2021 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to Subaru's commitment to incremental improvement while maintaining its core strengths of utility, safety, and performance. The model was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-litre engine, although appearing similar to its predecessor, was redesigned with 90% new parts, offering 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen on all but the base trim, alongside innovative tech like DriverFocus, which used infrared monitoring to alert distracted drivers. The Outback was available in seven trims in Canada, starting at an MSRP of $30,695, with features like heated front seats and adaptive cruise control standard.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more about blending in with the compact crossover crowd, with few distinguishing features. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though most were shades of grey, black, or white, with limited availability of more vibrant hues like Radiant Red Metallic. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and optional wood panels and chrome accents in higher trims. The CR-V's interior was spacious, with more than 100 litres of additional volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. The cargo area was accessible via a manual, power, or hands-free tailgate, depending on the trim. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower, a modest 7-hp increase from the previous year, and a fuel consumption rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. For those needing more power, the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine in the XT trims delivered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks. The Outback's symmetrical all-wheel drive system was always active, providing seamless power delivery and improved handling. With 22.1 centimetres of ground clearance, the Outback was capable off-road, though not to the extent of a Jeep. The Outdoor XT trim added features like hill-descent control and an enhanced X-Mode for better off-road performance.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, while not known for thrilling performance, offered a smooth and steady driving experience. All trims were powered by a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, with an acceleration time of about 8 seconds to 100 kilometres per hour. The CR-V's CVT maintained constant engine revs, providing a less engaging driving experience compared to competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on the LX and standard on other trims. The CR-V's suspension setup was typical for the class, offering decent handling and ride quality.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in functionality, offering 920 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to this spaciousness. The Outback's design prioritized visibility, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The interior was roomy, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The low load height and lower centre of gravity compared to SUVs enhanced handling and reduced rollover risk.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear. It offered over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4, with 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with options for manual, power, or hands-free tailgate operation. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding to its practicality for carrying additional items.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing and mostly user-friendly. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation and other functions. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the potential for improvement was evident.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB and 12-volt outlets available throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's safety features were a mixed bag. While the standard safety suite was impressive, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, though standard, could be disrupted by environmental factors. Despite these issues, the Outback's safety features were commendable for the price.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Honda Sensing system, standard across all trims, included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring, which was included on higher trims.