2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting its Impreza hatchback into a crossover, appealing to those who valued rugged aesthetics and all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities. With its black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance, the Crosstrek successfully mimicked the SUV look while maintaining the Impreza's core design. The vibrant colour options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its distinct character. Inside, the Crosstrek retained the Impreza's functional yet plain interior, with some unique touches like water-repellant upholstery and simulated carbon-fibre trim, though the latter was not universally praised.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more conventional, blending seamlessly with other compact crossovers. While its exterior styling was not its main selling point, the CR-V offered subtle differentiators like its grille and chromed plastic features. Colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral tones, making vibrant choices like Radiant Red Metallic rare. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale materials in higher trims. Despite its understated appearance, the CR-V's form was driven by its functional goal of comfortably accommodating five passengers and their gear.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, standard on the Outdoor and Limited trims, and a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque for other trims. The boxer engine's design contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling, although the SUV-like ride height somewhat negated this benefit. The Crosstrek's AWD was standard across all trims, with features like X-Mode and hill descent control enhancing its capability on loose surfaces. Despite these features, the Crosstrek was primarily suited for on-road use, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride, though the CVT's droning was noticeable during acceleration.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, delivering 190 horsepower. Its acceleration was modest, reaching 100 km/h in about 8 seconds, comparable to its competitors. The CR-V's CVT maintained engine revs consistently, prioritizing smoothness over engagement. While the drivetrain lacked the sportiness of some rivals, the CR-V's handling and ride quality were reliable. AWD was standard on most trims, with FWD available on the base LX. The CR-V's suspension setup, common in its class, contributed to its decent handling and ride comfort.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity compared to other small crossovers. With 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,565 litres with them folded, it lagged behind models like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. The Crosstrek featured a rear-seat reminder system and a practical front cubby with USB ports, though rear passengers had limited access to charging options. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility remained good due to ample side glass.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space, offering over 100 litres more volume than the Toyota RAV4. With 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, it accommodated substantial loads. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with options ranging from manual to hands-free power tailgates. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing versatility for carrying additional gear. The CR-V's design prioritized functionality, ensuring comfort for five passengers and ample storage for their belongings.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch version on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard, with navigation available on the Limited trim. The system was user-friendly, complemented by large analog controls for essential functions. Subaru's unique dual-screen setup displayed additional information, though it was somewhat redundant.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger, enhancing convenience for tech-savvy users.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with high marks in crash tests and front-crash prevention. EyeSight driver-assist features, standard on CVT-equipped models, included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. However, the system's functionality was limited by camera positioning, affecting performance in certain conditions.

The 2021 Honda CR-V also received a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ due to headlight evaluations. Honda's Sensing system, standard across all trims, included a comprehensive suite of safety features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V's approach to making advanced safety features accessible across all trims set it apart from many competitors.