In the incredibly competitive compact SUV market, the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V stand out as consistent best-sellers, a position they’ve held for over two decades by excelling in practicality, technology, safety, and overall value. These vehicles resonate with a wide range of drivers because they seamlessly blend everyday versatility with user-friendly design.
For consumers navigating the complexities of choosing a new vehicle, an in-depth, unbiased comparison is essential. This article, adopting a comprehensive and data-driven approach, delves into the specific attributes that contribute to the consistent success of these two compact crossover titans. We aim to empower prospective buyers with the actionable insights needed to make an informed purchasing decision, free from marketing hype.
We will meticulously evaluate the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V across several critical categories, examining their performance, fuel efficiency, safety innovations, interior appointments, and technological offerings. By dissecting the nuanced differences and distinct advantages each model presents, we uncover why these two popular SUVs remain at the pinnacle of their class, year after year.
1. **Engine Performance & Dynamics (Gasoline Models)**
At the heart of any vehicle lies its powertrain, and here the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V present distinct philosophies for their gasoline-only variants. The 2023 Honda CR-V is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine, generating 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester features a 2.5-liter flat-four, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
While the 2023 Forester, in some configurations, offered a slight edge in raw acceleration, clocking 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds (or 8.1 seconds for the Wilderness trim) compared to the CR-V’s 8.7 seconds, the landscape shifts with the latest models. The 2025 Forester’s base engine, a four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower, achieves 0 to 60 mph in a slower 9.2 seconds. This is notably less potent than the 2025 Honda CR-V’s 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, which offers acceleration that is “at least a second quicker than the Subaru, both at the test track and in the real world.”
When it comes to the driving dynamics, the CR-V’s 1.5-liter I-4 engine is often highlighted for its smoother operation, producing less noise and vibration while delivering its turbocharged power lower in the RPM range, making it feel more refined and responsive for daily commutes.
Both vehicles utilize a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic, but their execution differs. The Honda’s CVT is praised for not “sling[ing] the revs about or attempt[ing] to mimic gear shifts like the Subaru’s does,” leading to a smoother and more consistent power delivery. This contrast in CVT behavior can significantly impact the perceived refinement and driving pleasure.
Ultimately, when considering the overall driving experience, Edmunds’ automotive experts concluded that “regardless of powertrain, the answer is the CR-V. It’s quieter and has sharper steering. The ride is more comfortable, yet it also handles better.” While the Forester “is fine and will get you where you’re going,” the CR-V is described as being “more than that,” indicating a more engaging and enjoyable daily drive.
2. **Fuel Efficiency (Gasoline Models)**
Fuel economy remains a top priority for compact SUV buyers, and the Honda CR-V generally demonstrates a slight advantage over the Subaru Forester in its gasoline-powered configurations. For 2023 models, the front-wheel-drive CR-V earned an EPA rating of 28/34 mpg city/highway, while its all-wheel-drive (AWD) counterpart achieved 27/32 mpg.
In comparison, the 2023 AWD-equipped Forester was rated at 26/33 mpg. This indicates a marginally lower city fuel economy for the Subaru in its standard AWD setup. The efficiency gap widens when considering specialized trims, as the Forester Wilderness, with its off-road enhancements, saw its ratings drop to 25/28 mpg, making it the least fuel-efficient gasoline Forester variant.
However, for the most recent iterations, the fuel economy figures are remarkably close. Edmunds reported that for the 2025 models, “fuel economy is basically even between the Forester and the turbocharged CR-V.” Consumers can expect “an EPA-estimated 28-29 mpg combined for the Forester and CR-V depending on trim level,” suggesting that the differences in gasoline efficiency have largely converged.
Despite this equalization for 2025, it is important to note that the CR-V previously edged ahead slightly in overall gasoline efficiency. This was often attributed to its turbocharged engine and the availability of a front-wheel-drive option, which the Forester does not offer, as all Subaru Forester models come standard with AWD.
