Honda CR-V vs Subaru Crosstrek
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Honda CR-V starts from $41,800 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Crosstrek opens at $38,990. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $2,810.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $45,980 and $42,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Subaru Crosstrek holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Honda CR-V. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Honda CR-V and 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Honda CR-V, against 5 on the Subaru Crosstrek.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 11 in the Honda CR-V and 9 in the Subaru Crosstrek.
Feature Showdown
The Honda CR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Crosstrek gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda CR-V stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru Crosstrek counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda CR-V uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.
The Subaru Crosstrek responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Honda CR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda CR-V measures 4,704mm long on a 2,701mm wheelbase, 209mm longer than the Subaru Crosstrek at 4,495mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda CR-V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 589L in the Honda CR-V and 291L in the Subaru Crosstrek, giving the Honda CR-V a 298L advantage.
For towing, the Honda CR-V leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,400kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the Honda CR-V and $2,052/year for the Subaru Crosstrek. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Honda CR-V.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda CR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda CR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda CR-V if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda CR-V takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Honda CR-V will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Honda CR-V has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda CR-V and Subaru Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest at $38,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda CR-V by $2,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda CR-V uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Honda CR-V has the largest boot at 589L.
Which can tow the most?
The Honda CR-V has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Honda CR-V makes the most power at 140kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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