Compare Honda Vs. Subaru

       

Compare Honda vs. Subaru Reliability: Which Brand Works Harder for Michigan Drivers?
When you're shopping for a dependable new or used vehicle, Honda and Subaru are both solid contenders. Each brand has its strengths, but when it comes to long-term reliability, ownership costs, and standard features, Honda continues to stand out.

At Serra Honda Grandville, our goal is to help West Michigan drivers make confident, informed decisions. Let's take a closer look at how Honda compares to Subaru and why more local drivers are choosing Honda for the long haul.
Comparing Honda vs. Subaru Reliability: What the Rankings Reveal

    
Honda and Subaru both have reputations for building durable vehicles, but Honda's consistency gives it an edge.
  • Honda's Proven Engineering: Honda models like the Civic, Accord, and CR-V have long been praised for their mechanical reliability. Many drivers report well over 200,000 miles with only basic maintenance, making Honda a top pick in long-term dependability rankings from sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.
  • Subaru's AWD Legacy, with Caveats: Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive is a fan favorite in snowy climates, but some models have shown inconsistencies in engine reliability and oil consumption over time. While still a reliable brand overall, Subaru's rankings tend to fluctuate more between model years.
Honda's Advantage: Honda combines dependable engineering with low maintenance needs, giving drivers more confidence for every commute, road trip, and snowy Michigan morning.

 
Comparing Honda vs. Subaru: Maintenance Costs and Long-Term Value

    
What you pay after you drive off the lot matters just as much as the purchase price.
  • Honda's Low Cost of Ownership: Honda's streamlined designs and widely available parts help keep service costs low. According to RepairPal and Consumer Reports, Hondas are among the most affordable vehicles to maintain across the industry.
  • Subaru's Repair Costs: Subarus generally offer decent value, but their specialized AWD systems and occasional head gasket or CVT transmission issues can lead to higher repair bills as vehicles age, especially beyond 100,000 miles.
Honda's Advantage: Predictable upkeep, fewer expensive repairs, and high reliability make Honda a smart investment that pays off over time.





 
Compare Fuel Efficiency: Honda vs. Subaru Performance

    
Honda leads the way when it comes to efficiency, without sacrificing performance.
  • Honda's Efficient Edge: From the Civic's 42 mpg highway rating to the CR-V's 34 mpg, Honda delivers some of the best fuel economy in its class. These gains come without requiring hybrid or AWD upgrades, making them easier on your budget.
  • Subaru's AWD Trade-Offs: Subaru equips nearly every model with standard all-wheel drive, a plus in the winter, but one that often comes with reduced fuel efficiency. For example, the Subaru Forester tops out around 33 mpg highway, while the Outback gets closer to 32 mpg.
Honda's Advantage: If you're looking for better mileage and lower fuel costs year-round, Honda consistently delivers more miles per gallon across most segments.

*Based on 2024 EPA mileage and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and range will vary based on driving conditions and other factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more info.

 
Compare Resale Value: Honda vs. Subaru

    
Want to protect your investment? Honda helps you get more back when it's time to sell or trade in.
  • Honda's Resale Strength: Honda is regularly recognized by Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds for best-in-class resale value. Models like the Accord, CR-V, and Civic retain their value exceptionally well, thanks to their reputation for longevity and reliability.
  • Subaru's Resale Trends: Subaru also enjoys strong resale value, particularly on popular models like the Outback and Forester. However, resale tends to dip more significantly on sedans like the Legacy or Impreza, especially when reliability or drivetrain concerns arise.
Honda's Advantage: With higher resale value across more vehicle types, Honda helps protect your budget, today and years down the road.






 
    
Why Choose a Honda Vehicle Over Subaru?
Still weighing your options? Here are three reasons West Michigan drivers often go with Honda:
  • Reliable to the Core: Honda engines are engineered for the long haul, with many reaching well over 200,000 miles when maintained properly. That kind of dependability builds confidence - especially for commuters, families, and anyone who doesn't want to worry about what's under the hood.
  • Ownership that Makes Sense: With fewer unexpected repairs, lower routine service costs, and outstanding fuel economy, Honda ownership is designed to save you money year after year. It's a vehicle choice that respects both your time and your budget.
  • Smart, Standard Safety: Every new Honda comes with Honda Sensing®, a full suite of safety and driver-assist features like lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, all at no extra cost. Subaru offers its EyeSight system, but only on specific trims and configurations. With Honda, peace of mind comes standard.

 
Visit Serra Honda Grandville Today
Ready to find the right vehicle for your next chapter? At Serra Honda Grandville, we proudly serve Grand Rapids, Grandville, and all of West Michigan with a no-pressure, neighborly approach to car shopping.

Explore the latest Honda models, from efficient hybrids to versatile SUVs, and discover why so many Michigan drivers trust us to make their car-buying experience simple and stress-free. Plus, with access to over 4,000 vehicles through the Serra family of dealerships, your perfect fit is just around the corner. Let us help you drive home with confidence.


Still Comparing Honda vs. Subaru? We're Here for You! 
We know choosing the right vehicle takes time and we're here to help however we can. Whether you're curious about fuel economy, technology, resale value, or how AWD compares in real-world driving, we're happy to walk you through the details.

Reach out to your local Honda experts at Serra Honda Grandville. No pressure, just real answers and friendly guidance to help you feel good about your decision.




Sources:
  • Honda (2025). 2025 Civic, CR-V, Accord Specifications & Features.
  • Subaru (2025). 2025 Outback, Forester, and Impreza Official Overviews.
  • J.D. Power (2025). U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study: Brand Comparisons.
  • Consumer Reports (2025). Annual Reliability and Cost of Ownership Guide.
  • RepairPal (2025). Brand Maintenance Cost Averages.
  • Kelley Blue Book (2025). Resale Value Rankings by Brand and Model.
  • EPA (2025). Fuel Economy Ratings: Honda vs Subaru.
  • U.S. News & World Report (2025). Best Cars for Long-Term Ownership.
  • Edmunds (2025). Honda vs. Subaru Ownership Comparison.
  • Car and Driver (2025). Test Drive: Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester.

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