The Subaru Crosstrek is the ideal crossover SUV. Its compact footprint and car-like handling give it nimble performance in town, while its high ground clearance and all-wheel drive make it capable of exploring beyond where the road stops. It's such a capable SUV that it can take on larger competitors like the popular Honda CR-V! On this page, we'll show you just how these two cars stack up against each other, and why we think the Subaru Crosstrek gives you much more for less money.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Honda CR-V: Design
On the outside, it's clear to see that Subaru is dedicated to being a capable SUV. It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance designed to tackle tricky terrain, as well as a standard roof rack so you can bring cargo along for the ride. The 2020 Honda CR-V has only 7.8 inches of ground clearance, and a cargo rack is an available upgrade only. And while the smaller size of the Subaru Crosstrek may mean that its interior is less spacious, the Crosstrek makes good use of the space that it has. In fact, you'll get more front legroom in the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek than in the 2020 Honda CR-V!
2020 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Honda CR-V: Technology
These days, having a touchscreen seems pretty standard--but it seems Honda didn't get the memo. While the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, the 2020 Honda CR-V starts off with a 5-inch LCD screen! A touchscreen is only available when you upgrade the CR-V. What's more, the Honda CR-V doesn't include Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ connectivity at the entry level; the Subaru Crosstrek does.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Honda CR-V: Performance
The Subaru Crosstrek is powered by a BOXER® engine. This means that the engine is horizontally oriented, which can help reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. Furthermore, its placement lower in the engine compartment combined with its symmetry means that the Subaru Crosstrek has a lower center of gravity and better balance than it would with an inline engine like the kind you'll find in the Honda CR-V. This means that you'll have a more enjoyable drive when you're on the road. But what about off-road exploration? The Subaru Crosstrek has you covered here, too. All-wheel drive is standard, and you can add features like Hill Descent Control and X-MODE®, a proprietary feature that enables even better traction on slick surfaces. The Honda CR-V is a front-wheel drive vehicle, with AWD as an available upgrade only.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Honda CR-V: Safety
This standard all-wheel drive does more than just make the Crosstrek a capable off-road performer: it also makes it safer to drive around town. Whatever the road conditions are, the extra traction from all-wheel drive is helpful. In addition, the Subaru Crosstrek can be outfitted with available LED Steering Responsive Headlights. These track in the direction of your turn to make nighttime driving even easier. Of course, both of these SUVs have earned the 2020 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, so it's the little things like this that make a difference.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Honda CR-V: Value
The Subaru Crosstrek is a more budget-friendly alternative to the Honda CR-V. It has a starting MSRP that's more than $2,900 less than the starting MSRP of the 2020 CR-V. Add in all-wheel drive and the Honda CR-V costs even more! Of course, if you need the extra room, Subaru has a variety of other SUVs, as well, like the rugged Outback or the versatile Forester.
| 2020 Subaru Crosstrek |  | 2020 Honda CR-V |
| $22,145 | Starting MSRP* | $25,050 |
| 33 Highway - 27 City (MPG) | Fuel Economy (Automatic Transmission) | 34 Highway - 28 City (MPG) |
| Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Standard Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 101 ft3 | Standard Passenger Volume | 105.9 ft3 |
| 20.8 ft3 | Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat | 39.2 ft3 |
| 8.7 Inches | Standard Ground Clearance | 7.8 Inches |
| 6.5 Inch Color Touchscreen | Standard Infotainment System | 5 Inch LCD Screen |
| Available | 4G LTE Wi-Fi Capability | Not Available |
| Standard | Roof Rails | Available Upgrade |
| Standard | Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® | Available Upgrade |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
