CR-V vs Solterra
For compact suv shoppers, the CR-V from Honda and the Solterra from Subaru are two of the obvious candidates. Surprisingly little separates them. A handful of specs move the needle; the rest are rounding errors.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Solterra wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The Solterra has 148 hp more power
Here the Solterra pulls well ahead of the CR-V, with 338 hp compared to 190 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Solterra leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Solterra leads, and not by a little. The Solterra delivers 148 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. In short, the Solterra is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
CR-V: 190 hp Solterra: 338 hp The Solterra’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the CR-V and the Solterra are effectively level. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The CR-V and the Solterra list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | CR-V | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | Dual motor |
| Total system output | 190 hp | 338 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | CVT | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CR-V | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 288 mi |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | CR-V | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 39.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 76.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear legroom | 41 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | CR-V | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | CR-V | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 112.2 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Solterra if…
- you want more power (338 hp vs 190 hp)
- you already use other Subaru products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the CR-V or the Solterra?
On the specs compared here, the Solterra makes more sense for most buyers; the CR-V doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The CR-V and the Solterra come from rival camps, Honda and Subaru, but they’re chasing the same person: you. The Solterra wins me over with 148 hp more power.
The CR-V is built for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture heavily, and the Solterra for people who weigh engine & performance.
My pick: the Solterra.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.