Whether you're shopping for an SUV for your family or just want something dependable for your commute, the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Outback are both great choices. So, which one is right for you? The team at Maguire Honda of Ithaca put together this 2020 Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback comparison to help drivers in Ithaca, Elmira, and Corning decide.
Performance Specs & Fuel Economy
The Honda CR-V is available with front-wheel drive or Real Time AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with Intelligent Control System™. Both drivetrains run on a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that gets up to 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
This efficient engine works with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode. With its precise gear shifting and a standard Eco Assist™ System, the Honda CR-V can get up to an EPA-estimated 28 city/34 highway MPG with its 2WD trims.*
The Subaru Outback is only available in All-Wheel Drive. While it's a capable crossover, it's not as powerful nor as efficient as the CR-V. Its 2.5L 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine offers just 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a CVT but can only get up to an EPA-estimated 26 city/33 highway MPG.
Interior Space & Features
Both the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Outback offer lots of cargo room and seating for up to five people. They also offer comfortable and convenient amenities, such as power adjustable front seats, a hands-free power tailgate, and a moonroof.
Cloth seats come standard in both models, but leather upholstery and a leather steering wheel are also available. The Honda gives your passengers a little extra space to stretch out, though, with 40.4 inches of rear legroom. The Outback is a bit more cramped with 39.5 inches of legroom in the back seats.
The CR-V also gives you more cargo room. The trunk features a convenient 39.2 cubic feet of space. Meanwhile, the Subaru can't carry as much with only 32.5 cubic feet of cargo room.
Safety
To give you peace of mind during your drive, the 2020 Honda CR-V is built with an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. In the event of an accident, it's designed to absorb energy and redirect it away from the cabin interior.
Inside, you'll be protected by an advanced airbag system that covers both rows of seats with side curtain airbags. You'll also have lots of driver-assistance features watching out for you. Honda Sensing® comes standard and helps prevent accidents with technology that includes:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Departure Warning
- Road Departure Mitigation System
The Subaru Outback also includes lots of driver-assist technology and side curtain airbags. However, since its design isn't on par with the ACE™ body structure, it leaves the interior more vulnerable.
Test Drive Your Next SUV
To learn more about this 2020 Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Outback comparison, visit Maguire Honda of Ithaca and take a test drive. The Honda CR-V offers a safe, efficient, and comfortable ride for drivers and families in Ithaca, Elmira, and Corning.
*28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 27 city/32 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. Based on 2020 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.