Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Subaru Outback
$607
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Honda CR-V
$407
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
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.
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.
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 Honda CR-V ranks highest in comfort and ranks lowest in safety.
83% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“The interior has aged quite well. There might be some slight fading of the upholstry but there has been otherwise no signs of wear. I did however wear through the driver's side floor mat, down to...”
“The interior has aged quite well. There might be some slight fading of the upholstry but there...”
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