Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V Comparison

Many of us spend a fair amount of time behind the wheel of our SUV, and we want to enjoy the drive while also making the most of each mile per gallon. So fuel efficiency and spirited performance are two things everyone is looking for from their next SUV. The Honda CR-V has two powertrain options, with the turbocharged option slightly more powerful than Forester's BOXER engine, but not by much. The Honda CR-V isn't as fuel-efficient - especially when equipped with all-wheel-drive. The Honda CR-V has a maximum of 190 horsepower and gets up to 32 highway mpg with all-wheel-drive. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine powering the Forester generates 182 horsepower and gets up to 33 highway mpg. And of course, the 2021 Forester comes standard with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for unmatched traction and control. The available all-wheel-drive system of the Honda CR-V isn't offered on every trim level and kicks on when it senses traction loss. But at that point, it may already be too late. Another performance feature that only the Forester offers is X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control for enhanced performance on and off-road.

The Subaru Forester is made for rugged off-road experiences that the Honda CR-V might shy away from, making the Subaru SUV more adept for all lifestyles. The 2021 Forester comes standard with LED Steering Responsive Headlights, a feature that the Honda CR-V lacks. The Forester also offers available raised roof rails, perfect for cargo carriers, bike racks, and more! Honda offers raised roof rails, but they aren't available with their base trim configuration, making it costlier to have them equipped.

SUVs quite popular for drivers because of their flexible interior space and comfortable seating. Once again, the Subaru Forester outshines the Honda CR-V with more spacious seating for five and more versatile cargo space. The Honda CR-V only has 105.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and maximum cargo space of 75.8 cubic feet. The 2021 Forester, however, has 111.9 cubic feet of passenger space and 76.1 cubic feet of cargo room to meet your needs. The Subaru Forester also comes with the standard Subaru STARLINK® 6.5-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration. The CR-V offers a similar setup, but not with its base model - you'll need to pay more to unlock them.