Honda CR-V vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?

Honda CR-V

$41,900 - $64,400

2026 price

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Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Honda CR-V

2026 Subaru Outback

By Emily Agar

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.4L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.7L/100km (combined)

9.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Styling reflects premium grade level
Comfortable all-rounder on-road
Can easily hold passenger and cargo

Maintains Outback spirit
All-around drivability
Off-road capability

Dislikes

Could do with more gear for the price
Technology needs refinement and upgrade
Can sound whiny under load

Gold edging
Needs better all-terrain tyres
More off-road goodies would add to the appeal

2026 Honda CR-V Summary

Honda has refreshed the CR-V, with more than half the line-up now featuring a hybrid powertrain. It’s a clear move to stay competitive against rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

After a week behind the wheel, the question is simple - does this hybrid deliver on the family-friendly practicality the CR-V is known for, while also meeting its efficiency claims?

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2026 Subaru Outback Summary

The Subaru Outback holds a special place in the hearts of adventurers everywhere. It’s long been regarded by its fans as a genuine mix of decent on-road manners, family-friendly practicality and sound off-road capability. Just right for light-duty off-roading.

Now, Subaru claims, it has made the Outback even better and a new off-road-focussed variant called the all-wheel-drive Wilderness now sits near the top of the line-up.

The Wilderness is equipped with a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol, four-cylinder, horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine, 240mm of ground clearance, improved approach/departure angles and electronically controlled dampers.

But is this new Outback all it’s cracked up to be? Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Honda CR-V 2026 Subaru Outback

Verdict

The Honda CR-V RS hybrid has plenty going for it. It’s a well-rounded package with good levels of comfort and practicality, and a driving experience that’s easy to live with day to day.

There are a few areas that hold it back from leading the segment. The multimedia system feels behind the curve for a flagship grade, and the engine can become vocal under load. Some rivals also edge ahead when it comes to outright equipment.

Even so, the CR-V still delivers where it counts. It’s efficient, spacious and comfortable.

Verdict

If you’re a Subaru fan chances are the Wilderness will float your boat. It’s an appealing mix of on-road refinement and more than satisfactory capability on bush tracks.

The Wilderness engine-and-CVT combination helps to make this Subaru well refined and highly responsive on-road and it benefits from punchier low-rev output in off-road scenarios.

Subaru has made a habit of producing practical vehicles and this new addition to the upgraded Outback line-up doesn’t disappoint.

Does anyone need a Wilderness version of the Outback? Probably not. Will anyone want a Wilderness edition Outback? I reckon a lot of Outback fans would fall over themselves to get their hands on one of these.

Honda CR-V vs Subaru Outback What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Honda CR-V vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?