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Crosstrek vs. cr-v: which compact suv reigns supreme in off-road performance?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The CR-V, on the other hand, boasts an even more spacious interior with a panoramic moonroof, providing an airy and open feel.
  • The Crosstrek offers a lower entry price, but the CR-V provides more standard features and a more spacious interior.
  • The Crosstrek excels in off-road capability and safety features, while the CR-V offers a more spacious interior, better fuel efficiency, and a more urban-oriented design.

Amidst the ever-expanding realm of compact SUVs, two formidable contenders emerge: the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and the Honda CR-V. Both vehicles boast impressive features, but which one emerges victorious in this epic showdown? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to find out.

Exterior: Rugged Aesthetics vs. Urban Sophistication

The Subaru Crosstrek exudes an air of rugged adventure with its muscular body lines, high ground clearance, and rugged cladding. In contrast, the Honda CR-V presents a more urban-oriented silhouette, featuring sleek curves, a lower stance, and chrome accents.

Interior: Practicality Meets Comfort

Inside the Crosstrek, you’ll find a spacious and well-appointed cabin with ample headroom and legroom. The seats offer excellent support, and the infotainment system is user-friendly. The CR-V, on the other hand, boasts an even more spacious interior with a panoramic moonroof, providing an airy and open feel. Its seats are plush and comfortable, and the dashboard layout is intuitive.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Crosstrek offers a choice between a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter engine, delivering 152 horsepower and 182 horsepower, respectively. The CR-V also offers two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower and a 2.0-liter hybrid system with 212 horsepower. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Crosstrek’s 2.0-liter engine achieves 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbo engine gets 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Safety and Technology

Both the Crosstrek and CR-V come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Crosstrek gains an edge with its standard EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes features like lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. In terms of technology, the Crosstrek offers a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the CR-V features a standard 7-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen.

Off-Road Capability: Adventure vs. Urban Exploration

The Subaru Crosstrek is renowned for its exceptional off-road capabilities, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode system. The CR-V, while not as off-road-oriented, offers an optional all-wheel drive system and an Intelligent Variable Torque Management system for improved traction in slippery conditions.

Cargo Capacity and Versatility

The Crosstrek offers a generous 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The CR-V, on the other hand, boasts a more spacious 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 75.8 cubic feet with the seats down. Both vehicles offer versatile cargo configurations and hands-free liftgates for added convenience.

Pricing and Value

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $24,895 for the base trim, while the Honda CR-V starts at $26,800. The Crosstrek offers a lower entry price, but the CR-V provides more standard features and a more spacious interior.

The Verdict: A Tale of Two Compacts

The Subaru Crosstrek and Honda CR-V are both excellent compact SUVs with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Crosstrek excels in off-road capability and safety features, while the CR-V offers a more spacious interior, better fuel efficiency, and a more urban-oriented design. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

1. Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency?
The Honda CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbo engine offers slightly better fuel efficiency than the Subaru Crosstrek‘s 2.0-liter engine.

2. Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
The Honda CR-V has a more spacious interior, offering more headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity than the Subaru Crosstrek.

3. Which vehicle has better off-road capabilities?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the clear winner in terms of off-road capabilities, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode system.

4. Which vehicle offers more safety features?
Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Subaru Crosstrek gains an edge with its standard EyeSight driver-assist system.

5. Which vehicle is more affordable?
The Subaru Crosstrek has a lower starting price than the Honda CR-V.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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