Subaru Crosstrek Vs. Honda CR-V | Interior, MPG, Specs
In a scrappy Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda CR-V comparison, which compact SUV reigns victorious? The Honda CR-V is a popular model with an efficient engine and plenty of space in the cabin. However, the Crosstrek has more future-facing technology, a powertrain that's geared more toward adventure, and room for you and the family to relax and have fun. If you want to tow or explore the nation with an SUV that can handle rough trails like a champ, visit Victory Subaru and see what this enduring model has in store.
Watch the two five-seaters go head-to-head in our 2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda CR-V guide before you come to our showroom. You'll want to see how the stats shake out.
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Crosstrek Gas Mileage, Performance Specs & More
To start the Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Crosstrek guide, pop the hoods right here before exploring our new Subaru specials in person. Non-hybrid Honda CR-V models come with a single engine, the 1.5-liter I-4 turbo. Meanwhile, the Subaru Crosstrek has two options – the 2.0-liter four-cylinder or 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
| Specs | Subaru Crosstrek | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Engine |
| 1.5L I-4 Turbo |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT / Lineartronic CVT w/ 8-Speed Man | CVT |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | 2WD, Available Real Time AWD |
| Horsepower |
| 190 |
| Torque |
| 179 lb-ft |
| Best EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) | 27 / 34 / 30 MPG (2.0L AWD)1 | 28 / 34 / 30 MPG (2WD)2 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs (Wilderness)3 | 1,500 lbs4 |
The Honda CR-V specs barely outpace the 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the Crosstrek by eight horsepower and one pound-foot of torque. Unless you're interested in paying extra for hybrid Honda technology, the Subaru Crosstrek specs essentially equal the CR-V engine. However, the Subaru model gives you its famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across all trims, while the CR-V AWD is only available as an upgrade.
Subaru Crosstrek MPG is in the same boat. Its standard engine has around the same MPG rating as the Honda CR-V. However, that's with AWD, while the Honda CR-V gas mileage is only that high with its standard 2WD drivetrain. Add an AWD engine, and it starts to fall behind at 27/32/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 The engine upgrade for the Crosstrek reaches 26/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 keeping up with the all-wheel-drive Honda CR-V MPG rating.
Meanwhile, the Wilderness trim drops out of the efficiency race to give you an off-roader's dream. The most athletic Subaru Crosstrek gains superior ground clearance and 2,000 pounds of towing capacity over the strongest CR-V model.3
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Crosstrek Size & Dimensions
Walk around the outside perimeter of these two compact SUVs and check out that wheelbase. You'll see that the Crosstrek vs. Honda CR-V size race is closer than expected.
| Dimensions | Subaru Crosstrek | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.4 in | 184.8 in |
| Width | 70.9 in - 71.7 in | 73.5 in |
| Height | 62.8 - 63.6 in | 66.2 - 66.5 in |
| Headroom (Front / Rear) |
|
|
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 42.9 / 36.5 in | 41.3 / 41.0 in |
| Cargo Area (Trunk / To Front) | 19.9 - 20 cu ft / 54.7 - 54.9 cu ft | 39.3 / 76.5 cu ft |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 / 9.3 in (Base / Wilderness) | 7.8 / 8.2 in (2WD / AWD) |
To answer the question, "Is a CR-V bigger than a Crosstrek?" – Yes, the CR-V has extra length, width, and height, giving it more cargo capacity and overall passenger space. However, the story isn't quite that simple. The new Subaru Crosstrek for sale is designed to be maneuverable on trails, so you'll see some pretty stellar stats for that purpose. For example, the 9.3-inch ground clearance offered by the Crosstrek Wilderness is over an inch higher than the loftiest CR-V. Also, commuters might prefer the extra 1.6 inches of front legroom behind the wheel of a Crosstrek.
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda CR-V Interior Design
Sneak inside both roomy SUVs and explore two cabins dedicated to your comfort.
| Features | Subaru Crosstrek | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Trim Levels | 5 | 3 (6 including Hybrid) |
| Exterior Colors | 12 | 8 |
| Interior Colors | 7 | 4 |
| Best Seating Material | Leather | Leather |
| Standard Feature Highlights |
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| Available Feature Highlights |
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Sitting inside either the Honda CR-V and Subaru Crosstrek interior is relaxing. Each SUV has premium cloth upholstery on their baseline trim and upgrades to leather on the higher end. However, the Crosstrek goes slightly further to make your next journey into the wild easy to clean. If you climb into a Wilderness, your seats will be protected with innovative StarTex weather-resistant upholstery, letting you handle terrain without worry.
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Crosstrek Safety Rating & Tech Features
As you take the available leather-wrapped wheel of either model, you'll soon experience why the IIHS gave a Top Safety Pick award to both the Subaru Crosstrek5 and Honda CR-V.6 The Honda CR-V safety rating is about the same as the Subaru Crosstrek, showcasing how both vehicles use an array of exceptional driver assistance, well-placed airbags, and a sturdy chassis to minimize the chances – and impact – of an accident. From the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control on the Crosstrek to the Traffic Jam Assist standard on the CR-V, you can feel safe behind the wheel of these compact SUVs.
However, the Crosstrek is designed to put that technology in front of you with an expressive flair. An available 11.6-inch multimedia display sits front and center on your dashboard, outshining the 9-inch upgrade in the CR-V. There's also an array of standard connectivity options in the Subaru model – from Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ to SiriusXM® radio, an option only available starting on the CR-V EX-L. Dual-zone climate control regulates the front and back of your vehicle on every trim, a feature you can't have on the base-level CR-V. If you have any questions on which of the five trim levels brings you the features of your dreams, contact us.
Explore the Subaru Crosstrek at Victory Subaru
Interested in how readily the Crosstrek handled the competition in this Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda CR-V comparison piece? You can get an even better walkthrough at our Subaru dealer in Somerset, NJ. While the Crosstrek provides some competitive stats on paper, feeling its roomy front row and superior handling makes it obvious you've made the right choice.
Our finance desk is ready to help you bring your Crosstrek home to your garage with a simple and stress-free purchasing process. Our Subaru Crosstrek lease and finance deals make signing up for your next adventure irresistible.
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1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
2Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
3Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
4Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/subaru/crosstrek-4-door-wagon/2024
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/honda/cr-v-4-door-suv/2024
