2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Honda HR-V
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Honda HR-V often boils down to whether you prioritize rugged capability or maximum savings. For buyers needing all-weather assurance, the Outback is the clear choice, coming standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the HR-V starts at Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) for its lower $26,200 MSRP. However, that lower entry price for the HR-V saves $3,795 compared to the Outback's $29,995 starting point. Power output is another major split: the Outback offers 182 hp versus the HR-V's 158 hp, a 24 hp advantage. Size matters too; the Outback is substantially longer at 191.1 inches, giving it a significant edge in hauling gear with 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft. Both achieve an identical 28 MPG combined, making fuel economy a wash.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V wins for basic commuting due to its lower initial cost and slightly more manageable dimensions for tight city parking.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback is the better family hauler because it provides 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback appeals more to enthusiasts by offering 24 more horsepower (182 hp vs 158 hp) and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2026 Honda HR-V
The 2026 Honda HR-V offers superior initial value by having an MSRP that is $3,795 less than the Subaru Outback.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You frequently drive in areas with heavy snow or unpaved roads, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You regularly haul large items, as the Outback offers 32.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.
- You desire stronger acceleration and hill-climbing ability, benefiting from the 182 hp engine.
Choose the Honda HR-V if...
- Keeping the upfront purchase price low is your top priority, as the HR-V starts at $26,200.
- You primarily navigate busy city streets and prefer a slightly shorter vehicle length of 179.8 inches.
- You only require basic transportation and don't need the higher power output or standard AWD of the Outback.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Honda HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 179.8" |
| Width | 73.0" | 72.4" |
| Height | 66.1" | 63.4" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 104.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 138 lb-ft @ 4200 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) | 26/32 MPG | 26/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 364.0/448.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 180W |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 37.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 47.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 215/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| 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 Outback and 2026 Honda HR-V.
Is the 2025 Subaru Outback more fuel-efficient than the 2026 Honda HR-V?
No, surprisingly, their efficiency is identical on paper for the base models being compared. Both the Outback and the HR-V are rated for 28 MPG combined, with both achieving 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
What is the main reason the Outback costs $3,795 more than the HR-V?
The significant difference is largely due to standard equipment; the Outback includes All-Wheel Drive, whereas the HR-V reviewed here is Front-Wheel Drive. The Outback also has a larger body and more power (182 hp vs 158 hp).
If I have a large family, which crossover offers more room?
The 2025 Subaru Outback is the definitive choice for families needing space. It offers 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is substantially more than the 24.4 cubic feet found in the 2026 Honda HR-V.
Which car is better if I want a peppier driving experience?
The Subaru Outback offers a more energetic drive, boasting 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, easily beating the HR-V's output of 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque.
Are there any differences in the type of fuel these vehicles use?
Fortunately, both vehicles keep things simple by running on regular unleaded fuel, meaning you won't need premium gasoline at the pump for either the 2025 Outback or the 2026 HR-V.
How do the overall dimensions compare for parking ease?
The Honda HR-V is the smaller vehicle overall, measuring 179.8 inches long and 63.4 inches high. The Outback is longer at 191.1 inches and taller at 66.1 inches, making the HR-V slightly easier to maneuver and fit into tighter parking spots.
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