3. **Advanced Safety & Driver-Assist Systems**
In an era where safety features are increasingly sophisticated, both the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V demonstrate a strong commitment to occupant protection and driver assistance. It is highly commendable that even regular SUVs now include advanced driver-assist and active safety features that were previously exclusive to luxury vehicles. Every grade of both the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V comes equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and front automatic emergency braking, providing a robust foundation of standard safety.
However, a crucial distinction exists in the breadth of standard features offered on entry-level models. According to MotorTrend, “only the CR-V includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, features that don’t come on basic Forester models.” This means that consumers opting for the most affordable Forester trim might miss out on these valuable situational awareness technologies, which are standard across the CR-V lineup.
In terms of user experience and system functionality, expert opinions indicate a preference for Honda’s suite. MotorTrend reviewers stated, “we prefer the functionality of the Honda Sensing suite over the Subaru EyeSight equivalent. Its operation feels smoother and more natural, and it doesn’t make all the annoying cautionary beeps that EyeSight does.” This suggests that while both systems offer similar protective capabilities, Honda’s implementation may provide a less intrusive and more intuitive driving assist experience.
For the 2025 model year, Subaru emphasizes its “EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology,” which includes “Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Advanced Adaptive Lighting.” Subaru highlights that EyeSight is “standard on every Forester trim, a major advantage for budget-conscious buyers seeking top-tier safety,” and it has been “proven in real-world crash prevention scenarios and praised for user-friendliness.”
The 2025 Honda CR-V also features Honda Sensing®, offering “similar functionality” to EyeSight. However, Edmunds notes that “it’s not as seamless or customizable, and some drivers report more aggressive lane-keeping alerts.” This suggests that while both systems aim for comprehensive safety, the CR-V’s system might be perceived as less refined in its alerts and personalization options, which could influence a driver’s daily interaction with the technology.
4. **Interior Design, Quality, and Ergonomics**
While both the 2023 CR-V and 2023 Forester provide functional interiors, neither has “wowed” reviewers with groundbreaking design. However, the Honda CR-V has generally “impressed us slightly more than the Subaru” in terms of its cabin aesthetics and tactile quality. Inside the Honda, a “handsome horizontal line that runs across the entire dash” is complemented by an “attractive honeycomb pattern,” lending a more cohesive and contemporary appearance. The CR-V’s interior also benefits from “nice tactile elements like the clicky HVAC control knobs and airflow toggles,” enhancing the sense of quality through user interaction.
MotorTrend reviewers noted that while the CR-V’s cabin “doesn’t blow us away” when compared to rivals like the 2023 Kia Sportage, it offers a more “up-to-date” feel and a preferred “straightforward nature” for its controls. This emphasis on clear organization and quality materials contributes to a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing environment for daily use, which is a key aspect of consumer satisfaction.
In contrast, the Subaru Forester’s interior, even in its 2025 redesigned form, maintains a more “rugged and simple dashboard without much design flair.” While some guises of the Forester’s interior can look “upscale,” its “control scheme and overall layout is dated.” Reviewers have specifically pointed out that they “don’t love the disorganized layout of screens, dials, and buttons,” which can make the cabin feel less intuitive and modern. Although drivers “will get used to the Forester’s cabin over time,” the initial impression and overall design philosophy differ significantly from the CR-V.
The Forester’s interior materials are typically described as “sturdy rather than posh” and “fit together well,” which aligns with Subaru’s practical image but might not satisfy those seeking a more luxurious or technologically advanced cabin; the CR-V generally offers a more modern feel with intuitive and pleasant controls.
5. **Infotainment and Connectivity**
When it comes to in-car technology and infotainment, the balance between screen size, functionality, and ease of use is critical for consumer satisfaction. For the 2023 models, the Forester’s standard 6.5-inch and available 8.0-inch touchscreens, while not as large as the CR-V’s standard 7.0-inch and available 9.0-inch equivalents, were deemed “very easy to use.” Furthermore, most Forester trims included a secondary 6.3-inch display higher on the dashboard, keeping useful information within the driver’s line of sight.
