Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester
When we compare the Honda CR-V's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Honda CR-V's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V is a better car than the Subaru Forester.
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester Pricing
A used 2024 Honda CR-V ranges from $32,459 to $38,283 while a used 2024 Subaru Forester is priced between $32,324 to $39,982. For a new model, the Honda CR-V's price is between $31,451 and $37,940, with the Subaru Forester priced between $30,617 and $40,108.
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda CR-V loses 36.5 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 38.4 percent of its value. This means the Honda CR-V retains 1.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Forester.
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda CR-V is 9.1 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 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 66. Out of 56 Best 5-seater SUVs, the Honda CR-V is ranked 1 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 4. The Honda CR-V is also ranked 1 out of 19 Best Small SUVs while the Subaru Forester is ranked 3 out of 19.
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda CR-V is 9.0 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.6 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 Honda CR-V’s base engine makes 190 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Honda CR-V has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear leg room and cargo space. The 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 Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda CR-V and the 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.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
31451 - 37940
Used Asking Price:
32459 - 38283
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.364769
Pricing
New Asking Price:
30617 - 40108
Used Asking Price:
32324 - 39982
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.383753
Honda CR-V Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.098742 / 10
Reliability:
8.996227 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.563112 / 10
Reliability:
8.589335 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Honda CR-V Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 56Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 56Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 49Ranking
29 out of / 58Ranking
33 out of / 56Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 56Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
43 out of / 66Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 56Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
17 out of / 58Ranking
17 out of / 49Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 56Ranking
46 out of / 66Summary 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
Honda CR-V Trim Levels
EX, EX-L, LX
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
179 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Safety Equipment
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
39.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
145.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3472 lbs
Width:
73.5 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17