2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Subaru Outback was redesigned in 2020, and though it retained its familiar Subaru aesthetic, it presented a subtly refreshed appearance. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat shapes were instantly recognizable to Subaru loyalists. Unlike the dated dashboard of its sibling, the Crosstrek, the Outback's interior offered a more modern ambiance, especially if one opted for trims above the base model. The base trim’s twin 7-inch touchscreens were visually underwhelming, but the Premium trim and above showcased an 11.6-inch portrait display set against polished black plastic and chrome trim. Higher trims adorned the interior with contrasting leatherette and chrome, elevating the sense of luxury. Our test car, an Onyx Edition XT, featured durable StarTex upholstery with vibrant lime green stitching—Subaru's practical answer to stylish luxury.

Externally, the Outback's high-riding gray plastic cladding protected its wheel arches and sills, offering an utilitarian yet understated look. It presented a balanced and stable demeanor, with modest chrome details on the window trim and distinctive bracket-shaped LED running lights. For 2021, Subaru added Adaptive LED headlights as standard and introduced a new brown paint option. The Outback’s overall design remained consistent as a lifted wagon, which bridged the gap between traditional wagons and contemporary crossovers.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design matched the homogeneous style of other compact crossovers. While it housed unique grille details and some chrome accents, its overall shape was indistinguishable from many competitors. Honda offered the CR-V in eight colors, though choices varied by trim, with most lower trims limited to monotonous shades of gray, black, and white. Higher trims featured more vibrant colors like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red, though these were rare in dealer inventories.

Inside, the CR-V was available in black, gray, or ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim. As one ascended the trim ladder, interior elements like wood panels and added chrome improved, making it more upscale. The seats featured a modern, angular design for a contemporary feel, standing out from competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson in mid-tier trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback came with two engine choices. The base 2.5-liter flat-four engine, generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo. This setup, coupled with a CVT, resulted in sluggish and noisy acceleration, compromising highway and uphill performance. However, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine available on the XT trims provided a significant upgrade. With 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, the turbocharged engine delivered a smoother, quieter, and more powerful driving experience. Despite a slight drop in fuel efficiency, the turbocharged variant was well worth the extra cost for its enhanced performance and overall capability. The Outback excelled in long-distance comfort, with forgiving handling thanks to its high ground clearance and long-travel suspension.

Subaru's well-regarded all-wheel-drive system shone in the Outback, offering superior traction and stability, especially in tougher conditions. The vehicle’s X-Mode further optimized performance for off-road scenarios, making the Outback a formidable option for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, albeit less thrilling, provided consistent and predictable performance. Regardless of the trim, every CR-V came with the same 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. This combination allowed for smooth and steady acceleration, adequate for highway merging but uninspiring for enthusiasts. The CR-V’s acceleration to 60 mph took around 7.8 seconds, competitive within its class but far from thrilling.

Standard front-wheel drive could be upgraded to all-wheel drive for added stability. The suspension setup consisted of a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear, typical for the class and contributing to a decent ride quality. Compared to rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, whose higher trims offered more engaging driving experiences, the CR-V’s performance was adequate but less exciting.

The Subaru Outback excelled in terms of its versatile design and cargo space. With 76 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats were folded, and 33 cubic feet with them in place, the Outback offered substantial room for both passengers and gear. Its flat and wide cargo area was practical, devoid of awkward shapes or wheel arch intrusions. The Outback's impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance also meant it could venture further off-road than many of its peers. Inside, generous headroom and legroom in all seating positions provided a comfortable ride for four adults. Storage was plentiful, with large door pockets, a central console with convenient pockets, and even a small shelf on the passenger-side dash.

However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were limited to higher trims or available as options, pushing up the price. On the positive side, the Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were an excellent, practical addition, allowing for easy roof storage solutions without the additional purchase of crossbars.

The Honda CR-V also targeted functionality with an emphasis on maximizing interior space. It boasted 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, slightly more than the Toyota RAV4, and offered 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. With the rear seats up, the CR-V provided ample room for luggage.

Access to the cargo area varied by trim. Base models required manual operation of the tailgate, while higher trims featured a power tailgate, and the top Touring trim included a hands-free option. Unlike the Outback, only the CR-V's highest trim came with standard roof rails, limiting roof storage options for lower trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt dated, resembling older gaming console graphics rather than modern systems. The base model's 7-inch touchscreens proved disappointing, making the optional larger 11.6-inch screen a better choice. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, making up somewhat for the outdated interface. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite came standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward emergency braking. While EyeSight offered good semi-automated driving capabilities, its reliance on cameras, without supplementary radar, meant functionality could be compromised in certain conditions.

The 2021 Honda CR-V provided more modern infotainment options. The base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen, but other trims offered a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Audio systems varied by trim, with the top Touring version featuring a robust 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant from the EX trim upward, accommodating multiple devices. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger and a satellite navigation system.

The 2021 Subaru Outback earned high safety ratings, including a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. It featured a robust suite of standard safety equipment, such as a driver’s knee airbag and passenger seat-cushion airbag. Available driver assists included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking, ensuring comprehensive protection.

The Honda CR-V matched these credentials with a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award, although it missed the “Plus” due to some headlight and child seat anchor ratings. Honda's approach to safety was commendable, offering its entire suite of Honda Sensing safety features as standard across all trims. This included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, among others.