Honda vs Subaru 2026: AWD, Safety & Fuel Economy
Honda dominates in fuel efficiency and affordability with better resale value, while Subaru specializes in all-wheel drive standard availability and superior crash safety ratings across its lineup. Honda's 2024 lineup averages 28 MPG combined versus Subaru's 24 MPG, though Subaru offers AWD on 90% of models compared to Honda's 15%.
Honda Motor Company
Japanese automaker known for reliability, fuel efficiency, and engineering excellence across sedans, SUVs, and hybrids.
Budget-conscious buyers in mild climates seeking fuel efficiency, affordable maintenance, and strong resale value for used car market
Subaru Corporation
Japanese automaker specializing in standard all-wheel drive vehicles with emphasis on safety and harsh-weather capability.
Drivers in snowy/wet climates, safety-conscious families wanting standard AWD, and outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing winter performance over fuel economy
Quick Answer
AI SummaryHonda dominates in fuel efficiency and affordability with better resale value, while Subaru specializes in all-wheel drive standard availability and superior crash safety ratings across its lineup. Honda's 2024 lineup averages 28 MPG combined versus Subaru's 24 MPG, though Subaru offers AWD on 90% of models compared to Honda's 15%.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Honda if you prioritize fuel efficiency, affordability, and strong resale value for everyday commuting and long-term ownership economics. Choose Subaru if you live in regions with harsh weather, need standard all-wheel drive, or want class-leading crash safety ratings and handling in snow/rain conditions.
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Choose Honda Motor Company if
Best pickBudget-conscious buyers in mild climates seeking fuel efficiency, affordable maintenance, and strong resale value for used car market
Choose Subaru Corporation if
Drivers in snowy/wet climates, safety-conscious families wanting standard AWD, and outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing winter performance over fuel economy
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Key Differences at a Glance
- All-Wheel Drive Availability:✓ Subaru Corporation wins(~90% of lineup vs ~15% of lineup)
- Average Fuel Economy (Combined):✓ Honda Motor Company wins(28 MPG vs 24 MPG)
- Average MSRP (Popular Models):✓ Honda Motor Company wins($28,400 vs $31,200)
Key Facts & Figures
31 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Honda Motor Company | Subaru Corporation | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| J.D. Power Overall Reliability Ranking(score (100 scale)) | 80/100 (2nd place) | — | — |
| Hybrid/EV Sales as % of Portfolio(percent) | 22% | — | — |
| 3-Year Vehicle Depreciation (Value Retention)(percent) | 50% retained | — | — |
| Global Market Share(%) | 6.3% | — | — |
| Best-in-Class Fuel Economy (Mid-Size Sedan Hybrid)(MPG combined) | Accord Hybrid: 48 MPG | — | — |
| Global Manufacturing Facilities(facilities) | 32 plants across 12 countries | — | — |
| Combined Fuel Economy (2024 Average)(MPG) | 28 MPG | 24 MPG | |
| Starting MSRP (Popular Model Avg)(USD) | $28,400 | $31,200 | |
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(percent of MSRP) | 62% | 58% | |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating (Avg)(stars out of 5) | 4.2/5 | 4.7/5 | |
| AWD Models Available in Lineup(%) | ~15% | ~90% | |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating (2025)(points out of 100) | 82 | — | — |
| Average Annual Maintenance Cost(USD) | $617 | — | — |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(percent) | 58% | — | — |
| Best-Selling Model Annual Sales (2024)(units) | CR-V: 403,600 | — | — |
| Number of Vehicle Models Offered(count) | 9 main models | — | — |
| Average Fuel Economy (Sedan Segment)(MPG combined) | Accord: 38 MPG | — | — |
| Global Manufacturing Plants(count) | 148 | — | — |
| Reliability Rating(points out of 100) | 84/100 | — | — |
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(percent) | 58% | — | — |
| Average New Vehicle Price(USD) | $32,500 | — | — |
| Global Annual Sales(million units) | 8.2 million | — | — |
| Electric Vehicle Models(count) | 3 models | — | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(/100) | 82/100 | — | — |
| Average Fuel Economy (Combined)(mpg) | 32 mpg | — | — |
| Overall Dependability Rating(%) | 92% | — | — |
| Electric Vehicle Models Available(count) | 3 models | — | — |
| 3-Year Residual Value Retention(%) | 58% | — | — |
| Owner Satisfaction Score(/10) | 8.2/10 | — | — |
| Most Affordable Model Starting Price(USD) | $28,900 | — | — |
| Annual Global Sales Volume(million vehicles) | 4.1M | — | — |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- ~15% of lineupAll-Wheel Drive Availability~90% of lineup(winner)
- 28 MPG(winner)Average Fuel Economy (Combined)24 MPG
- $28,400(winner)Average MSRP (Popular Models)$31,200
- 4.2/5 starsNHTSA Overall Safety Rating (Avg 2024)4.7/5 stars(winner)
- 62%(winner)3-Year Resale Value Retention58%
- 8.2 million units(winner)Global Annual Sales Volume1.3 million units
- 3 years/36,000 milesWarranty Coverage (Basic)3 years/36,000 miles
- All-Wheel Drive Availability
Honda Motor Company
~15% of lineup
Subaru Corporation
~90% of lineup(winner)
- Average Fuel Economy (Combined)
Honda Motor Company
28 MPG(winner)
Subaru Corporation
24 MPG
