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Welcome to the new Honda CR-V Vs Subaru Outback comparison for 2019. After an extended period with the 2019 Subaru Outback it’s time for a new set of reviews. To start off the comparison series it’s being compared with the Honda CR-V. The Subaru Outback package is one of the first ‘soft roaders’ in a very niche market back in the 80’s. However it has never endeared it’s self to us for various reasons. So will this opinion change with the latest model?
Subaru Outback Vs Honda CR-V exterior comparison: The CR-V is a nice looking SUV that looks smaller than the actual space it has. In comparison, the Subaru Outback looks larger and more rugged or deliberately designed to generate opinion. Furthermore and in real life the Outback looks thinner than in the pictures and arguably less attractive. The Outback is clearly a high rise wagon rather than the current definition of a SUV – that we are increasingly call the mini van of the 2010s.
Subaru Outback Vs Honda CR-V interior comparison: It is on the inside that the two differ the most. The Outback is based on a sedan so has the limitations that it entails. The seating is car like in the front and back likewise the rear boot space. As a result you do sit with your legs outstretched more than chair like. This means that you may have ample length but due to the low seats you may find your self in a crab like seating position. Nonetheless it is usually a comfortable position but the Outbacks seat design is not as good as the Honda. Driving longer distances in then Subaru means numb bum will get to you much quicker than in the Honda CR-V. Getting inside the Outback is also awkward as a result. Otherwise the design and materials are very good and what you’d expect for the price. It’s definitely not a flashy interior or has modern luxury aspirations. Mostly due to the high level of it’s competitors and genuine luxury SUVs. In comparison the CR-V has the nicer and more comfortable interior, more upright seats and modern design with seemingly more space in a relatively smaller body. Note the Outback’s longer engine bay and sloping rear end means that it isn’t larger in terms of space!
Subaru Outback Vs Honda CR-V engines and technology: The Subaru Outback has a lot of safety and convenience features expected for the price but the base model is a little spartan. Higher end models get noticeably more equipment and nicer trim. The 3.6 litre 6 cylinder Outback version is still the engine to get if you want all round performance, the 2.5 litre is surprisingly decent performance in that it can keep up with traffic and the diesel only if you travel on highways most of the time. The CR-V turbo is a good engine but not as fuel efficient as the Outback’s and it does lack standard safety systems that should be standard on all models rather than an optional package. The Honda has a better stereo system while the Outback’a standard system is very average but has surprising bass response, probably because the rest of the sound is quite plain. Only when equipped with the Harmon pardon system does it sound decent. Simply put the Subaru has more safety tech rivalling much more expensive brands while the CR-V is class average in terms of safety system.
Honda CR-V Vs Subaru Outback road test: In terms of driving the Subaru Outback, the CVT gearbox is definitely one of the better ones and it’s predefined rations and responsiveness not to mention smoothness is impressive. Yes there are many times which it does become confused and either has more power or no power in some situations but at least the droning is mostly well controlled aka revs normally. Driving in slower traffic and straight freeways are it’s forte and definitely not carving corners. The 2.5 litre engine is reasonably powerful and efficient for what it has to work with but you will always want more. It’s simply nice all round.
The Subaru’s Outback driving and handling is fine but it has issues, meaning it still wants to go straight rather than around things. We liken it to having under inflated tyres in the rear. This trait may appeal to say the North American market where straight roads and highways are the norm. You need to adapt to it’s handling characteristics especially with corners so you don’t look like an lousy driver on the road – aka that can’t keep between the lines. On dry roads the handling is sticky and biased to straight lines. In the wet is feels just as planted which appeals to less experienced or lower skilled drivers. If you’re not good in the dry you won’t be any better in the wet aka the same – so learn some skills. Overall not as good as Toyota Camry.
In conclusion and winner to the Subaru Outback Vs Honda CR-V comparison is neither. The Subaru Outback has the quietness and general refinement that is above the CR-V. Unfortunately while has lots of space it’s not efficient, not as comfortable in terms of seating and to be honest it’s not an SUV and definitely a high rise wagon. The Honda has the better interior and exterior design, better seating and driving experience. With pricing in the same range your priorities will determine which one you buy, hence one of the reasons it’s a tie. Buying a top range Subaru Outback will be the pick purely due to it’s engine when compared to the top range CR-V. However if comparing the two in the base to mid-range trim levels then the CR-V is the better SUV to buy purely due to having much more usable performance. The Subaru Outback costs more than the Honda CR-V presumably for physically more space but it doesn’t feel any bigger. And as we’ve said the F6 cylinder Outback is really the only version to buy.
| Honda CR-V | Subaru Outback |
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| Engines | |
| IL4 Cylinder – Petrol DOHC DI IC Turbo 1.5 Litre (1498cc) Claimed 140Kw @ 5600RPM Claimed 240Nm @ 2000RPM |
IL4 Cylinder Petrol DOHC 16 Valve VVT 2.5 Litre (2459cc) Claimed 129Kw @ 5800 RPM Claimed 235Nm @ 4000 RPM |
| IL4 Cylinder – Petrol SOHC EFI VTEC 2.0 Litre (1997cc) Claimed 113Kw @ 6500RPM Claimed 189 Nm @ 4300RPM |
IL4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo DI CR 2.0 Litre (1990cc) Claimed 110Kw @ 3600 RPM Claimed 350Nm @ 1600 RPM |
| F6 Cylinder Petrol DOHC 16 Valve 3.6 Litre (3590cc) Claimed 191Kw @ 6000 RPM Claimed 350Nm @ 4400 RPM |
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| Weight | |
| Kerb weight FROM 1536Kg Towing capacity up to 1500Kg |
Kerb weight FROM 1639Kg Towing capacity up to 1700Kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 57 litres 1.5 Turbo Petrol: 7.3 litres per 100km |
Up to 60 litres IL4 Diesel 5.7 litres per 100km (Auto) F4 Petrol 7.3 litres per 100km (Auto) F6 Petrol 9.9 litres per 100km (Auto) |
| Other specifications | |
| CVT Auto Overall height/width 1679/1855 Overall length/wheelbase 4596/2660 Drive system: FWD or On Demand AWD NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
CVT Auto Overall height/width 1675/1840 Overall length/wheelbase 4820/2745 NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Min ground clearance xxx mm Water Fording depth xxxmm Max 4WD system: AWD |
| Performance | |
| Pricing | |
| 2019 $30,990 – $44,290 AUD 2017 $30,690 – $44,290 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc… |
2019 $37,440 – 50,440 AUD 2016 $35,990 – 48,490 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |