Honda CR-V vs Subaru Crosstrek

The Honda CR-V starts from $37,000 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Crosstrek opens at $36,490. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $510.

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 $40,700 and $40,139 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

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. The Honda CR-V packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in 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.

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 that you will not find on the Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru Crosstrek counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Honda CR-V gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Crosstrek offers cloth.

The Honda CR-V uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.

The Subaru Crosstrek responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.

The Honda CR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda CR-V is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

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.

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.

Estimated annual total: $2,024 (Honda CR-V) vs $2,052 (Subaru Crosstrek). The Honda CR-V saves you roughly $28 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

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)—.