2022 Subaru Outback vs Honda CR-V

With the crossover and SUV market exploding in recent years, savvy buyers have more options than ever before. The 2022 Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V stand out among the competition for their comfort, safety features and versatility - offering two rows of seating as well as plenty of storage space to meet your needs. Travel with peace of mind knowing that these top contenders are equipped with industry leading security systems.

Whether you are looking for an affordable way to stay connected and safe on the road, or searching for a reliable vehicle that won't dig into your wallet too deeply - the 2022 Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V provide numerous trims at budget-friendly prices. With cutting edge technology in every model, these cars make it easy to find one perfect for your lifestyle needs.

The Powertrain

The Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback both offer drivers a choice of powerful engines. However, the CR-V proves to be more efficient thanks to its integrated hybrid system whereas the Outback excels in performance with available turbocharging technology. By taking these factors into account, it's clear that each model stands out for different reasons when pitted against one another.

The 2022 Subaru Outback boasts an impressive driving experience, but that's not all! For those seeking greater power output, select trims of the popular car come equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine delivering up to 260 horses and 277 pound feet of torque – perfect for taking off quickly on any journey.

For those in need of serious hauling power, the Outback stands out from other vehicles with its incredible towing ability. Boasting up to 2,700 pounds for regular engines or a whopping 3,500 pound capacity when turbocharged - nearly double that of the CR-V's maximum 1,500 lbs - it is an ideal option for anyone who needs heavy duty carrying capabilities.

With impressive fuel efficiency, the CR-V hybrid reigns supreme with 40 miles per gallon in city driving and 35 on highways. The standard CR-V has almost comparable numbers at 28 mpg for urban roads, 34 highway; however all wheel drive drops those figures slightly to match that of its main competitor - Outback's 26/33 MPG configuration.

The turbocharged Outbacks offer the best of both worlds - they boast a powerful engine while still delivering a respectable 23 mpg in city driving and up to 30 on highways. When deciding between power or fuel efficiency, customers need only consider what's more important: performance now or long-term savings at the pump?

Whether you're venturing off road or navigating a tricky descent, the Subaru Outback is the perfect companion. With an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance and exclusive X-MODE feature that provides improved traction on tough terrain, there's no challenge too great for this SUV to handle. In comparison, although Honda CR-V offers hill start assist it does not have Hill Descent Control - just another way in which Outback sets itself apart from its competitors.

Subsumed within the Outback model range is a unique trim known as the Wilderness. Intentionally tailored for drivers who crave adventure, this trim comes with all-terrain tires and an elevated ground clearance of over nine inches. Additionally, the bumpers are specially designed to enhance approach and departure angles.

Drivability

These vehicles equip drivers with an array of advanced technology to provide the utmost in convenience and entertainment. From utilizing smartphone compatibility for safe, hands-free talking and texting during road trips, to a variety of onboard features allowing for maximum enjoyment on extended journeys - no driving experience is complete without it.

The feature-rich CR-V offers an expansive seven inch touchscreen, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities to satisfy tech enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the base LX trim of this popular SUV only provisions a limited five inch LCD display and Bluetooth connectivity; leaving many modern drivers disappointed by its lack of smartphone integration.

Subaru has given every Outback a touchscreen plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base trim on the Outback has a seven-inch touchscreen, but all the others have 11.6-inch touchscreens. In the word of technology, size usually matters.

SiriusXM is standard with the Outback, but it's only available with the CR-V. Further, only one trim of the CR-V has navigation. Two Outback trims have integrated navigation, in contrast. If anyone is looking for wireless charging on either model, it's going to be hard to find. One trim of the CR-V offers this feature, and no Outback’s are set up with this type of equipment.

The size of a vehicle affects the driving experience. Fortunately, both of these models have what many would consider to be an ideal size. They have two comfortable rows of seats and spacious cargo areas.

The Honda SUV has a little more than 40 inches of second-row leg room, so tall passengers should be able to stretch their legs. In the back, the cargo area has a volume of 39.2 cubic feet, and when the rear seats are lowered, that expands to 75.8 cubic feet. Note, though, that the hybrid has a slightly smaller cargo area to account for some of the hybrid components. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 68.7 cubic feet.

Outback and CR-V are top-performing models that cater to different driver needs. For thrill-seekers, the Outback Wilderness is a game-changer with its all-terrain tires, elevated ground clearance of over nine inches, and specially designed bumpers. In contrast, the CR-V offers seamless smartphone compatibility, ample legroom.

