2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with the myriad of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was characterized by a few distinguishing features, such as a unique grille and some chromed plastic elements, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior aesthetics. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic reserved for higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and options for black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson were often seen as having more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a more rugged and adventurous design, with a higher ride height and aggressive all-terrain tires. It featured unique design elements such as a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, along with a matte black hood decal to reduce glare. The Outback Wilderness also introduced a new Geyser Blue paint option. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, with Anodized Copper stitching and accents adding a touch of flair. The interior was designed for practicality, with waterproof materials and all-weather floor mats, making it well-suited for outdoor adventures. The Outback Wilderness's design modifications injected a sense of purpose and personality into the vehicle, setting it apart from standard Outback models.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all nine trims, excluding the hybrid versions. It offered smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement found in competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, delivering decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize crossover, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback Wilderness's CVT had eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, though it was less satisfying during spirited driving. All-wheel drive was standard, and the Wilderness trim boasted enhanced off-road capabilities with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, tackling challenging trails with ease, but its on-road performance was limited by its off-road-focused tires.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's cargo area was accessible through various tailgate options, depending on the trim level, with the Touring trim featuring a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior offered generous rear seat room and a cargo area measuring 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch color screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though its voice recognition technology was less intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available for improved functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available on higher trims, but it did offer PIN code entry technology for convenience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test 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 LX trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness's EyeSight technology was effective, though crash-test results for the 2022 model were not available at the time of review.