Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Honda CR-V
$407
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Subaru Outback
$607
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
4
1
2
Excellent
The Honda CR-V Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 2nd out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $407 which means it has excellent ownership costs. The severity of repairs is low, and these issues are less frequent than average, so the CR-V is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
3
1
2
Above Average
The Subaru Outback Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 10th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $607 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.
The Honda CR-V ranks highest in comfort and ranks lowest in safety.
83% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“I own a 1997 Honda CRV automatic All Wheel Drive. It has been a wonderful car. I commute 45 miles each way to work gas mileage is great. I have two small children and love the height of the car, it...”
“I own a 1997 Honda CRV automatic All Wheel Drive. It has been a wonderful car. I commute 45 miles...”
The Subaru Outback ranks highest in safety and ranks lowest in performance.
“This was my 5th of 6 Subaru's and most likly my last. Front rotor's were an issue until I replaced them with a slotted performance set on all 4 corners @ 40,000 miles. My model was a LL Bean with...”
“This was my 5th of 6 Subaru's and most likly my last. Front rotor's were an issue until I...”
The Subaru Outback and the Honda CR-V are two different types of vehicles. The Subaru Outback is a midsize, two-row, car-based SUV. The Honda CR-V is a compact, two-row SUV.
The Outback is longer and has a lower roof. The CR-V is less long and taller. The Outback has all-wheel drive as standard equipment, whereas the CR-V comes with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
While their appearances differ, their engines are close. The Outback has 175 horsepower, and the CR-V has 184 horsepower. When it comes to their optional engines, though, the Outback pulls ahead with 256 horsepower, compared to 190 for the CR-V. That’s a big difference.
In the cargo space race, the Subaru Outback and the Honda CR-V are closely matched. The Outback provides 73.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, compared to the CR-V’s 75.8 cubic feet. That’s unlikely to make your decision for you, either way.
Picking between the Subaru Outback and the Honda CR-V will come down to your needs. The CR-V is a great overall choice for everyday use as a family vehicle. But if you need an extra dose of performance and plan to leave the pavement on a regular basis, the Outback will be the more satisfying option.
At a glance
Standard horsepower:
Outback: 175 (256 optional); CR-V: 184 (190 optional)
Cargo space:
Outback: 73.3 cu. ft.; CR-V 75.8 cu. ft.
Miles per gallon:
Outback: Up to 25 city/32 highway; CR-V: Up to 28 city/34 highway