2025 Subaru Outback vs. 2025 Honda CR-V

What comes to mind when you think of a compact crossover SUV? Small design with big presence? Practicality and affordability? Family-friendly and intuitive? These are all features that this vehicle class comes imbued with. As a result, we had to put two of the latest releases from two of the biggest automakers.
This is the 2025 Subaru Outback vs. 2025 Honda CR-V. In this showdown, we explore all that each of these stunning crossovers has to offer. And this is all done in an attempt to answer one simple question: What is the best choice for you? Keep reading to learn more.
Exterior Design Language
A vehicle is often synonymous with the shape and style of its exterior design. For this reason, it's a crucial consideration for many people when deciding which model they'll ultimately purchase. So, where do the Outback and CR-V fall within this category? Let's find out.
2025 Subaru Outback
There are no exterior changes to the Outback for 2025, which is honestly a good thing. The Outback's appearance retains a signature look that the public has become quite fond of. It comes with standard full LED headlights, ample black body cladding, and up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance to produce an off-road-friendly driving experience.
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V sports a very sharp and athletic design language. This is due to its angular headlight, front grille, and hood lines. A full LED setup is standard. In addition, the front grille also features silver accents that give the CR-V a contrasting style relative to the rest of the setup. As a result, this model over delivers when it comes to exterior style and design.
Cabin Experience
A vehicle's cabin experience must be comfortable, calm, and well laid out. It needs to provide safety and be a well-connected haven for passengers to enjoy their driving experience. So, let's see how the Outback and CR-V stack up when it comes to the cabin experience.
2025 Subaru Outback
Style and comfort abound in the interior of the 2025 Subaru Outback. With a leather-wrapped steering wheel, stylish cloth seats, and many other premium cabin materials, the interior of the 2025 Subaru Outback is an elegant display. Moreover, the interior is outfitted with stylish leather trim on the dash, center console, and door panels to create an upscale cabin experience.
2025 Honda CR-V
While the interior of the CR-V may seem "basic" to some, it's really a clean presentation that prioritizes simplicity over flashiness. Its smooth surfacing and upscale materials give the cabin experience an almost luxurious feel. This is further complemented by 3 stages of heated seats, a wireless charging pad, and power seat controls for both the driver and passenger.
Fully Loaded Tech
High-grade technology has become a standard expectation in modern vehicles. Drivers today want an entertaining and well-connected driving experience. So, how do the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Honda CR-V compare when it comes to technology? Let's find out.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback comes equipped with a fully loaded interior. This includes a 4.2-inch multifunction display, a 6-speaker sound setup (with a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon option available), an 11.3-inch Subaru touchscreen monitor, and more. The Outback spares no expense with its advanced technology and feature-laden interior.
2025 Honda CR-V
For the model year 2025, the Honda CR-V delivers a value-packed interior. The cabin experience is enlivened with the CR-V's Bose premium sound system, 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, etc. As a result, the 2025 Honda CR-V offers an entertaining, safe, and well-connected ride quality that will enhance the driving experience for you as well as your passengers.
Performance Metrics
No motorist wants their vehicle to be a dud when it comes to performance metrics. While some people may prefer a streamlined ride quality and others, more power and potency, the fact remains, we all want performance. Let's see how the Outback and CR-V compare.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback has two different powertrains: The standard 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine that produces up to 187 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.4-liter turbo boxer 4-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Unless you have a power-hungry need for speed, the base powertrain will be just fine for most people.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Paired to a CVT, this standard configuration can pump out 190 horsepower (and up to 204 horsepower on the hybrid version).
As a result of this engine setup, the new CR-V offers a well-controlled driving experience. It's smooth, responsive, and has enough punch to add a bit of a thrill to its ride quality.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is not optional. When it comes to new vehicles, safety is a significant priority for many drivers regarding their final buying decision. So, which one of our crossovers comes out on top in the all-important category of safety and driver-assistance features? Let's find out.
2025 Subaru Outback
Subaru has gone to extensive lengths to ensure the Outback is a safe haven on wheels. It comes with a suite of safety and driver-assistance features that include blind-spot detection, reverse automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V delivers an array of safety features. Some of the standard equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. In addition, the CR-V also features a 360-degree rearview camera, front and side airbags, as well as a seatbelt reminder system.
Conclusion
The 2025 Subaru Outback vs. 2025 Honda CR-V that neither side can easily win. The winner of this showdown can only be based on what you're looking for in a new vehicle. However, if you're looking for a stylish, competent, and versatile crossover, the 2025 Subaru Outback may be just for you. And the best part is that our expert team of automotive specialists at Granite Subaru can help guide you through the process easily and effortlessly. Contact us today to learn more.