Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester

Honda CR-V

$28,410 (2023)

Pictured: 2023 Sport Touring AWD Hybrid in Canyon Blue Metallic.  Starting MSRP $39,100.

Subaru Forester

Base trim: $26,495.

Pictured: Forester Wilderness (2022 model). MSRP starting from $34,320.

Honda CR-V

The 2023 Honda CR-V underwent an impressive redesign, featuring a more rugged exterior, enhanced driving dynamics, and an upscale interior (particularly in the Sport Touring hybrid model. We loved its comfy seats!). While the standard driver's digital display is commendable, the infotainment system still lags behind its segment competitors.

Honda's focus on hybrids has left the gas-only CR-V model relatively underpowered compared to rivals. Both two-wheel and all-wheel drive options are available across all trims, providing excellent fuel economy throughout the lineup.

During our test drive with the CR-V, we were impressed by its improved driving dynamics. This compact SUV offers a comfortable interior with spacious seating and ample cargo capacity, making it a practical choice.

A new driver coaching Apple CarPlay app also makes the CR-V a great choice for teens.

Subaru Forester

We love the Subaru Forester and The Car Pro Jerry Reynolds calls it one of his favorite SUVs for its life-saving EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as well as for its capability.

Forester's are great for off-roading and winter driving conditions since they're equipped with Subaru's amazing Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Add to that, all but the base trim also get Hill Descent Control and X-MODE  for increased capability in a wider range of conditions.

The Forester is a roomy SUV for passengers in both rows and offers impressive cargo space with the 2nd-row down. Upholstery options include leather-trimmed seats and water-repellent upholstery.

The Forester is always an excellent choice in terms of safety and capability, and it's also an outstanding value.

Honda CR-V

The 6th-generation Honda CR-V comes with notable upgrades, including an advanced hybrid powertrain, enhanced capability, and increased space. Honda has made extensive improvements to the body, chassis, powertrain, safety technology, and overall driving refinement for the 2023 CR-V.

The CR-V Sport and Sport Touring trims now feature a fourth-generation hybrid system, making them the most powerful CR-Vs ever with 247 lb.-ft of torque. The available all-wheel drive system has been updated to be quieter and can distribute up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels.

Additionally, the CR-V now includes a Hill Descent Control system, improving its off-road capability. Noteworthy safety updates include the introduction of new driver and passenger airbags, which were first introduced on the new Civic.

For families with teenage drivers, the CR-V offers an excellent option. Honda has recently introduced the Honda Driver Coaching iPhone app, designed to enhance the skills of new drivers and promote safe driving practices. This app is compatible with CR-V models from the 2020 model year equipped with Apple CarPlay.

Subaru Forester

The Forester received a refresh in 2022, which included the debut of the Wilderness trim.

For  2023, the entry level Base trim gets an updated multimedia system.

The lineup also comes with the latest version of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assistance technology as standard equipment.  

Honda CR-V

• Lineup offers more powerful hybrid options
• More second row legroom
• Better fuel economy
• More cargo space

Subaru Forester

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on all trims
• More front row legroom
• More towing capacity
• Panoramic moonroof standard on all but base trim

Honda CR-V

• Pricier to get all-wheel drive
• Less front row leg room
• Can't tow as much
• No panoramic moonroof

Subaru Forester

• No hybrid options
• Not as great fuel economy
• Not as much cargo space
• Can't tow as much 

Honda CR-V

Subaru Forester

26/29 mpg

25-26 mpg

28/33 mpg

Honda CR-V

Subaru Forester

• 9" multimedia touchscreen is standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid  with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, Sirius XM and Bluetooth.  
  
• 7-inch TFT Meter DisplayMulti-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Sport Touring Hybrid features 12-speaker Bose Sound. (Other trims are equipped with 4-, in 6-, or 8-speakers systems.)
• Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic and Honda Link Subscription Service (Only on the Sport Touring Hybrid.)

• SUBARU STARLINK^® 6.5-inch Multimedia or available 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus, or available
•  8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation, Multifunction display or color multifunction display
• Apple CarPlay®, Android™ Auto and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity as well as SiriusXM® and a CD player.  
• Standard 4- or 6- speaker audio system
• Available Harman Kardon 9-speaker premium audio system (standard on Touring trim)
• Standard Rear Vision Camera, optional 180-degree Front View Monitor

• Wireless charging on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid trims.
• 1 USB-A and Three USB-C charging ports on EX-L and Sport Touring.
• WiFi Hotspot capability on Sport Touring Hybrid only.
• 2 12-volt power outlets (front and cargo area)

• Standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability on all but the base model
• 1 or 2 USB ports up front,  available rear 2 USB charging ports

Honda CR-V

Subaru Forester

• Honda Sensing Safety suite of driver assistance tech that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System* (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Rear Seat Reminder (RSR) 
• Available Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic (standard on Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Low-Speed Braking Control (standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Available Front and Rear Parking Sensors (on Sport Touring Hybrid only)

• Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Pre-collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane departure and Sway Warning, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering  (Standard across lineup)
• High Beam Assist (Standard across lineup)
• Brake Assist and Brake Override System
• Available Reverse Automatic Braking 
• DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System (Touring trim only)
• Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (Sport, Wilderness,Limited and Touring only.) 

• 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions
• Front and Outboard Rear 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
• Seat-Belt Reminder for all Seating PositionsLower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)
• Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Advanced Front Airbags (SRS)
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Knee and Side Airbags (SRS)
• Rear Outboard Passengers' Side AirbagsVehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
• Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover SensorAnti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
  
• Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) -(Standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)

• SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security
• Subaru advanced frontal airbag system (SRS)
• Side curtain airbags (SRS)
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags (SRS)
  
• Driver's knee airbag (SRS)
• Whiplash-reducing front seats with height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints
• Height-adjustable 3-point front seatbelts
• Rear child-safety door locks
• LATCH system: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System 

Honda CR-V

Subaru Forester

182.7"

182-horsepower

176 lb.-ft

16.6 gallons

3,454 -3,620 pounds

1,500 pounds