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Honda CR-V vs the Competition

Shopping for a compact SUV often comes down to a short list that includes the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue, and Mazda CX-5. Each brings its own strengths, but when you compare performance, interior comfort, safety, and long-term value, the CR-V continues to stand out as a confident, well-rounded choice for daily driving near Auburn, Worcester, and Millbury.

In this guide, the experts from Lundgren Honda of Auburn delve into the Honda CR-V vs. the competition, highlighting key differences in driving feel, interior space, safety technology, and everyday usability to help you decide which compact SUV best fits your lifestyle and driving needs.



Quick Comparison: CR-V vs Competitors

Features Honda CR-V Toyota RAV4 Subaru Outback Subaru Forester Nissan Rogue Mazda CX-5
Engine Standard 1.5L Turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 1.5L VC-Turbo® 2.5L SKYACTIV®-G
Fuel Economy EPA-estimated 28 MPG city/ 33 MPG highway / 30 MPG combined*
EPA-Estimate 43 MPG city/ 36 MPG highway/ 40 MPG combined on hybrid versions*
EPA-estimated 47 MPG city /40 MPG highway /43 MPG combined EPA-estimated 25 MPG city/ 31 MPG highway EPA-estimate MPG 33 MPG highway /26 MPG city EPA-estimate 26 MPG city/ 36 MPG highway /32 MPG combined EPA-estimated 23 MPG city / 29 MPG highway / 28 MPG combined
Cargo Space 39.3 cu. ft. 39.4 cu. ft. 34.6 cu.ft. 29.6 cu.ft 36.5 cu.ft 29.1 cu.ft
Available AWD Available Available Standard Standard Available Available
Hybrid Option Yes Yes No No No No

CR-V Performance Comparison

The Honda CR-V focuses on smooth, responsive driving supported by its turbocharged engine. Acceleration feels confident for merging and highway travel, while the suspension remains composed on longer drives. Compared to the Outback and Forester, the CR-V places more emphasis on on-road comfort. Against the Mazda CX-5, it trades sporty tuning for better ride balance and efficiency. The available Honda CR-V Hybrid adds quiet performance with improved fuel economy for everyday commuting.

Interior and Comfort

Inside the CR-V, Honda prioritizes space and usability. The cabin offers generous legroom for front and rear passengers, wide-opening doors, and a thoughtfully designed center console. Compared to the Rogue and RAV4, the CR-V’s layout feels open and uncluttered. While the Mazda CX-5 leans upscale, the CR-V delivers comfort that works better for families, carpools, and longer trips.

Honda CR-V Highlights

The Honda CR-V is designed with everyday driving in mind, offering features that support comfort, convenience, and versatility. From commuting around Auburn to weekend trips, the CR-V delivers thoughtful details that make each drive feel natural and confident.

  • Available hybrid powertrain
  • Honda Sensing®
  • Multi-angle rearview camera
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Digital driver information display

Together, these highlights show why the CR-V continues to appeal to drivers who want a compact SUV that feels easy to live with while still offering the space and capability today’s lifestyles demand.

Honda Safety and Driver Assistance

Every CR-V includes Honda Sensing®, a suite of driver-assist technologies designed to support confident driving. Features include Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control. While competitors offer similar technologies, Honda makes these systems standard across the CR-V lineup.

Technology Comparison

Each SUV approaches technology a little differently. The Honda CR-V centers on ease of use, with a standard touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, available wireless charging, and HondaLink® smartphone connectivity. The Toyota RAV4 emphasizes larger available displays and an updated multimedia system with wireless smartphone integration.

The Subaru Forester focuses on a large vertical touchscreen and standard connectivity features, while the Nissan Rogue stands out with its advanced camera systems, including a surround-view monitor. The Mazda CX-5 leans toward a more upscale feel, offering a large touchscreen and refined digital displays that prioritize design and driver engagement.

Pricing and Value

Within the compact SUV segment, the CR-V remains competitively priced while delivering strong long-term ownership appeal. Its efficiency, standard safety features, and reputation for durability contribute to excellent overall value compared to rivals like the Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which one is best for families?

According to Kelley Blue Book’s 2025 Best Family Cars list, the Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback ranked among the Best 2-Row SUVs for Families, showing they’re especially well-suited to family needs thanks to safety, comfort, and practicality.**

While the Subaru Outback is also included, the Honda CR-V stands out for families who prioritize interior space, everyday efficiency, and an easy driving feel. Its roomy rear seating, generous cargo area, and standard safety technology make it especially appealing for daily school runs, errands, and longer trips, helping explain why it continues to earn recognition as a family-friendly SUV.

Which model offers the best fuel economy?

The Honda CR-V Hybrid stands out for drivers seeking strong MPG without sacrificing interior space.

Does the Honda CR-V have enough cargo space for families?

Yes. The CR-V provides class-leading cargo capacity, ideal for errands, sports equipment, and road trips.

See the Honda CR-V in Person


When comparing the Honda CR-V to the RAV4, Outback, Forester, Rogue, and CX-5, the CR-V delivers a confident balance of efficiency, interior space, safety technology, and everyday comfort. For drivers near Auburn, Worcester, and Millbury, the Honda CR-V remains a smart, versatile compact SUV built for real-world driving.

Do you want to learn more? Contact Lundgren Honda of Auburn!

* 28 city/33 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 27 city/31 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 43 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg rating for the 2WD Sport & Sport-L Hybrid trims. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined mpg rating for AWD Sport, Sport-L & Sport Touring Hybrid trims. 38 city/33 highway/35 combined mpg rating for TrailSport Hybrid AWD trim. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.


**Source:KBB

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