However, with the 2025 redesign, the Forester gained a prominent 11.4-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen on all but the base model. While impressive in size, this system has been criticized for being “slow to respond and its graphics look dated.” Reviewers noted that despite “huge icons” that are “easy to see and tap,” the system “often fails to respond quickly.” A significant drawback is that Subaru “makes you use the screen for many common climate settings,” and the screen “can take 10 to 20 seconds to respond to inputs on startup,” with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto also suffering from “maddening input lag.”
In comparison, the 2025 Honda CR-V’s infotainment system, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen (standard on all but the base model, and on all CR-V Hybrids for 2026), may not look as visually striking as the Forester’s larger display, but it is often considered “better to live with.” While “running on an older version of Honda’s infotainment,” it is praised for being “easy to find everything” and, crucially, for having “no lag whether you’re using the system or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto wirelessly.”
The CR-V’s design also benefits from ergonomic considerations, with its screen “placed up higher on the dashboard where it’s easier to see while driving.” Honda’s decision to “not try to jam those controls in the screen and keeps them physical,” rather than integrating them into the touchscreen, results in a more user-friendly “interior ecosystem.” This contrasts with the Forester, where drivers might feel they “end up looking down at your lap sometimes to see the bottom of the screen (aka where the climate controls are).”
Further enhancing the user experience, the Honda CR-V features a “nicely rubberized” wireless charging pad that effectively “keeps your phone from sliding around,” a notable improvement over the Forester’s “slick pad without rails” which struggles to secure a phone during turns, leading to charging interruptions and rattling.
6. **Hybrid Powertrain Efficiency**
The shift towards more sustainable and economical driving has made hybrid powertrains a significant differentiator in the compact SUV segment. For 2025, Subaru finally introduced its Forester Hybrid, aiming to compete with established players like the Honda CR-V Hybrid, which has been available for some time. This new offering from Subaru pairs electric motors with a gasoline engine, primarily designed to enhance fuel usage, especially in low-speed, stop-and-go city driving conditions.
However, when examining the official EPA ratings, the Honda CR-V Hybrid typically demonstrates a notable advantage. Front-wheel-drive CR-V Hybrid models boast impressive figures of 43 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and a combined 40 mpg. Even its all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants achieve 40 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and a respectable 37 mpg combined. Our test vehicle for the CR-V Hybrid averaged around 36 mpg during a week of varied driving, closely aligning with these estimates.
In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, while a welcome addition to the lineup, is less economical than its Honda counterpart. EPA estimates for the Forester Hybrid stand at 35 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined. During our testing, we managed to slightly exceed this, reaching 37 mpg in mixed driving conditions. This difference in efficiency can be partly attributed to Subaru’s engineering philosophy; it utilizes some Toyota hybrid technology but retains the gas-powered Forester’s engine and drivetrain, with an eye towards maintaining off-road capability, which can impact overall fuel economy.
It’s also worth noting that while hybrids excel in urban environments and stop-and-go traffic, neither the Forester Hybrid nor the CR-V Hybrid are ultra-efficient on long highway stretches. Drivers should generally anticipate mileage in the low 30s from either a gas or a hybrid model during extended interstate travel. This highlights that the primary fuel-saving benefits of these hybrid systems are most pronounced during daily commutes and city driving, where they can frequently switch between electric and gasoline power.
When comparing hybrid models, the CR-V Hybrid presents a more approachable entry point at $34,650, with only a modest $2,000 to $3,000 increase over its gasoline counterpart and the option of front-wheel drive for further savings, whereas the Forester Hybrid starts at a higher $36,595 and quickly surpasses $40,000 on upper trims, making the CR-V a more budget-friendly choice with better fuel economy potential.
