2025 Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V Exterior Design

Discover practical exterior design features and equipment for everyday convenience on both the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Honda CR-V. Both models share several upscale features, including a hands-free power tailgate and a power-adjustable moonroof. The Outback offers 17- or 18-inch wheel options, while the CR-V is built with 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels. LED lighting is standard on both models, but steering-responsive headlights and fog lights are uniquely standard features on the Outback. Roof rails are standard across the Outback lineup, including those with a 700-pound maximum static weight capacity that can accommodate a rooftop tent on the Outback Wilderness trim. Meanwhile, only the CR-V hybrid trims come with roof rails.

2025 Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V Interior Design & Technology

Appreciate a thoughtfully designed cabin with both the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Honda CR-V. The two share a number of similarities, ranging from their power-adjustable front seats and 60/40 split folding and reclining second-row seats to their leather-wrapped steering wheel and auto-dimming rearview mirror. A heated steering wheel is exclusive to the top CR-V trim, while the Outback has a heated steering wheel in all but the Outback Base and Premium trims.

In the upgraded infotainment systems for both models, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are included. A wireless charger is included in select CR-V trims, while the same feature is available as an accessory in all but the Outback Base.

Other notable interior and technology differences include:

• Seat Comfort Options — While both models offer heated front seats, only the Subaru Outback offers ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats.
• Material Choices — Across their respective trim lineups, you will find a number of different seat upholstery options, including cloth, leather, Nappa leather, and StarTex® water-repellent upholstery in the Outback. The CR-V features cloth or leather.
• Displays and Dash Layout — Both models include a standard 7-inch center infotainment touchscreen, but the SUBARU STARLINK® system comes with a second 7-inch display directly below the infotainment display for your in-vehicle controls. Meanwhile, the CR-V adds a 7-inch display behind the steering wheel for key performance specs. In elevated trims, the Outback includes an 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the CR-V utilizes a 9-inch screen. In addition to their size differences, the Subaru touchscreen orientation sits lower, in the heart of the center stack in a vertical orientation, while the CR-V displays are set higher, directly aligned with the top of the dash.
• Sound Systems — Every Outback, except the entry-level Base trim and Premium model, includes a 12-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system. By comparison, only the top trim level for the CR-V comes with a 12-speaker Bose® audio system.

2025 Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V Engine Specs & Fuel Economy

What is the most important characteristic of an SUV to you? While the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Honda CR-V both offer two engine options, they each offer unique strengths and benefits. The Outback is built with a standard 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine that achieves up to 2,700 pounds of towing capacity and gets 32 MPG on the highway, while the standard CR-V engine can tow 1,500 pounds and achieves up to 34 MPG in highway driving. Their available engines in advanced trim levels are where the differences emerge in greater measure. The 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder makes power a priority with 260 horsepower and a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity, while the CR-V hybrid powertrain makes a combined 204 total horsepower and gets up to 43 MPG in city driving.

You will also find different drivetrains in each model. The Outback is equipped with Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), while the Honda CR-V uses either front-wheel drive (FWD) or Real Time AWD with an Intelligent Control System™.

See the performance specs for the Outback and CR-V in the following chart.

2025 Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V Size & Cargo Space

Versatility and adaptable cargo space are key attributes of both the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Honda CR-V. In overall size, the Outback measures just over 5 inches longer than the CR-V and is 169 pounds heavier in each model’s base configuration. If you plan to use your new SUV in light off-road scenarios, the Outback Wilderness is available with up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, versus a maximum of 8.2 inches of ground clearance for the CR-V.

Inside, both five-seat SUVs provide generous accommodations for both passengers and cargo. The Outback offers an advantage in rear headroom and front legroom, while the CR-V offers a half inch more rear legroom and just less than 1 cubic foot more maximum cargo space.

Compare the Outback and CR-V size differences in the following chart.

2025 Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V Safety Options & Features

Safety is a strength of the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Honda CR-V. Each SUV includes its brand’s unique suite of safety features — EyeSight® driver assist technology in the Outback and Honda Sensing® technology in the CR-V. Shared or similar features include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking in the Outback and the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ in the CR-V, and lane keep assist. Lane departure and sway warning is included in the Outback, while the CR-V has a road departure mitigation system.

While both models feature a rearview camera, the Outback also offers a 180-degree front-view monitor for upgraded visibility. A driver attention monitor system is standard on the CR-V and the DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system is available on the Outback. Blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert is available on the Outback, while the CR-V also offers a blind spot information system and a cross-traffic monitor.