2023 Honda HR-V vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The HR-V was available in new colors, including a dusky, oceanic gray-green called Nordic Forest Pearl. The EX-L model featured perforated leather seats with additional shoulder support, dual-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and an eight-way power driver's seat, creating a comfortable and upscale cabin.

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar design, with the Wilderness trim receiving a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted nicely with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model. The Outback's various trims featured different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim showcasing tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the top-trim model boasted Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a luxurious feel. The Outback's interior was designed to be both capable and comfortable, with features like dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat available on higher trims.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, with an increase of 17 hp and 11 lb-ft. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic the sound of a traditional automatic transmission. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by pulling the shifter back. The HR-V was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The new suspension and widened tracks contributed to a fun driving experience, although the HR-V was not overpowered compared to competitors with multiple powertrain options.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This turbo setup increased the towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a Lineartronic CVT were standard. The turbo powertrain managed the vehicle's weight better, and the CVT simulated eight distinct gears. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and the Wilderness trim increased it to 9.2 inches for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for drive modes, parking brake, and hill-descent control. The HR-V's fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but it still provided 39.4 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the rear. Cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume was 98.7 cubic feet for LX and Sport trims and 97.3 for EX-L. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split and created a nearly flat floor when folded down.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space, with more headroom in the front than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Outback provided more front-row legroom and rear-seat legroom than its competitors. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat on higher trims. The hands-free power liftgate was optional on the Premium trim and standard on higher trims. Raised roof rails with retractable cross bars were standard, providing versatility for carrying additional cargo.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for the infotainment system, with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display, a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. All HR-Vs included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen display. The Sport trim added Smart Entry, remote start, and walkaway auto lock.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring trim included a CD player, USB-C and USB-A ports, and an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless versions starting with the Premium trim. The climate controls were managed through the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Wi-Fi capability was available on all but the base trim, and most trims featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The HR-V also featured traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. A blind-spot information system was standard on Sport and EX-L trims, with front and rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control on the EX-L. The 2023 HR-V had not yet been crash-tested, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, automatic pre-collision braking, and more. Reverse automatic braking was standard starting with the Onyx trim. The Touring trim featured a wide-angle camera, a digital rearview mirror, and a driver-attention monitor. A backup camera and high-beam assist were standard across all trims.