Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester: SUV Face-Off
The Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester are two top SUVs with unique features. They are favorites among car owners. Let’s see which one might be the best for you.
The 2024 Honda CR-V has a turbocharged engine for great power and efficiency. The Subaru Forester’s BOXER engine is known for its reliability.
We’ll look at many important areas. This includes how they perform, safety, interior, fuel use, cost, off-road skills, and how well they hold their value.
By the end, you’ll know which SUV is better for you. Keep reading for a detailed look at each SUV’s performance, safety, and more.
This comparison will help you make a smart choice between the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester.
Introduction to the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester
The Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester are top picks in the SUV market. They are known for being reliable and great for families.
The Honda CR-V is known for its roominess and good fuel economy. It’s perfect for those who want comfort and to save on gas.
The Subaru Forester, on the other hand, has standard all-wheel drive. This gives you confidence on different roads and is great for off-roading.
When choosing, think about what matters most to you. The Honda CR-V has more space for passengers and cargo.
It has 41 inches of rear legroom and can hold 76.5 cubic feet of stuff when the back seats are folded.
The Subaru Forester offers 39.4 inches of rear legroom and can hold 74.2 cubic feet of stuff. This shows the CR-V focuses on space. Fuel efficiency is also key.
The Honda CR-V gets 28 city / 34 highway MPG. The Subaru Forester gets 26 city / 33 highway MPG. If you want to save on gas, the CR-V might be better.
But, knowing the details of each model helps you choose the right SUV for you.
Both SUVs have standard features that make them comfortable and perform well. The Subaru Forester has dual-zone automatic climate control.
The Honda CR-V has automatic climate control but offers an upgrade. For those who love tech, the Honda CR-V has a 7-inch touch screen and an optional 9-inch display.
The Forester has dual 7-inch displays and an 11.6-inch option. By considering these points, you can make a smart choice between the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester.
Knowing what you want will help you find the perfect SUV for you.
Performance Comparison of Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester
The performance of the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester is key when choosing a car. The Honda CR-V has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that makes 190 horsepower.
It also has a hybrid option with a 2.0-liter engine that makes 204 horsepower. The Subaru Forester has a 2.5-liter BOXER engine that makes 182 horsepower.
Looking at these numbers, we see big differences. These differences are important when comparing the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester.
The Honda CR-V is great for city driving. It has a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. The Subaru Forester, on the other hand, is better for rough terrains.
Its BOXER engine design makes it very stable. Efficiency is also important. The Honda CR-V’s hybrid model gets up to 43 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
The Subaru Forester gets 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. This makes the CR-V a top choice for those who want to save on gas. The drivetrain options are different too.
The CR-V has front-wheel drive and Real Time AWD. The Forester has a standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This makes the Forester better for off-road adventures.
Both cars have unique transmission options. The Honda CR-V uses a CVT for its conventional models and a hybrid CVT.
The Subaru Forester has a Lineartronic CVT with adaptive controls. This ensures a smooth drive in all conditions. In conclusion, your choice depends on what you value most.
Do you want efficiency and comfort in the city, like the Honda CR-V? Or do you prefer rugged off-road capabilities and a strong all-wheel-drive system, like the Subaru Forester?
Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester: SUV Face-Off
When we compare the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, we see their unique qualities. The 2024 Honda CR-V has a turbocharged engine for good balance.
On the other hand, the Subaru Forester has a BOXER engine for reliability in different conditions. Each SUV offers a special driving experience that might help you decide.
The Honda CR-V is known for its smooth handling, perfect for city driving. It’s great for daily use because it’s comfortable and easy to maneuver.
The Forester, though, is better for off-road adventures. It’s reliable in changing weather, perfect for those who travel in different climates.
Looking at the specs, we see key differences in the honda cr v vs subaru forester comparison:
| Feature | 2024 Honda CR-V | 2020 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Turbocharged | BOXER |
| Max Power | 154 hp @ 6,500 RPM | 156 hp @ 6,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 189 Nm @ 4,300 RPM | 196 Nm @ 4,000 RPM |
| Dimensions (mm) | 4,571 x 1,855 x 1,657 | 4,625 x 1,815 x 1,730 |
| Trunk Capacity | 522 L | 520 L |
| Ground Clearance | 198 mm | 220 mm |
The Honda CR-V’s interior is known for its roominess, quality, and tech. It’s seen as more luxurious than the Forester.
