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2026 Subaru Outback vs. The Competition

Compare the 2026 Outback vs the 2026 Honda CR-V and 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in North Attleboro, MA

The 2026 Subaru Outback enters an all-new generation with enhanced comfort and versatility, plus capability that extends well beyond the pavement. Renowned for combining crossover utility and car-like drivability, the latest Subaru Outback offers generous interior space, an expanded cargo area, bolder styling, and more refinement. Imperial Subaru is pleased to be your destination for the latest Subaru models, including the all-new, seventh-generation Subaru Outback. Here's a quick look at how it compares to two prominent recently updated competitors, the 2026 Honda CR-V and 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Standard All-Wheel Drive and Ground Clearance

One of the most immediate differences between these two crossovers is drivetrain philosophy. Every 2026 Subaru Outback includes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, while the Honda CR-V continues to offer all-wheel drive only as an option. Ground clearance further separates the two. The Outback provides 8.7 inches of clearance, giving it an advantage on rough roads, snow-covered driveways, and uneven terrain. For buyers who want even more trail readiness, the Outback Wilderness increases clearance to 9.5 inches. The CR-V has 7.8 inches of clearance in FWD models and 8.2 inches in AWD configurations.

Performance and Towing Capability

Both models start with efficient four-cylinder engines suited to daily driving. However, the Outback lineup also includes XT and Wilderness trims propelled by a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V does offer a hybrid option, but that setup prioritizes efficiency over capability and only produces 204 horsepower. When properly equipped, the Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Honda CR-V remains limited to lighter-duty use, maxing out at a 1,500-pound tow rating.

Interior Space and Cargo Flexibility

Interior dimensions are significant for families and drivers with active lifestyles. The 2026 Outback has over 111 cubic feet of passenger volume, providing ample room for passengers to ride comfortably in either row. The Honda CR-V has 106 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is large for its class, but comes up short in comparison to the Subaru Outback.

Cargo utility is typically a primary reason shoppers look for an SUV. While the Honda CR-V offers an impressive 76.5 cubic feet of max storage, the new Subaru Outback edges it out, providing 80.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded.

Roof rails are handy to have for larger items that don't fit inside the vehicle. The Subaru Outback now comes standard with reinforced raised roof rails that can support over 200 pounds while moving and around 800 pounds when parked-perfect for a rooftop tent. They are much more useful than the Honda CR-V's low-profile roof-mounted side rails.

Technology

The 2026 Honda CR-V updated its infotainment system, offering a 9-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration on all trims. However, the seventh-generation Subaru Outback now comes standard with a 12.1-inch touchscreen with a Google-based operating system, plus a fully digital 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

Ride Height and Off-Road Readiness

The standard Subaru Outback has 8.7 inches of ground clearance compared to the 8.1 inches of the RAV4 Hybrid. Both models offer rugged, off-road-focused variants. However, the Subaru Outback Wilderness (9.5 inches) rides a full inch higher than the RAV4 Woodland (8.5 inches). Subaru engineers the Outback platform with unpaved roads and changing conditions in mind, supported by X-MODE traction management and standard all-wheel drive.

While the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland adds rugged styling and all-terrain tires, its lower clearance limits how far it can venture. Plus, the Subaru Outback Wilderness benefits from attributes like a dual-function Subaru X-MODE traction management system, better approach and departure angles, Low Speed / Low Ratio Gradient Control, plus a revised final drive ratio and a more robust differential for improved climbing capability. It also has stronger roof rails.

Performance

The Subaru Outback XT and Wilderness trims generate 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid makes 226 (FWD) or 236 (AWD) horsepower and only 163 pound-feet of torque. While Toyota will offer a more potent RAV4 plug-in hybrid version, it won't be available until later in the release cycle.

Test-Dive a New Subaru Outback in North Attleboro, MA

Reach out to Imperial Subaru for more information about the 2026 Subaru Outback, including available features, financing opportunities, and ordering options. If you'd like to try it out for yourself, we invite you to visit us for a test drive. We'll be happy to show you around.