Just because both the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Outback come from Japanese automakers doesn’t mean that they will have a lot in common. The CR-V gives off a general vibe of being a smart, sensible solution for casual daily driving, light cargo needs, and a taste of adventure. The Subaru Outback, however, clearly touts itself as the adventurer’s vehicle. The Outback has roof rails that beg to be used, and undeniable off-road chops.
As great as adventuring is, it’s not what everyone wants in a crossover. Thrill seekers may already have their minds set on the Outback, but there’s more to each than just their capacity for off-roading. Since both are versatile crossovers, it’s worth looking into what other uses the two vehicles have and how well they each pull them off. Review this chart to compare other aspects of each vehicle.
2020 Honda CR-V |
Versus |
2020 Subaru Outback |
4 | Trim Levels | 7 |
190 Horsepower and 179 lb-ft of Torque | Horsepower and Torque | 182 Horsepower and 176 lb-ft of Torque |
AWD Available | Drive Option | AWD Standard |
Available | Hybrid Model | Not Available |
Having 7 different trim levels for the Subaru Outback may seem great, but in reality, all it does is push shoppers to buy features, technology, and other specifications they may not need. This is especially unnecessary considering that every trim level of the Outback is going to do just fine off-road. Since the Honda CR-V is built for the widest variety of uses, a concise list of trim levels will serve shoppers better.
Despite being built for off-road journeys and fun outings, the CR-V ships with a compact turbocharged engine with more power than the Outback. Obviously, anyone buying an Outback will want AWD, so it’s fine that the model comes with it equipped on all trims, but those interested in the jack-of-all-trades CR-V will be better served by having AWD as an option instead of a required part of the vehicle.