2025 Honda CR-V vs. 2025 Subaru Forester Review

Picture of the 2025 Honda CR-V

2025 Honda
CR-V

MSRP*: $30,100 to $36,500
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Picture of the 2025 Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru
Forester

MSRP*: $29,695 to $39,995
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MPG - City 26 - 28 MPG 25 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 31 - 34 MPG 32 - 33 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 76.5 ft3 69.1 - 74.4 ft3
Engine
  • 190-hp, 1.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 180-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Continuously Variable Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 190 hp 180 hp
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs 1,500 lbs
Exterior Length 184.8 in 183.3 in
Exterior Width 73.5 in 72.0 in
Leg Room Front 41.3 in
Rear 41.0 in
Front 43.3 in
Rear 39.4 in
Head Room Front 38.2 - 40.0 in
Rear 38.2 in
Front 40.0 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.7 - 39.6 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Honda CR-V than in the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Honda CR-V.

Convenience
With the Subaru Forester, you will definitely be making fewer stops at the gas station than with the Honda CR-V, due to its tank size and fuel economy.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Whether you pick the Honda CR-V or the Subaru Forester, it's going to cost you about the same.

Dimensions
Since the Honda CR-V is much wider than the Subaru Forester, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. When looking at overall length, the Honda CR-V takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Subaru Forester.

Handling
The Honda CR-V has a larger turning radius than the Subaru Forester, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
If you've got something you need to pull, the Honda CR-V will do just as well as the Subaru Forester, since they have about the same towing capacity. The Honda CR-V has a little more horsepower than the Subaru Forester.

Powertrain
With similar torque, the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester are about even in transmitting their respective horsepower to the wheels.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester. The Honda CR-V has a roomier cargo area for putting your bags or other items than the Subaru Forester.