2026 CR-V vs 2025 Subaru Outback
Size and Spaciousness
The 2025 Subaru Outback in Phoenix offers up to 109 cu ft of passenger space, putting more emphasis on the front row than the second. In comparison, the 2026 Honda CR-V promises up to 106 cu ft. Drivers will appreciate 41.3 inches of legroom while passengers will appreciate 41 inches of legroom for the rear seats. That’s a half-inch more than the Subaru.
There’s a significant difference when it comes to cargo space. The Outback hold measures 32.4 cubes while the CR-V promises up to 39.3 cu ft. That’s a big difference when you need to pack for a long trip or when you are packing for a camping trip
Standard Performance
When it comes to performance, Subaru Outbacks and Honda CR-V are similar, although Honda maintains the edge in both horsepower and torque. It claims 179 lb-ft vs 176 lb ft. Even more significant, the CR-V claims 190 horsepower to Subaru's 182 horsepower.
Despite the Subaru’s lower power outlay, its fuel economy is lower as well. Honda can claim 30 mpg combined while Subaru’s can claim only 28 mpg combined. Find out more about the CR-V driving experience in this 2025 review.
[*] 28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg rating for Honda CR-V 2WD trims. 26 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. 
Hybrid Performance
For those who want more capability, the Honda CR-V Hybrid is a natural upgrade. It is priced competitively, making it an easy choice when compared to a similar trim of the Subaru Outback. With hybrid capability, CR-Vs claim an estimated 40 mpg* in combined driving. That’s a 12 mpg fuel efficiency difference from the Subaru. The Sport Touring AWD hybrid claims up to 37 mpg combined.
The power outlay difference grows even wider as the Honda Hybrid output grows to 200 horsepower and 247 lb-ft feet. Compared to the 2025 Subaru Outback in Phoenix, that’s an extra 73 lb-ft of torque for highway driving and mountain climbing.
[*] 43 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg rating for Honda CR-V 2WD hybrid trim. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined mpg rating for AWD hybrid trim. Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.
2026 Honda CR-V Trailsport vs Subaru Outback
Outbacks are known for their ability to handle all-weather conditions with their standard all-wheel drive. They claim good ground clearance and have the ability to handle light off-roading.
The new Honda CR-V Trailsport has all of those qualities and more. It has Honda’s excellent all-wheel drive, more ground clearance, and trail-ready all-terrain tires. Plus it has more horsepower, more torque, and superior fuel efficiency. That’s a winning combination for anyone looking for an off-road vehicle.
Reliability
When it comes to overall quality and reputation, Honda has long been a benchmark for reliability and consumer satisfaction. The Honda CR-V consistently earns high marks in quality and dependability studies, often outperforming many rivals. For example, the 2025 Honda CR-V has a "Great" Quality & Reliability rating from J.D. Power with a score of 84/100, slightly edging out the Subaru Outback's 80/100 for reliability and 82/100 overall score.
This translates into a general expectation of fewer unexpected repairs and a lower average annual repair cost for the CR-V. Honda's reputation for building well-engineered vehicles that hold their value over time further solidifies its position as a wise investment for long-term ownership.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Honda CR-V distinguishes itself as a more universally appealing option for a broader range of drivers. Its slightly superior reliability ratings from independent sources, combined with Honda's established reputation for durability and low ownership costs, make it a compelling choice.
Visit Earnhardt Honda in Avondale Schedule a test drive at your convenience.
Our helpful staff can demonstrate the CRV’s many technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-phev-label.shtml
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