a Front Wheel Drive configuration.

How do the physical dimensions compare for parking and maneuvering?

The Honda CR-V is the smaller vehicle overall, measuring 184.8 inches long, while the Ascent is 196.8 inches long. The Ascent is also wider (76.0 inches vs. 73.5 inches) and taller (71.6 inches vs. 66.2 inches).