Could the 2021 Honda CR-V or Subaru Outback be your avenue to more exciting adventures? One is a compact SUV; the other, a wagon. Both are popular with Marlton, Mt. Laurel, and Cherry Hill, NJ, motorists, but which one will suit you best?
Compare the CR-V and Outback with us and choose your next new ride! If you want to learn more, reach out to our specialists at Burns Honda. We'll help you explore everything from design and technology to MPG and more.
ÂNeed a Hybrid? The Honda CR-V Stands Out
You value efficiency in your vehicle. The 2021 CR-V and Outback do their part to boost your gas mileage with efficient engines. Let's compare:
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 2021 Subaru Outback | ||
| Engine | EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy | Engine | EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy |
| 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder | 28 city/34 highway MPG1 | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 26 city/33 highway MPG |
| 2.0L i-VTEC® Atkinson-cycle hybrid | 40 city/35 highway MPG2 | 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder | 23 city/30 highway MPG |
The base engines are similar where fuel economy is concerned. The Honda CR-V, equipped with standard front-wheel-drive, sees an EPA-estimated 28 city and 34 highway MPG across all trim levels.1 That's slightly better than the Outback receives.
But Honda has something else up its sleeve. Enter the CR-V Hybrid, the master of fuel efficiency that leaves the Outback in the dust! Its hybrid powertrain earns an EPA-estimated 40 city and 35 highway MPG on all hybrid trim levels.2
Unlike the CR-V, the Outback has yet to release a hybrid model. For that reason, it cannot compete with the Honda SUV when it comes to gas mileage.
CR-V vs Outback: The Power of Turbochargers
Sure, the Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback are suitable for daily driving. But when push comes to shove, which one puts some extra pep in your vehicular step, while keeping your drive as efficient as possible?
In that respect, the Honda CR-V once again wins. Though the Outback's base 4-cylinder engine is reasonably efficient, you may find it lacking in the power department with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It isn't turbocharged like the standard CR-V engine either.
Both the CR-V and CR-V Hybrid offer more power than the base Outback, while also being more fuel efficient:
- CR-V:Â 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque
- CR-V Hybrid:Â 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque
The Outback does offer a more powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder as an available option. However, that engine sacrifices its gas mileage to achieve its output, so you won't find that perfect balance.
Comfort in the Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback
The 2021 CR-V and Outback make every journey comfortable for their passengers. Both seat up to five people across two rows and offer generous legroom for those in the rear seats (40.4 inches in the CR-V; 39.5 inches in the Outback).
They'll keep your cargo comfy as well! With just short of 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, the CR-V and Outback can comfortably serve as your adventure vehicle.
In the hot summer months, both vehicles come standard with automatic climate control. They both also offer a dual-zone automatic climate control system as an upgrade.
Which Is Better: Honda CR-V or Subaru Outback?
We hope our Marlton, Mt. Laurel, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, readers learned a lot from this comparison. The 2021 Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback are capable vehicles, but the CR-V stands out in some important ways.
See how well this compact SUV will serve you on the streets. Schedule a test drive today at Burns Honda and experience the CR-V in action!
Â1Â 28 city/34 highway/30 combined MPG rating for 2WD trims. 27 city/32 highway/29 combined MPG rating for AWD trims. Based on 2021 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.
2Â 40 city/35 highway/38 combined MPG rating. Based on 2021 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 and other factors.
