The Honda CR-V and the Subaru Outback are solid picks for crossover SUV shoppers — and each one has strengths in different areas. See how the two models stack up in this 2024 Honda CR-V vs. 2024 Subaru Outback comparison.

2024 Honda CR-V vs. 2024 Subaru Outback: What’s a better crossover SUV?

In our 2024 Honda CR-V vs. 2024 Subaru Outback evaluation, we looked at multiple areas. This includes passenger and cargo space, safety, reliability, engines, towing, fuel economy, off-road use, and warranty coverage. 

CR-V vs. Outback: Passenger and cargo space

Both crossover SUVs can seat up to five passengers, but the 2024 Subaru Outback has more passenger space. It provides a total passenger volume of 109 cu-ft, compared to 104 cu-ft for the 2024 Honda CR-V. For cargo space, the two models are closely matched, but the CR-V has a slight edge. It offers a maximum cargo capacity of 76.5 cu-ft, while the Outback tops out at 75.7 cu-ft.

CR-V vs. Outback: Safety

The CR-V and the Outback are very safe vehicles. Both crossover SUVs earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

CR-V vs. Outback: Reliability

The CR-V is more reliable than the Outback. From J.D. Power, it achieved a “great” reliability rating of 82/100, compared to an “average” rating of 73/100 for the Outback. 

CR-V vs. Outback: Engines

For engines, the CR-V offers a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 horsepower) and a hybrid (204 horsepower). And for the Outback, customers have a choice of either a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine (182 horsepower) or a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder (260 horsepower).

CR-V vs. Outback: Towing

The 2024 Subaru Outback is better for towing. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the 2024 Honda CR-V.

CR-V vs. Outback: Fuel economy

The CR-V has the advantage for fuel economy. It gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 30 combined mpg for the fully gas-powered model and 40 combined mpg for the Hybrid. Conversely, the Outback has an estimated fuel economy of up to 29 combined mpg. 

CR-V vs. Outback: Off-road use

The Outback is the superior crossover SUV for off-road capabilities. For one, its all-wheel drive system provides better traction than the one for the CR-V. Also, unlike the CR-V, the Outback comes standard with AWD for all models. 

Additionally, the Outback has higher ground clearance — up to 9.5 inches, compared to 8.2 inches for the CR-V. And for even greater off-road capabilities, the Subaru crossover SUV offers a rugged Wilderness trim.

CR-V vs. Outback: Warranty coverage

Both the CR-V and the Outback have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The CR-V, though, takes things a step further with a 2-year/24,000-mile free maintenance plan. Conversely, there isn’t a complimentary maintenance program for the Outback.

2024 Honda CR-V vs. 2024 Subaru Outback: Advantages for each crossover SUV

Our 2024 Honda CR-V vs. 2024 Subaru Outback comparison shows that each crossover SUV has multiple advantages. For the 2024 CR-V, this includes cargo space, reliability, base engine horsepower, fuel economy, and a free maintenance plan. And for the 2024 Outback, advantages include passenger space, maximum horsepower, towing, and off-road capabilities.