Time to change cars, CR-V vs Outback: Which is better? Honda vs Subaru

In the Malaysian SUV market, many buyers tend to compare Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback when choosing a car. The pricing and positioning of these two cars are quite close. Today we will make a detailed comparison from multiple aspects to help you save time on research.

Price and Versions

Honda CR-V is priced at RM 178,200 - 195,900 OTR in Malaysia, with 4 versions in total, including 2026 e:HEV 2.0L 2WD RS (RM 195,900), 2026 1.5T 4WD V (RM 181,900), 2026 e:HEV 2.0L 2WD E (RM 178,200), etc.

Subaru Outback is priced at RM 260,000 - 280,000 OTR in Malaysia, with 2 versions in total, including 2025 2.4T R-Touring EyeSight (RM 310,340), 2025 2.5L Touring EyeSight (RM 280,340), etc.

From a price perspective, the starting price of Honda CR-V is indeed RM 81,800 cheaper than Subaru Outback. If your budget is limited, Honda's entry-level version can already meet daily needs. However, be aware that the savings of a few thousand might involve trade-offs in features, depending on your specific requirements.

Power and Fuel Economy

Honda CR-V comes with a 2.0L 4-cyl, 170 hp. Official fuel consumption 8.0 L/100km.

Subaru Outback comes with a 2.0L Turbo, 220 hp. Official fuel consumption 9.5 L/100km.

In terms of power, Subaru Outback's 2.0L Turbo has 50 more horsepower than Honda CR-V's 2.0L 4-cyl. However, for daily city driving, both cars have sufficient power and you won't feel underpowered.

Features and Technology

Honda CR-V uses FWD drive configuration.

Subaru Outback uses FWD drive configuration.

Both cars have the same drive configuration, both are FWD, and the daily driving experience won't differ much.

Maintenance and Warranty

Honda CR-V has a 5 years/unlimited mileage warranty, maintenance interval every 10,000km or 6 months.

Subaru Outback has a 3 years/100,000km warranty, maintenance interval every 10,000km or 6 months.

Who is this suitable for?

Both Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback are mainstream choices in the Malaysian market, suitable for family use and daily commuting. If you value brand reputation and resale value more, you might prioritize the one with better reputation; if you care more about cost-performance ratio and features, choose the one with richer features. Ultimately, it is recommended to test drive both; experiencing it firsthand is what matters most.

Summary

Overall, Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback are both very good models in the Malaysian market. Which one you choose depends on your personal needs and budget. We suggest doing your research, comparing quotes from several car dealerships, and then test driving before making a final decision. Buying a car is a major decision; spending time on research will never be a mistake.