Outback or CR-V? 2026 SUV Showdown for Drivers near the MA - NH Line
With such an extensive lineup of the latest 2026 SUV models to choose from, drivers near the MA-NH line are spoiled for choice, and decisions start to get complicated.
We compare two top contenders, the 2026 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Honda CR-V, and try to help you make sense of what's on offer so that you get to make the best choice for you.
Read on as our article looks at Outback or CRV? 2026 SUV Showdown for Drivers near the MA - NH Line.
Have the Subaru Outback and Honda CRV been updated for 2026?
The Outback is completely new, and the redesign ushers in a bolder, more rugged, and more contemporary crossover SUV design, along with enhanced technologies and improved cabin amenities.
The Outback is available in six trim levels: Premium, Limited, Limited XT, Wilderness, Touring, and Touring XT.
The 2026 Honda CR-V is not all new but receives a refresh with updated styling, a refined exterior, plus an enhanced interior that will hit Honda showrooms in spring 2026.
Seven trim levels include gasoline-powered trims, LX, EX, and EX-L, and hybrid models, Sport, TrailSport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring.
Does size matter? Outback vs CRV
Both these SUVs are competing for the American public's hard-earned dollar, and shoppers are always keen to get the most from their purchase.
The Outback is technically classified as a mid-size SUV, whereas the CRV is considered a compact SUV.
The latest Subaru Outback is now slightly larger than last year's model and measures approximately 191.7 to 192.3 inches in length, 74.2 to 75.8 inches wide without mirrors, and stands 66.4 to 68.1 inches high depending on the chosen trim level.
The Outback rides on a 108.1-inch wheelbase, and the generous and highly useful ground clearance of 8.7 inches carries over from the last generation.
The 2026 Honda CR-V is built on a platform offering a 106.3-inch wheelbase and measures approximately 184.8 inches in total length, 73.5 inches in width without mirrors, and is 66.2 to 66.5 inches high.
Ground clearance of the CRV measures 8.2 inches.
Which SUV is more powerful? Outback vs CRV
The 2026 Subaru Outback continues with the two familiar engines from the last generation.
Some minor changes to the standard 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder Boxer gasoline engine up the power output to 180 horsepower with 178 pound-feet of torque, while the more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged DOHC four-cylinder Boxer engine still offers its gutsy 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
For the 2026 model year, the Honda CR-V is available with two primary engine options.
The standard engine fitment is a 190-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine offering 179 pound-feet of torque, or a 204-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid system with torque of 247 pound-feet that offers a more responsive driving experience.
How much can the 2026 Subaru Outback and Honda CRV tow?
The 2026 Outback's towing capabilities match or exceed those of many competitors in its midsize SUV class and comfortably outperform most compact SUVs.
Up to 3,500 pounds towing capacity is available on Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims, which are powered by the more powerful 2.4 liter turbocharged engine, while the Base, Premium, and Limited trims fitted with the base 2.5 liter engine are rated for a maximum 2,700 pounds towing capacity.
The Subaru has a maximum payload of between 900 pounds and 1,209 pounds, depending on trim level and powertrain.
The 2026 Honda CR-V offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 lbs for trims powered by the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and up to 1,000 lbs for the hybrid variants.
The CR-V offers a payload capacity of up to 1,106 pounds.
Which SUV has better off-road capabilities: the Subaru Outback or the Honda CR-V?
There are no changes to the Outback's drivetrains for the 2026 Outback, with both engine options coupled with a CVT and standard with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The Subaru Outback remains a highly capable off-road crossover thanks to its proven AWD, featuring technologies like X-MODE traction control.
With a ground clearance of up to 8.7 inches, as we've already shared, the Outback confidently handles dirt roads, deep snow as experienced in the MA-NH Line area, mud, and light, rocky trails with ease.
Buyers looking to tackle more serious and rugged terrain should take a closer look at the off-road-oriented Wilderness trim that is kitted out with superior skid plates, specialized tires, and higher clearance of up to 9.5 inches.
Honda's CR-V model lineup features an intelligent Real Time AWD™ system that is suitable for dirt roads, snow, and moderate trails. The 2026 Honda CR-V offers driving Modes that include Snow and Econ modes, plus a Sport mode for certain trims.
The CR-V's decent ground clearance is ample for light-duty off-road conditions rather than any extreme, rugged terrain.
Which SUV has a more spacious interior: Outback or CR-V?
The Outback's interior is a versatile and comfortable space with up to 112.3 cubic feet of passenger volume for its five passengers seated in two rows.
Not just a roomy cabin, but the Subaru is full of practical features such as cupholders, cargo hooks, door-panel bottle holders, plus a handy clip near the cabin's device chargers used to keep messy charging cords in place.
The Honda CR-V's handsome interior also seats five passengers in its two rows of seats and offers up to 106 cubic feet of interior space.
Talking interior space, the Outback can load up to 34.6 cubic feet with its reclining 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks, which grow to 80.5 cubic feet with the seats down.
When it's time for cargo carrying, the Honda offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the rear seats increases the cargo space to 76.5 cubic feet.
Purchase your 2026 Subaru Outback at Granite Subaru
Visit with our friendly team at Granite Subaru to test drive the all-new 2026 Outback and discover the Outback's capabilities, advanced safety, and tough style.
Granite Subaru's dedicated team is ready to assist, whether it's a brand-new Subaru or any of the quality pre-owned Subaru models you have in mind.
