Compare the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek to the 2026 Kia Seltos in Salem, OR
When it comes time to find your next new family vehicle, it can be a daunting task. There's so much to consider: size, power, and other features that are important to you. At Capitol Subaru, we strive to make your car-buying process hassle-free, which is why we've done the hard work for you. Below, you'll find a comprehensive guide where we compare the 2025 Subaru Outback to one of its competitors, the 2025 Honda CR-V. You'll take a deep dive into the specs and features of both SUVs and we believe you'll see that the Outback is the clear winner. From the powerful BOXER®engine and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to the EyeSight®suite of driver assist technology, the Outback is a crossover SUV that delivers power, style, and comfort. If you're a weekend warrior and love adventure, the rugged Outback Wilderness trim is ideal; with a turbocharged engine and a higher ground clearance, the Wilderness model can take you off the beaten path with ease. When you're ready to see the 2025 Subaru Outback in person, contact Capitol Subaru by phone, online, or stop by our dealership in Salem, OR, to take a test drive. In the meantime, keep reading below to see how the 2025 Outback and 2025 Honda CR-V stack up.
2025 Subaru Outback vs 2025 Honda CR-V: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Outback offers standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with the option to upgrade to 18-inch while the 2025 CR-V brings 16-inch steel wheels as standard. You can upgrade to either 18- or 19-inch wheels on the CR-V. All-season tires are standard on both SUVs but only the Outback Wilderness boasts standard all-terrain tires to make off-roading easier. You'll get a standard ground clearance of 8.7 inches on the Outback while the CR-V offers 7.8 inches as standard fare or you can upgrade to 8.2 inches. The Outback Wilderness raises the bar with 9.5 inches of ground clearance as well as standard roof rails that hold up to 700 lbs of static weight, perfect for heavy camping equipment or a roof-top tent. LED steering responsive headlights are standard on the Outback as well as LED fog lights for better visibility during inclement weather. The CR-V offers LED headlights but fog lights are a feature not found on this SUV.
2025 Subaru Outback vs 2025 Honda CR-V: Comfort & Technology
Both the 2025 Outback and the 2025 CR-V seat 5 comfortably and both SUVs offer comparable head- and legroom as well as passenger volume. Lower the rear seats and you'll find 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the Outback while the CR-V offers 76.5 cubic feet. Both models offer available heated front seats but only the Outback takes your comfort to the next level with available heated rear outboard seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While leather-trimmed upholstery is available on higher trims of both SUVs, only the Outback Wilderness brings standard StarTex®water-repellent upholstery so you can keep your vehicle looking clean even after the muddiest hikes. Staying connected is easy inside both the Outback and the CR-V with standard Apple CarPlay®and Android Auto™compatibility as well as Bluetooth®for seamless audio streaming and hands-free texting and calling.
2025 Subaru Outback vs 2025 Honda CR-V: Performance
The 2025 Outback packs a powerful 2.5-liter BOXER®under the hood, making a mighty 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. If you upgrade to the Wilderness trim, you'll find a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER®and 260 horsepower. The 2025 CR-V has a 1.5-liter inline turbocharged 4-cylinder as standard fare that produces 190 horsepower. Both offer the CVT as a standard transmission while both offer impressive fuel economy with the CR-V getting up to 34 highway MPG and the Outback boasting up to 32 MPG on the highway. The Outback can tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped while the CR-V can only handle 1,500 lbs. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard fare on the Outback across all trims while you'll have to pay extra to add all-wheel drive to the CR-V.
2025 Subaru Outback vs 2025 Honda CR-V: Safety
The IIHS has yet to rate the 2025 Outback and 2025 CR-V but both 2024 models earned the moniker Top Safety Pick. The NHTSA awarded both 2025 SUVs a perfect 5-star overall rating. Both Subaru and Honda have always made your safety their number one priority by equipping their models with only the latest and best features and technology. You'll find Subaru's EyeSight®and Honda's Honda Sensing®as standard fare and they both include features such as Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and much more. Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are available on higher trim levels of both SUVs but you'll only find Reverse Automatic Braking on the Outback.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Kia Seltos: Overall Value
Both SUVs offer appealing features, but the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek consistently delivers greater long-term value. With standard all-wheel drive, superior safety technology, and an available hybrid powertrain, it provides more confidence per dollar. The Crosstrek’s lower maintenance costs and stronger resale value make it the smarter choice for Oregon families and adventurers alike. At Capitol Subaru in Salem, Oregon, we’re proud to help drivers from Keizer, Corvallis, and Albany experience why the Crosstrek continues to outperform competitors like the Kia Seltos. Visit us today to explore current inventory, compare trims, and take a test drive—you’ll quickly see why Subaru is built for the real world, not just the showroom.
 | 2026 Subaru Crosstrek | 2026 Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER® | 2.0-liter Inline 4-cylinder |
| Standard Horsepower | 180 | 146 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 178 | 132 |
| Standard Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Standard Transmission | Lineartronic® CVT w/ 8-speed Manual Mode | IVT |
| Roof Rails | Available | Available |
| Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™ | Standard | Standard (Android Auto™ Available) |
| Heated Front Seats | Available | Available |
| Standard Climate Control | Dual-Zone | A/C |
| Standard Fuel Economy | 26 City / 33 Highway | 28 City / 34 Highway |
