2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$30,920 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the $4,075 difference in MSRP, with the CR-V starting at $30,920 versus the Outback's $34,995. Performance figures are closely matched; the CR-V offers slightly more power with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. Fuel economy strongly favors the CR-V, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating versus the Outback's 27 MPG combined, even though both utilize regular unleaded fuel. Dimensions show the Outback is substantially longer at 191.7 inches compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches. While the CR-V is smaller overall, it surprisingly boasts a larger cargo volume of 39.3 cubic feet against the Outback's 34.6 cubic feet. This comparison hinges on the trade-off between the CR-V's superior efficiency and lower entry cost versus the Outback's standard All-Wheel Drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda CR-V

The 2026 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Outback's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the Outback's 34.6 cu ft, which is vital for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V provides a marginal edge in peak output with 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outback’s 180 hp and 178 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V's $30,920 MSRP represents a $4,075 cost savings over the Outback while providing better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

If maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, as the CR-V achieves 30 MPG combined versus 27 MPG for the Outback.
If initial purchase price is a primary concern, as the CR-V is $4,075 less expensive ($30,920 vs $34,995).
If absolute maximum cargo space is needed, as the CR-V offers 39.3 cubic feet compared to 34.6 cubic feet.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

If driving in low-traction conditions is common, as the Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive while the CR-V is FWD standard.
If longer vehicle dimensions are preferred, as the Outback is 191.7 inches long compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches.
If a slightly taller stance is desired, as the Outback measures 67.5 inches high versus the CR-V's 66.2 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Subaru Outback
Length	184.8"	191.7"
Width	73.5"	74.0"
Height	66.2"	67.5"
Wheelbase	106.3"	108.1"

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	3
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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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)	28/33 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/462.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	18.0 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
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.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Why is the 2026 Subaru Outback more expensive than the 2026 Honda CR-V?

The primary driver of the $4,075 price gap is the standard drivetrain; the Outback comes equipped with All-Wheel Drive, while the CR-V listed starts in Front Wheel Drive configuration. Additionally, the Outback is physically larger in length and height.

Which vehicle is definitively better for fuel economy between the two?

The 2026 Honda CR-V is superior for fuel economy, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating (28 city/33 highway). The 2026 Subaru Outback trails slightly at 27 MPG combined (25 city/31 highway).

Despite being smaller, does the CR-V have more storage space?

Yes, based on the provided specifications, the 2026 Honda CR-V offers superior listed cargo capacity at 39.3 cubic feet. The 2026 Subaru Outback trails with 34.6 cubic feet of cargo room.

Are there significant power differences between these two Crossovers?

The power difference is marginal; the CR-V produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, slightly outperforming the Outback's 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both use a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

How do the overall dimensions compare for parking and maneuvering?

The CR-V is shorter overall at 184.8 inches in length and slightly narrower at 73.5 inches wide. The Outback is the larger vehicle, measuring 191.7 inches long and 74.0 inches wide.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Subaru Outback are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, helping to minimize ongoing operational costs.