Subaru Crosstrek vs Honda ZR-V
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.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Crosstrek starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Honda ZR-V opens at $38,900. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $2,410.
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 $40,139 and $42,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda ZR-V by roughly $2,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda ZR-V hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek and 79% for the Honda ZR-V.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda ZR-V packs more ADAS features with 8 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 7 in the Subaru Crosstrek and 7 in the Honda ZR-V.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Crosstrek features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Honda ZR-V gets a 9-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Crosstrek stands out with panoramic roof and heated front seats that you will not find on the Honda ZR-V. The Honda ZR-V counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Crosstrek uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Honda ZR-V responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 243Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Honda ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda ZR-V is 2.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek measures 4,495mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 73mm shorter than the Honda ZR-V at 4,568mm (2,655mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Crosstrek generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek and 339L in the Honda ZR-V, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 220L advantage.
For towing, the Honda ZR-V leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek and $1,653/year for the Honda ZR-V. That is a $542 annual difference in favour of the Honda ZR-V.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek) vs $1,653 (Honda ZR-V). The Honda ZR-V saves you roughly $542 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda ZR-V). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda ZR-V).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda ZR-V if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda ZR-V takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Honda ZR-V will save you roughly $542 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek 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, Subaru Crosstrek and Honda ZR-V?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda ZR-V by $2,410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda ZR-V uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Crosstrek and Honda ZR-V all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
Which can tow the most?
The Honda ZR-V has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Honda ZR-V makes the most power at 140kW. The Honda ZR-V is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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