Compare the 2026 Honda CR-V to the 2026 Subaru Outback in Great Falls, MT
At Great Falls Honda in Great Falls, MT, we understand the excitement that comes with that initial decision to buy or lease a new SUV. The thrill of imagining yourself behind the wheel of a brand new model, breathing in that new-car smell as you drive down the highway, listening to your favorite music on the new stereo system. But once the initial charge wears off, we also know that the doubt begins to creep in. With so many different SUV options on the road today, which one would be best for your family's needs? Do you need more than two rows? How much cargo space do you really need? And what about that kickin' stereo? Is that more of a need or a want? All of these questions can drive you to distraction, and at Great Falls Honda, we want your car-buying journey to be as simple and stress-free as possible. This is why we've put together this easy-to-use comparison page, showing how the efficient and reliable 2026 Honda CR-V compact crossover SUV stacks up against one of its main rivals, the 2026 Subaru Outback mid-size SUV. You'll see how everything from exterior and interior amenities, technology, safety features, and performance stacks up against each other, and at the end, we bet you'll see why the 2026 CR-V is the ideal choice to make. Contact Great Falls Honda today with any questions, or take the quick 90-minute drive from Helena to take a test drive and experience the excitement of the new CR-V firsthand.
2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Subaru Outback: Design & Exterior Features
The 2026 CR-V starts off with 17-inch steel wheels and the option to upgrade to 18-inch aluminum wheels, while the 2026 Outback starts off with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and an option to choose 17-inch wheels. Both SUVs offer standard all-season tires, while all-terrain tires are available on select trim levels of both. You'll find LED headlights on both the CR-V and the Outback, and an available power moonroof for a more open-air feel. Roof rails, standard on the Outback, are available on the higher trims of the CR-V for extra cargo space. Only the CR-V offers a power tailgate with programmable height for easier loading and unloading of cargo.
2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Subaru Outback: Comfort & Technology
You'll find plenty of room for 5 inside both the 2026 CR-V and the 2026 Outback, as well as comparable head- and legroom in both the front and the rear seats. Both SUVs offer leather-trimmed upholstery on the higher trim levels for that little extra luxury. A dual-zone climate control, standard on the Outback, is available for extra comfort on the CR-V. Staying connected is easy with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity as standard fare on both models, as well as standard Bluetooth® audio streaming. For the audiophiles, you can opt for an available premium audio system: Bose® on the CR-V and Harman Kardon® on the Outback.
2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Subaru Outback: Performance
The 2026 CR-V packs a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder under the hood, producing a potent 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Outback has a 2.5-liter BOXER® that generates 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Hill Descent Control is standard fare on both SUVs, but only the CR-V comes standard with Hill Start Assist. While the Outback offers standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the front-wheel drive CR-V can be optioned for AWD. Both models are paired to a CVT and offer impressive fuel economy, with the CR-V just edging out the Outback for higher highway MPG. If you're interested in a more eco-friendly SUV, only the CR-V offers a hybrid option, something you won't find on the Outback.
2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Subaru Outback: Safety
When it comes to safety, you can always drive with extra peace of mind with both Honda and Subaru. Both brands are consistent recipients of the highest honors from the NHTSA and IIHS, thanks in part to their standard suite of driver assist technology. The CR-V boasts Honda Sensing® with exclusive Traffic Jam Assist and the available Traffic Sign Recognition System, while both SUVs offer Adaptive Cruise Control, Cross-Traffic Monitor, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System, and the Collision Mitigation Braking System.
2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Subaru Outback: Overall Value
Now that you've seen everything the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Subaru Outback have to offer, we at Great Falls Honda believe it's easy to see why the CR-V has the edge in this comparison. With the latest connectivity and driver assist technology, as well as impressive fuel economy and potent power, why wouldn't you want to find yourself behind the wheel of the new CR-V? Especially with the available Bose® premium sound system blasting your roadtrip playlist through 12 speakers and a subwoofer. So treat yourself to an SUV that will check all your boxes and leave you smiling after every drive. Contact us at Great Falls Honda in Great Falls, MT, just a quick drive from Helena. We can answer all your questions and set you up with a test drive so you can see what the Honda experience is all about.
 | 2026 Honda CR-V | 2026 Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 1.5-Liter 4-Cylinder | 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder BOXER® |
| Standard Horsepower | 190 | 180 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 179 | 178 |
| Standard Transmission | CVT | Lineartronic® CVT |
| Standard Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 86 City / 33 Highway | 25 City / 31 Highway |
| Standard Wheels | 17-inch Steel | 18-inch Aluminum-Alloy |
| Standard Headlights | LED | LED Steering Responsive |
| Apple CarPlay® | Wireless | Wireless |
| Blind Spot Warning | Available | Standard |
