2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek embodied the classic crossover appeal with a rugged look, all-wheel drive (AWD) capability, and a tall driving position. Subaru essentially transformed its Impreza hatchback into the Crosstrek by giving it black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height, offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The result was a vehicle that convincingly mimicked an SUV, offering more character compared to the Impreza hatch. Subaru accentuated the Crosstrek’s personality with vibrant color options like the Plasma Yellow Pearl in the 2021 model year.

Underneath, the Crosstrek utilized the Subaru Global Platform shared with other Subaru models such as the Legacy, Outback, Ascent, and Forester. This platform allowed for a higher level of polish and refinement compared to previous designs. The interior, while functional, was somewhat plain and they attempted to spice up the Sport trim with contrasting Plasma Yellow Pearl accents and simulated carbon-fiber trim, which didn’t always hit the mark.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Honda CR-V was noted for its ubiquitous design in a crowded compact crossover market. The CR-V maintained a similar look to many competitors with few stand-out design elements. However, there were subtle differences such as the grille and chromed plastic features. Honda offered the CR-V in eight color options, although three were different shades of gray and one of each black, white, and varying blues and reds. Unfortunately, vibrant colors were scarce on lots, with most options being basic shades reminiscent of home appliances.

Interior-wise, the CR-V provided more modern touches with sharp details on the seat edges and headrests. The availability of items like wood panels and more chrome in higher trims gave it a more upscale appearance compared to its rivals, especially in mid-tier trims, like Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which often offered more distinctive styling.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek added a new gasoline powertrain for 2021. The Sport and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Lower trims continued with the 2.0-liter boxer-four, yielding 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Subaru’s hallmark boxer engine design, promoting a lower center of gravity, theoretically improved handling, though the elevated ride height could counteract some benefits. Manual transmission was standard on base models, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available, which became standard for higher trims.

AWD was standard across all Crosstrek trims, setting it apart from many competitors. The system included torque vectoring and modes like Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud on the Sport trim, making it more adept in diverse conditions, though it remained primarily suited for pavement. Handling was predictable with a higher center of gravity contributing to body roll, balanced by a comfortable ride and low wind noise.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V offered a single powertrain for all nine trims: a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The CR-V’s acceleration was measured at 7.8 seconds to 60 mph, which was competitive within the segment. The CVT, standard across trims, emphasized smooth and steady acceleration rather than sporty engagement. The CR-V’s competitors, like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, typically featured more engaging transmissions.

The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with AWD as an optional upgrade, mirroring most segment competitors, while the Subaru Forester consistently offered AWD. Structurally, the CR-V featured a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, ensuring decent handling and ride quality without surprises.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek mirrored the Impreza hatchback in passenger space, offering identical front and rear legroom, with a slight advantage in rear headroom. Cargo space was 20.8 cubic feet with rear seats up, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with seats folded. This was competitive with small crossovers but fell short compared to models like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. Despite CVT-equipped models featuring rear-seat reminders, advanced features for rear passengers were minimal, with only two USB ports located in the front.

The driving position in the Crosstrek felt elevated compared to the Impreza, but not as lofty as traditional crossovers, ensuring good outward visibility thanks to extensive side glass.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with utility in mind, fitting five people comfortably alongside their gear. With 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, the CR-V edged out the Toyota RAV4, offering 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded. Accessing the cargo area varied by trim, with options ranging from manual tailgate operation in the lower trims to a hands-free power tailgate in the Touring trim. Roof rails were standard only on the Touring trim, whereas Subaru provided roof rails on most Crosstrek trims.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system, starting with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in base models, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Upgraded levels included a Multimedia Plus setup with additional services like WiFi and SiriusXM, and higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system included both touch and physical controls, ensuring ease of use, though some information redundancy was noted with dual screens displaying similar data.

Comparatively, the base 2021 Honda CR-V LX came with a 5-inch color screen, primarily for Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and additional features like SMS text messaging. The sound system improved with each trim, with the Touring trim including a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful from the EX trim upwards, with Touring offering wireless phone charging. Advanced navigation was limited to the Touring trim.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, excelling in side crash tests, and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for the 2020 model, noting similar structure and safety features. Subaru’s EyeSight system offered adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more, though some features were trim-dependent. Its placement of cameras improved protection but limited functionality in certain conditions.

The 2021 Honda CR-V also shone in safety, earning five-star NHTSA ratings and the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, with standard Honda Sensing suite across all trims. This included adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation among others. The comprehensive standard package was a notable advantage, ensuring advanced safety technology was accessible even at lower trim levels.