2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Honda CR-V
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Honda CR-V often comes down to size versus savings. If you need serious space and capability, the Ascent starts at $39,995, packing a robust 260 hp, but it returns a combined 22 MPG. Conversely, the CR-V offers substantial savings, starting at just $30,920, and rewards frugal drivers with 30 MPG combined. The Ascent is a longer vehicle at 196.8 inches, catering to those needing slightly more bulk. However, its 17.8 cu ft cargo area pales in comparison to the CR-V's massive 39.3 cu ft behind the second row, despite the CR-V being significantly smaller overall. This comparison clearly splits buyers into those prioritizing power/AWD capability (Ascent) and those focusing strictly on low running costs and utility within a compact footprint (CR-V).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V is the clear commuter champion due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2026 Honda CR-V
Despite the Ascent's size, the CR-V offers significantly more usable cargo space at 39.3 cu ft compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Subaru Ascent delivers substantially more performance with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, compared to the CR-V's 190 hp.
2026 Honda CR-V
The CR-V presents better overall value by saving buyers $9,075 upfront and offering better long-term fuel savings.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You require all-wheel drive capability standard for adverse weather conditions.
- You need the extra power generated by 260 horsepower for highway passing or towing.
- Your primary concern is interior length/bulk, as the Ascent measures 196.8 inches long.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Keeping purchase price low is critical, as the CR-V is $9,075 cheaper.
- Fuel efficiency is a priority, given the CR-V's 30 MPG combined rating versus 22 MPG.
- You value maximum cargo flexibility, as the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft versus 17.8 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8" | 184.8" |
| Width | 76.0" | 73.5" |
| Height | 71.6" | 66.2" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 106.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 28/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 392.0/462.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 14.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.8 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | 52.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Honda CR-V.
Which SUV is better for road trips involving lots of luggage?
The 2026 Honda CR-V wins on sheer utility with 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 Subaru Ascent only manages 17.8 cu ft, which is significantly less space for gear.
How much more power does the Subaru Ascent actually provide?
The Ascent is much punchier, boasting 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is a 70 hp advantage over the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque.
Is the CR-V's front-wheel drive a dealbreaker compared to Subaru's AWD?
For most everyday commuting, FWD is sufficient, making the CR-V more fuel-efficient. However, if you frequently drive in heavy snow or need better traction, the Ascent's standard AWD is superior.
What is the financial difference between owning these two crossovers?
The MSRP difference alone is $9,075, favoring the CR-V. Furthermore, the CR-V's 8 MPG advantage in combined driving will result in notable annual fuel savings.
Are both transmissions similar despite the power differences?
Yes, both the 2025 Ascent and the 2026 CR-V utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
Which car is physically larger?
The Subaru Ascent is considerably larger, measuring 196.8 inches long and 76.0 inches wide. The Honda CR-V is more compact at 184.8 inches long and 73.5 inches wide.
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