- Average MSRP (Popular Models)
Honda Motor Company
$28,400(winner)
Subaru Corporation
$31,200
- NHTSA Overall Safety Rating (Avg 2024)
Honda Motor Company
4.2/5 stars
Subaru Corporation
4.7/5 stars(winner)
- 3-Year Resale Value Retention
Honda Motor Company
62%(winner)
Subaru Corporation
58%
- Global Annual Sales Volume
Honda Motor Company
8.2 million units(winner)
Subaru Corporation
1.3 million units
- Warranty Coverage (Basic)
Honda Motor Company
3 years/36,000 miles
Subaru Corporation
3 years/36,000 miles
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Honda Motor Company | Subaru Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| J.D. Power Overall Reliability Ranking(score (100 scale)) | 80/100 (2nd place) | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating (2025)(points out of 100) | 82 | — |
| Overall Dependability Rating(%) | 92% | — |
| Hybrid/EV Sales as % of Portfolio(percent) | 22% | — |
| 3-Year Vehicle Depreciation (Value Retention)(percent) | 50% retained | — |
| Global Market Share(%) | 6.3% | — |
| Best-in-Class Fuel Economy (Mid-Size Sedan Hybrid)(MPG combined) | Accord Hybrid: 48 MPG | — |
| Combined Fuel Economy (2024 Average)(MPG) | 28 MPG(winner) | 24 MPG |
| Average Fuel Economy (Sedan Segment)(MPG combined) | Accord: 38 MPG | — |
| Average Fuel Economy (Combined)(mpg) | 32 mpg | — |
| Global Manufacturing Facilities(facilities) | 32 plants across 12 countries | — |
| Starting MSRP (Popular Model Avg)(USD) | $28,400(winner) | $31,200 |
| Average New Vehicle Price(USD) | $32,500 | — |
| Most Affordable Model Starting Price(USD) | $28,900 | — |
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(percent of MSRP) | 62%(winner) | 58% |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating (Avg)(stars out of 5) | 4.2/5 | 4.7/5(winner) |
| AWD Models Available in Lineup(%) | ~15% | ~90%(winner) |
| Average Annual Maintenance Cost(USD) | $617 | — |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(percent) | 58% | — |
| Best-Selling Model Annual Sales (2024)(units) | CR-V: 403,600 | — |
| Global Annual Sales(million units) | 8.2 million | — |
| Annual Global Sales Volume(million vehicles) | 4.1M | — |
| Powertrain Warranty Coverage(years) | 5 years / 60,000 miles | — |
| Number of Vehicle Models Offered(count) | 9 main models | — |
| Global Manufacturing Plants(count) | 148 | — |
| Powertrain Warranty Coverage(years/miles) | 5 years/60,000 miles | — |
| Reliability Rating(points out of 100) | 84/100 | — |
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(percent) | 58% | — |
| Electric Vehicle Models(count) | 3 models | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(/100) | 82/100 | — |
| Electric Vehicle Models Available(count) | 3 models | — |
| 3-Year Residual Value Retention(%) | 58% | — |
| Owner Satisfaction Score(/10) | 8.2/10 | — |
| Warranty Coverage (Bumper-to-Bumper)(months / miles) | 36 months / 36,000 miles | — |
Honda Motor CompanySubaru CorporationPros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Honda Motor Company
Pros
- Excellent fuel economy averaging 28 MPG combined across lineup
- Lower average MSRP ($28,400 vs competitor's $31,200) with competitive features
- 62% 3-year resale value retention, highest in segment
- Extensive dealer network with 1,050+ US locations providing service accessibility
- Award-winning engines including turbocharged 2.0L with 252 hp in CR-V
Cons
- AWD available on only ~15% of models, limiting all-weather capability in standard trims
- Average crash safety rating of 4.2/5 stars trails Subaru's 4.7 rating
- Limited ground clearance on sedan models with minimum 5.0 inches compared to Subaru's 8.3 inches
Subaru Corporation
Pros
- Standard AWD on 90% of lineup including entry-level Impreza, unmatched segment standard
- Industry-leading crash safety with 4.7/5 average NHTSA rating and Top Safety Pick awards on Outback and Legacy
- Superior ground clearance averaging 8.3 inches enabling snow/off-road capability vs Honda's 5.0 inches
- Horizontally-opposed engine design reduces center of gravity for 15% better handling dynamics
- Specialized winter performance with 4,800+ AWD-capable models vs competitors' limited options
Cons
- Fuel economy averages 24 MPG combined, 14% lower than Honda's efficiency standard
- MSRP $2,800 higher on average ($31,200) with comparable feature sets versus Honda models
- Smaller global sales volume (1.3M units annually) results in fewer certified used inventory and longer dealer wait times
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Subaru is significantly better for winter conditions. With AWD standard on 90% of its lineup (vs Honda's 15%), plus 8.3 inches ground clearance compared to Honda's 5.0 inches, Subaru delivers superior snow traction and handling. Subaru's 4.7/5 safety rating also edges Honda's 4.2/5, critical in adverse weather. However, Honda's slightly higher fuel economy (28 vs 24 MPG) saves $400-600 annually on gas.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
- W
Honda Motor Company on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Japanese automaker known for reliability, fuel efficiency, and engineering excellence across sedans, SUVs, and hybrids.
- W
Subaru Corporation on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Japanese automaker specializing in standard all-wheel drive vehicles with emphasis on safety and harsh-weather capability.
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