2021 Honda CR-V vs. 2021 Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Honda CR-V and 2021 Subaru Forester contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2021 Subaru Forester.
When comparing the 2021 Honda CR-V's and the 2021 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda CR-V has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Honda CR-V's and the 2021 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda CR-V is a better car than the 2021 Subaru Forester.
Pricing: A used 2021 Honda CR-V ranges from $23,499 to $30,995 while a used 2021 Subaru Forester is priced between $22,378 to $30,900.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Honda CR-V loses 31.1 percent of its value and the 2021 Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Honda CR-V retains 3.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Subaru Forester.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda CR-V is 8.9 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Honda CR-V being ranked 1 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 17 out of 67. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Honda CR-V is ranked 1 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 6.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda CR-V is 9.0 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Honda CR-V a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Forester.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Honda CR-V’s base engine makes 190 horsepower, and the 2021 Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower. The CR-V is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 476 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles.This gives the 2021 Honda CR-V the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Subaru Forester the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2021 Honda CR-V has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear leg room and cargo space. The 2021 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2021 Subaru Forester have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
Both the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester have been on the market for over two decades, and both have developed a solid fanbase. They each offer a roomy and comfortable interior, advanced safety technologies, and an impressive level of family- friendly versatility. Where they differ most is exterior styling and drivetrain choices. The Honda CR-V features a traditional SUV profile, along with standard front-wheel drive, optional all-wheel drive, and a fuel-efficient hybrid. The Subaru Forester looks like a tall wagon, with enough ground clear to genuinely tackle off-road challenges. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive, but there’s no hybrid version available.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,350
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,795
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,154
Price Range:
$23,499 - $30,995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,444
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,734 - $27,641
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,687
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
46,402
# Good or Great Deals:
627
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$26,678
Price Range:
$22,378 - $30,900
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,444
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,734 - $27,641
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,051
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
49,384
# Good or Great Deals:
380
Honda CR-V Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
9.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Honda CR-V
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.9 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
57%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.9 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
13.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 13.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 13.9
Honda CR-V Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 59Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Summary Review
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover with mass appeal. It has been one of the best-selling SUVs since its introduction as a 1997 model. The current CR-V benefitted from a redesign for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,288 and 3-year-old models averaging $25,089.
Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Pros and Cons
- Hybrid version available
- Assertive exterior design
- Highly functional and comfortable interior
- Priced higher than some competitors
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is not to every driver’s taste
- Blind-spot monitoring unavailable in base models
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Honda CR-V Trim Levels
EX, EX-L, LX, SE, Touring
2021 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
179 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 34 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 476 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
39.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
145.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
31.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
143.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3337 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
182.1 inches
Wheelbase:
104.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3453 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Gray
Modern Steel Metallic
Red
Radiant Red Metallic
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Green
Jasper Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Ivory
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Gray
Gray