It has a modern touchscreen and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control. These make driving safer and more enjoyable.
Both SUVs have driver assistance options, but the Honda CR-V has more. This makes it a leader in safety in the SUV market.
When deciding which is better honda cr v or subaru forester, the CR-V’s smooth ride and safety features might win you over.
Safety Ratings: Which SUV is Safer?
When we look at the safety of the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, we see both are strong. The Subaru Forester is known for being an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 17 years.
It also got the 2021 Top Safety Pick+ award, showing it has top-notch safety features. The Forester has a special feature called EyeSight Driver Assist.
It includes things like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. All Forester trims have headlights that are rated “Good,” helping drivers see better.
The Honda CR-V’s headlights are “Marginal” in most trims, but the Touring version has better ones. Both cars did well in crash tests.
They got “Good” ratings for many tests, like small overlap front driver-side and side strength tests.
The Forester got a “Marginal” score for the small overlap front passenger-side test. The CR-V doesn’t have data for that test yet.
Both SUVs also did great in tests to avoid accidents, thanks to their auto brake systems.
When it comes to child seat anchors, both cars are “Acceptable” but the Forester’s are harder to reach. Looking at the safety ratings, the Forester’s consistent high scores make it a safety leader.
Interior Features and Comfort of Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester
The interior of the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester is designed to make your drive better. The Honda CR-V has a cabin with high-quality materials, giving it a luxurious feel.
It also has 106 cubic feet of space for passengers and a 9.0-inch touchscreen for easy connectivity.
The Subaru Forester focuses on being roomy and easy to see out of. It has 111.6 cubic feet of space inside. It’s great for city driving because of its clear views.
The Honda CR-V offers heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. This makes it comfortable for drivers. The Forester adds heated rear seats, making it cozy for everyone.
| Feature | Honda CR-V | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Volume | 106 cu-ft | 111.6 cu-ft |
| Front Headroom | 40 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Rear Headroom | 38.2 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Legroom | 41.3 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Rear Legroom | 41 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Max Cargo Volume | 76.5 cu-ft | 74.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row | 39.3 cu-ft | 29.6 cu-ft |
| Infotainment System | 9.0-inch touchscreen | Optional 11.6-inch touchscreen |
| Heated Front Seats | Yes | Yes |
| Heated Rear Seats | No | Yes |
Both the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester focus on comfort and practicality. The Honda CR-V is great for those who want a modern, spacious cabin.
The Subaru Forester is perfect for those who value visibility and extra comfort in the back seats. Choosing between the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester depends on your lifestyle.
Think about what matters most to you and decide which car fits your needs best.
Fuel Efficiency: Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester Specs
Fuel efficiency is key for many SUV buyers. The Honda CR-V has great estimates. It gets up to 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway for 2WD models.
The hybrid versions do even better, with the Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport FWD reaching 43 MPG city and 36 MPG highway. This shows the CR-V’s edge in city and highway driving.
It’s perfect for those who want to save on gas. The Subaru Forester has solid but slightly lower numbers.
It gets about 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway for AWD models. While the CR-V hybrids are top in fuel efficiency, the Forester is good for long trips.
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V EX 2WD | 28 | 34 | $32,350 |
| Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport FWD | 43 | 36 | $34,650 |
| Subaru Forester AWD | 26 | 33 | $29,810 |
| Subaru Forester Sport AWD | 25 | 32 | $34,610 |
Think about your driving habits when comparing Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester fuel efficiency. The Honda CR-V is a clear winner, thanks to its hybrids.
The Subaru Forester is better for highway driving. This comparison helps you choose based on your driving style and needs.
Price Comparison: Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester
The price of the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester is a big deal. The 2025 Subaru Forester starts at about $29,695. The Honda CR-V begins at around $30,100.
This difference is important if you’re watching your budget. Looking at more than just the starting price is key.
