2025 Subaru Outback vs. 2025 Honda CR-V

The 2025 Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V stand out in the two-row SUV market, offering different strengths for Florida families. The Outback features standard all-wheel drive (AWD), has a higher towing capacity, and is perfect for outdoor adventures. The CR-V offers an optional hybrid system, a more spacious cargo area, and a comfortable driving experience. Whether you’re navigating unexpected rainstorms along the Gulf Coast, transporting gear to Anna Maria Island, or just running errands with the kids, these crossovers offer solid reliability. Visit Conley Subaru to determine which one fits your lifestyle.

Powertrain and Performance

The Outback offers two engine choices. The 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. For more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. All Outback models come standard with AWD, a continuously variable transmission, and X-MODE, which includes hill-descent control. The Wilderness trim adds dual-function X-MODE for tougher trails.

The Honda CR-V also offers two main engine options. The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder version generates 190 horsepower with front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional real-time AWD and offers various drive modes. The two-motor hybrid system delivers a total output of 204 horsepower, providing a smoother ride compared to the gas engine. This hybrid option is available with either FWD or AWD.

Fuel Economy

Gas mileage is where the CR-V excels, especially if you choose the hybrid. The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid achieves 43 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 40 mpg combined in FWD, while AWD yields 40 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 37 mpg combined. The regular gas CR-V models also perform well, offering 28 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined in two-wheel drive or 26 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined in AWD.

The Subaru Outback is slightly less fuel-efficient. It achieves 28 mpg combined with the 2.5-liter engine, but this decreases to 25 mpg combined with the turbocharged version. But it’s important to note that every Outback is equipped with AWD and has a more significant towing capacity.

Towing and Capability

The Subaru Outback offers higher ground clearance than the Honda, with up to 9.5 inches in the Wilderness trim compared to the CR-V’s 7.8 to 8.2 inches. The Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine or 2,700 pounds with the standard version. The CR-V is limited to a maximum of 1,500 pounds with the gas engine or 1,000 pounds with the hybrid version. For hauling boats, Jet Skis, or camping gear, the Outback wins with nearly double the pulling power.

The Outback is also equipped for adventure with X-MODE and hill-descent control as standard, which are not included in the CR-V. These features are ideal if you want to visit remote beaches, camping spots, or boat launches. The Wilderness trim features dual-function X-MODE, all-terrain tires, and maximum ground clearance for more challenging trails.

Cargo Space and Practicality

The CR-V edges ahead with 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Outback offers 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a maximum of 75.6 cubic feet.

The Outback provides more passenger room at 109 cubic feet, compared to the CR-V’s 104 cubic feet. The Outback also has a longer, flatter cargo floor, as well as built-in roof rails with fold-out crossbars, which is ideal for transporting kayaks, bikes, or surfboards.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Both vehicles offer advanced safety features. The Outback is equipped with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, precollision throttle management, and DriverFocus attention monitoring. The Outback offers blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, while Honda charges extra for these features on higher CR-V trims.

The CR-V offers Honda Sensing across all models, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and collision mitigation braking. Subaru vehicles with the EyeSight system have received higher frontal crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Ride Quality, Noise, and Comfort

The CR-V feels agile, with responsive steering, and maneuvers easily in parking lots while remaining stable on highways. Honda effectively combines sportiness with comfort. The Outback excels at absorbing rough terrain, construction sites, and sandy beach access routes. Although both vehicles handle corners well without excessive body roll, the Outback’s standard AWD provides better traction in wet conditions. The higher seating position in the Outback enhances visibility, while the CR-V offers a more car-like experience.

Trims and Pricing

The Subaru Outback is available in nine trim levels: the Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT, with starting MSRPs ranging from $29,995 to $44,730. All models include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, X-MODE, EyeSight safety technology, and standard AWD.

The Honda CR-V offers six trim options: the LX, EX, Sport Hybrid, EX-L, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid. Starting prices range between $30,100 and $41,100. All trims are equipped with the Honda Sensing system, while the Sport Touring Hybrid features a hands-free tailgate, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof.

Discover the Adventure-Ready 2025 Subaru Outback at Conley Subaru

The CR-V Hybrid provides superior fuel economy and cargo space. The 2025 Subaru Outback takes the crown for versatility, offering standard AWD, a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, and sufficient ground clearance for Florida’s diverse terrain, from beach access roads to muddy trails after summer storms. If you’re in Bradenton, Florida, we invite you to visit us to explore our extensive inventory of Subaru vehicles and talk to one of our team members. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive of the 2025 Subaru Outback to help you decide whether it fits your Florida driving needs.