Safety

The Outback and CR-V come with a host of driver assist technologies to elevate the driving experience. Subaru packs EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that offers adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning & braking as well as lane departure warnings for added safety on roads. Honda's Sensing Technologies bundle raises the standard further by providing drivers with greater control in difficult conditions while keeping them safe along their journey.

With these two vehicles, you can expect the unexpected! Offering a unique combination of features such as automatic high beams and rearview cameras to ensure maximum visibility at all times. But that's not even close to where it ends - It also comes outfitted with advanced anti-lock braking systems and traction control programs designed for agility on any terrain, allowing drivers complete peace of mind no matter the road conditions they face.

The two companies have done the same thing when it comes to extra driver-assist features. Specifically, they've made blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert standard on the mid-level and higher trims in their respective lineups. Three out of the five CR-V trims have these systems, and six out of the eight Outback trims have them.

Select trims of the Outback take safety a few steps further. Many of them have reverse automatic braking to go along with rear cross-traffic alert. They have distraction mitigation systems as well, and some have 180-degree front-view monitors. These types of monitors are useful when maneuvering in small spaces and when navigating rough terrain in which obstacles could be anywhere.

Which Has the Best Value?

Both the Outback and CR-V offer a wide range of prices, with one option starting as low as $27,000. However it's important to remember that price alone should not be your only determining factor when picking between them - performance, features and value are also integral in finding the right vehicle for you. By taking into consideration all these elements before making any decisions regarding purchase or lease agreements customers can ensure they make an informed decision on which model works best for their needs.

Starting price of CR-V are applicable to entry level trims that features front wheel drive. All-wheel drive costs a bit extra. Typically, this additional cost is around $1,500.
Remember that the more powerful engine is available on the Outback. Four Outback trims have this engine and benefit from the greater capability that it provides, and for many, this is going to be worth the extra cost. Many of these trims also have nicer infotainment packages with larger touchscreens than the type of equipment found in the CR-V, and many of them have the additional safety mechanisms just mentioned above.

The Outback's upper tier models, namely the Limited XT and Touring XT, are stocked with an epic array of features that elevate the driving experience. Notable among them are the leather seats, heated steering wheels, and heated front and rear seats, which amplify comfort during cold weather. Meanwhile, the Touring XT takes luxury up a notch with its Nappa leather seats and front-row ventilation.

The highest trim level for the CR-V, the Touring edition, lacks heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, putting it behind the Outback's top-end models in terms of luxury features.

Comparing the base trims of the Outback and CR-V, both SUVs enjoy similar features, such as manually adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery, and ample cabin storage. On top of that, both models offer automatic climate control to ensure optimal passenger comfort. However, one key difference is that the Outback's entry-level trim comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a touchscreen display, while the CR-V's base model does not offer these technologies.

One crucial factor is that the CR-V is available as a hybrid. Hybrid CR-Vs are going to be marginally expensive than their non-hybrid counterparts, but of course, there's the opportunity to realize some long-term savings. For some buyers, the idea of conserving fuel and saving money at the gas station each week or each month is going to be something that's challenging to pass up.

Which is Better?

When it comes to SUVs, one can't go wrong with either the Honda CR-V or Subaru Outback. Both vehicles have been highly rated for their impressive comfort and safety features that make them a reliable carrier of passengers and cargo alike. Even after years on the market - each has maintained a solid following among keen drivers everywhere; making comparison shopping between these two models a difficult task indeed.

The Outback offers an adventurous experience with its turbocharged engine, Wilderness trim for extra robustness and durability, as well as standard all-wheel drive - setting it apart from other vehicles. It's perfect if you're looking to explore uncharted territory!

For drivers looking to take on city streets or suburban neighborhoods, the Honda CR-V stands out as a great choice. Its smaller size and smoother handling makes navigating tight parking spots feel like a breeze! Plus, it's available with an all-wheel drive option for added security in uncertain conditions, and even has its own hybrid variant that could be aimed at eco-conscious buyers. With so much packed into such a compact package, the CR-V is ready for anything urban life can throw your way.

The battle between the CR-V and Outback is an interesting one, with each car offering its own unique advantages. On a budget? Consider opting for the wallet-friendly option of the CR-V which still provides plenty features to suit your needs. However, if you're looking for more than just affordability - such as advanced safety tech or comprehensive infotainment systems - then investing in an Outback may be worth it.