2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth-generation compact crossover lineup, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup, leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were upgrades of a commodity car rather than premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a crossover that embraced rugged looks, standard all-wheel drive, and a tall driving position, derived from the Impreza hatchback. It featured black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and a taller ride height, giving it a more SUV-like character. The Crosstrek's interior was functional but plain, with some clashing design elements like the Plasma Yellow Pearl accents. Despite these quirks, it offered water-repellant upholstery and a comfortable ride, making it a practical choice for those seeking a crossover with a bit of character.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a well-matched driving experience, with the CR-V feeling quick, especially in Sport mode. Its car-like road manners, nimble handling, and low curb weight contributed to excellent fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque for the Outdoor and Limited trims, and a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque for other trims. The boxer engine's lower profile improved handling, although the SUV-like stance negated some benefits. The Crosstrek's AWD system, standard across all trims, included X-Mode for better performance on loose surfaces. Despite the additional power of the 2.5-litre engine, acceleration remained adequate, with the CVT contributing to a droning sound.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space, offering a roomy cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. Its excellent seating position and clever storage solutions, like the deep centre console and two-position load floor, made it easy to live with. The CR-V provided 1,065 litres of cargo space in the Touring and Black Edition trims and 1,110 litres in other grades, with ample room for storing gear.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but less cargo space compared to other small crossovers. It provided 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with them folded. The Crosstrek included a rear-seat reminder and a handy cubby hole for phones, but storage space was limited. Its driving position was higher than the Impreza's, with good outward visibility, but it didn't offer the commanding view of traditional SUVs.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The CR-V included plenty of USB ports and a wireless phone charger on higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system was easy to navigate, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. Subaru's unique second screen displayed additional information, and EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features as standard, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with caveats for trims below Touring due to headlight performance.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. EyeSight driver-assist technology was standard on CVT-equipped models, offering features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. However, the system's cameras could be blocked by windshield wipers or direct sunlight, limiting functionality.