Both SUVs have different trims and packages that can increase the cost. The Subaru Forester often has a lower starting price compared to the Honda CR-V.
| Model | MSRP | Estimated Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V LX 2WD | $30,100 | $539 |
| Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport FWD | $34,650 | $627 |
| Subaru Forester AWD | $29,810 | $497 |
| Subaru Forester Touring AWD | $39,995 | $723 |
By looking at your options, you can stick to your budget and get the SUV you want.
Knowing the price difference between the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester helps you make a choice that fits your needs.
Off-Road Capability: A Closer Look
When looking at the honda cr v vs subaru forester off-road capability, the Subaru Forester stands out.
It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it great for rough terrains. Its X-MODE feature boosts off-road performance by improving torque distribution.
The Honda CR-V is good for everyday driving and some off-roading. But it can’t match the Subaru Forester’s ruggedness.
The Forester’s design helps it handle tough environments better. Its suspension also makes for a smoother ride on bumpy surfaces.
Here’s a comparison table that highlights key off-road features of both SUVs:
| Feature | Subaru Forester | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 7.8 inches |
| X-MODE | Yes | No |
| Approach Angle | 22.9 degrees | 20.4 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 25.7 degrees | 24.7 degrees |
| Fuel Economy (AWD) | 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway | 28 MPG city / 34 MPG highway |
For those who love off-roading, the Subaru Forester is the clear winner. It has special features for tough conditions.
The Honda CR-V is better for daily driving, with its comfort and fuel efficiency.
Reliability and Resale Value of Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester
When we look at the honda cr v vs subaru forester reliability, we see two solid choices. The Honda CR-V gets a reliability score of 9.0 out of 10.
The Subaru Forester scores 8.3 out of 10. Honda’s long-term performance shows their dedication to quality.
The resale value of these SUVs is also worth noting. The Honda CR-V keeps more value than the Forester, with a 31.1% depreciation rate.
The Subaru Forester, on the other hand, has been the top resale value in its class for four years. Both SUVs can last from 10.9 to 13.4 years.
But, the Subaru Forester is known for its long life, with some models reaching over 200,000 miles. This could be a key factor if you plan to keep your car for a long time.
In conclusion, the Honda CR-V is a top pick for reliability and resale value. But, the Subaru Forester’s strong resale performance should not be ignored.
Knowing these details can help you make a wise choice when buying an SUV.
Conclusion
In the Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester review, both cars have their own strengths. The Honda CR-V has a strong 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
It makes 190 horsepower and gets up to 28 city / 34 highway MPG. It’s a great choice for families who want safety and comfort.
The Subaru Forester, with its 2.5-liter Boxer engine, makes 182 horsepower. It’s great for off-road adventures with its standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
It’s perfect for those who love adventure and practicality. Choosing between the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester depends on what you need.
Think about comfort, efficiency, and off-road capability. This will help you pick the best SUV for you.
FAQs
What are the main differences between the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester?
The Honda CR-V is known for its roomy interior and good fuel economy. The Subaru Forester is great for off-road adventures and comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency?
The Honda CR-V does better in city driving, with an estimated 26 MPG. The Subaru Forester gets around 33 MPG on the highway. So, each SUV is efficient in its own way.
How do the reliability ratings compare for the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester?
Both SUVs are reliable. But, the Subaru Forester is known for its strong resale value. This shows it’s a good long-term choice.
What safety features are available in the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester comes with EyeSight Driver Assist technology. This includes features like adaptive cruise control. The Honda CR-V offers Honda Sensing® tech, but it’s not standard on all trims.
Which SUV has a more comfortable and upscale interior?
The Honda CR-V is known for its luxurious cabin and high-quality materials. It feels upscale. The Subaru Forester focuses on visibility and practicality in its spacious interior.
How do the starting prices of the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester compare?
The 2025 Subaru Forester starts at about ,695. The Honda CR-V begins at around ,100.
Can you take the Honda CR-V off-road?
The Honda CR-V can handle some off-roading. But, the Subaru Forester is built for tough terrain. It has features like X-MODE for better traction.
