The Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V have been competing for buyers for the better part of three decades. In the mid-’90s, Subaru outfitted its Legacy sedan and wagon models with an Outback package. At the turn of the millennium, the Outback wagon became a standalone crossover model and, really, the face of Subaru. Honda, meanwhile, started selling the CR-V in the U.S. in the late 1990s and it’s been a hit ever since.
Though these are in different class sizes — the Outback is technically midsize, while the CR-V is compact — it’s not uncommon for shoppers to consider both. Both SUVs received updates in 2023; Subaru refreshed some styling cues on the Outback, while Honda completely redesigned the CR-V.
Let’s explore the highlights of the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V to see how they compare in the year 2025.
2025 Subaru Outback
From its humble beginnings, the Subaru Outback has expanded to a unique vehicle with nine trims, all meeting the needs of different types of drivers. The Outback Base features an adequate 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that musters 182 horsepower to Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. It’s linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), one of the better units out there. This drivetrain also powers the Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, which means you don’t need to upgrade to the optional powertrain to get premium interior furnishings like Nappa leather, a heated steering wheel, vented front seats, Harman Kardon audio, or a hands-free liftgate.
If you do want more oomph, though, that’s readily available with a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter engine found in the Wilderness and XT variants. The Limited trim, in the middle of the range, could be the value play, as it gets more accouterments such as a power moonroof, leather-trimmed seats that are power-adjustable in the front and heated in the outboard rear seats, extended thigh support for the driver, and some of the features mentioned above. The 2025 Subaru Outback starts at $30,430, including the destination charge. The Onyx Edition XT, the entry point to the turbo models, starts at $40,895.
Subaru Outback Highlights
Power options: If you are able and willing to upgrade to the Outback’s upper trims, you’ll be rewarded with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that’s much more powerful than the standard Outback 2.5-liter engine. You will lose some fuel efficiency in the exchange, but the difference in oomph is drastic.
Tow rating: Regardless of which engine powers the 2025 Outback, its maximum towing capacity outclasses that of the CR-V and many other competitors. At its lowest rating, the Subaru nearly doubles the Honda’s 1,500-pound limit, while the Outback’s 3,500-pound max more than doubles it.
Wild things: All the off-roadability that the Subaru possesses is magnified with the Wilderness package. It adds nearly another inch of ground clearance to its already class-leading figure, from 8.7 inches to 9.5. Beefier high-capacity roof rails to support an occupied tent, suspension lift, all-terrain tires, the turbo engine, an advanced X-Mode, and water-repellant upholstery make the Outback more trailworthy. The best part is, none of this factory-installed equipment will void the warranty. Honda’s rugged-lite TrailSport trim hasn’t trickled down to the CR-V range as of yet.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the 2025 Subaru Outback models for sale near you.
2025 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is the brand’s best-selling model and a regular winner in Kelley Blue Book awards lists, including multiple wins in the compact SUV category of our Best Buy Awards.
The Honda CR-V comes standard with a 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that powers either the front wheels (front-wheel drive) or all four (all-wheel drive). Upper trims of the CR-V come with a hybrid powertrain that has both more power — 204 hp — and fuel economy of up to 40 mpg combined. Those, too, can be had with front- or all-wheel drive.
In all but the base LX trim, each CR-V has heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock, and a one-touch power moonroof. Even if it only offers a third of the trim rungs the Outback does, taking a single step up the CR-V’s trim ladder gains a lot of desirable features. For 2025, Honda is adding a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle variant, the CR-V e:FCEV. It’s only available at California dealers. The 2025 Honda CR-V starts at $31,495, including the $1,395 destination charge.
Honda CR-V Highlights
Complete package: It’s difficult to point out specific areas where the CR-V outdoes every competitor, and that’s because it’s so competent at so many things that no particular facet stands out of proportion. To put it simply, it’s well-rounded.
Pricing structure: It’s up to buyers if they prefer the abundance of choice the Outback’s nine trims provide, however, the size of the CR-V’s lineup makes choosing easier. Equipment levels will vary among the trims for either vehicle, but you will find more variation in the Outback compared to the CR-V’s range. However, even after adding the available all-wheel drive, the CR-V starts $7,000 under the top Outback trim.
Cargo hold: Buyers who stuff their compact SUVs to the gills will like the CR-V’s cargo volume. It’s near the top of its class in that department. The Outback’s max cargo space nearly matches the CR-V’s but falls quite a bit short when the rear seats are upright or occupied.
See this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CR-V models for sale near you.
Similarities
Even though their pricing structures can differ wildly and they are in two different class sizes, both of these SUVs start just over $30,000, deliver similar fuel efficiency with all-wheel-drive powertrains, and can pack roughly the same amount of equipment, whether it be for soccer or camping. The interiors are modern and clean, and the vehicles each seat five and are very family friendly.
Pricing
New 2025 Subaru Outback Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,430 |
$28,847 |
|||
$32,730 |
$30,812 |
|||
$37,640 |
$35,554 |
|||
$39,390 |
$37,152 |
|||
$40,895 |
$38,441 |
|||
$41,380 |
$38,971 |
|||
$41,730 |
$39,234 |
|||
$41,880 |
$39,497 |
|||
$44,330 |
$41,763 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Subaru Outback vehicles and New 2025 Honda CR-V vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Subaru Outback | 2025 Honda CR-V | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 1.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm (turbo) | 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm; 277 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,800 rpm (turbo) | 179 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT with AWD | CVT with 2WD |
| Fuel economy | 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined | 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway/30 mpg combined (2WD); 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway/28 mpg combined (AWD) |
| Also Available | Turbo 2.4-liter 4-cylinder | AWD; hybrid; fuel cell |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.1 inches | 106.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 191.1 inches | 184.8 inches |
| Width | 74.2 inches | 73.5 inches |
| Height | 66.1 inches | 66.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.1 feet | 37.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.1 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.1 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.8 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.5 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.1 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.4 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 32.6/75.6 cubic feet | 39.3/76.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Subaru provides buyers with a lot of choices, so they will need to compare the trim levels more closely to determine which Outback best fits their budget. In terms of equipment, shoppers can choose from basic but not bare transportation to something quite luxurious. On the other hand, you can have the Outback Wilderness, which is far more capable off-road than anything else mentioned on this page.
Setting aside the Outback’s more powerful engine, the standard CR-V compares favorably. It’s slightly better in power and cargo room. If you don’t need all-wheel drive, it’s a little more fuel efficient too. Since its lineup doesn’t go to such extremes, it may seem an easier choice for the everyday driver, especially with a more affordable top-end.
Both of these 5-passenger SUVs bring a lot of value in the near and long term, high amounts of practicality, and lots of safety features. If you need something larger and have an adventure-minded attitude, the Outback might sway you. The Honda CR-V, meanwhile, is a bit smaller but excels at just about everything you can throw at it. With no wrong option here, we recommend crunching the numbers and test driving both to see which is the better fit for you and your lifestyle.
