Subaru Forester Vs. Honda CR-V: 2026 SUV Comparison Guide
Whether you're packing up for a weekend adventure with the family or commuting to work, you want an SUV that can handle it all – so it makes sense that you're comparing the Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V. Both are well-known and well-loved compact SUV models, but which one offers the flexibility and capability that you need?
Our team at Subaru of Naples is here to help you compare Forester to CR-V iterations today so you can see how the Subaru model outpaces the competition.
Key Takeaways: 2026 Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V
- The Subaru Forester offers better visibility of the road than the CR-V thanks to its larger windows, higher ground clearance, and a boxier design.
- Both SUVs have available hybrid lineups, but only the Subaru Forester has standard all-wheel drive.
- The Forester can tow more than the CR-V when properly equipped.
- The 2026 Forester is a Top Safety Pick+ award winner,1 whereas the CR-V is not.2
Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V Specs Comparison Overview
| Subaru Forester | Honda CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cyl | 1.5L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 180 | 190 |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 179 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Max Towing Capacity | 1,500 - 3,500 lbs3 | 1,000 - 1,500 lbs4 |
| Length | 182.9 - 183.3 in | 184.8 in |
| Width | 72 - 72.4 in | 73.5 in |
| Height | 68.1 - 69.3 in | 66.2 - 66.5 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 - 9.3 in | 7.8 - 8.2 in |
| Cargo Space (Min / Max) | 27.5 - 29.6 / 69.1 - 74.4 cu ft | 36.3 - 39.3 / 71.8 - 76.5 cu ft |
Forester vs. CR-V: Performance and Specs
The Honda CR-V brings slightly higher horsepower to the table, but the Subaru Forester has standard all-wheel drive, meaning you're ready for rain, gravel, or a last-minute weekend escape without needing to upgrade or think ahead.
The higher ground clearance on the Subaru Forester gives you more freedom to explore, with even more capability in the Wilderness model. Towing tells a similar story: The CR-V handles lighter loads, while the Forester steps up when you need it. Haul your gear with either a standard 1,500-pound or available 3,500-pound towing capacity.3
Fuel economy is competitive, too, with the new Forester earning up to 26/33 MPG (City/Highway),5 compared to the CR-V, which gets up to 27/31 MPG (City/Highway),6 with all-wheel drive.
Forester Hybrid vs. CR-V Hybrid: How Do They Compare?
The Subaru Forester Hybrid lineup offers 194 total hybrid system horsepower, comes with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, and provides a combined total range of 581 miles7 on a single tank of fuel. All hybrid variants have a CVT, and there are four hybrid trims: Premium Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Limited Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid. Like the standard gas configurations, the Forester Hybrid can tow up to 1,500 pounds.3
The CR-V, on the other hand, has three hybrid trims: Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, and Sport-L Hybrid. These iterations make 204 combined horsepower and offer a combined total range of 560 miles7 on a single tank of fuel, with front wheel drive standard on all but the TrailSport Hybrid. Unlike the rest of the CR-V range, the hybrid models only tow up to 1,000 pounds.4
Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V Dimensions
Both classified as compact SUVs, the Forester and CR-V are just below 185 inches in length, with the CR-V extending a bit longer than the Subaru. Where they really differ, though, is in their ground clearance numbers.
The base Honda CR-V sits just 7.8 inches off the ground, with all-wheel drive models sitting higher at 8.2 inches. These measurements are higher than your average sedan, but they aren't ideal if you plan to drive on rougher roads with deep ruts or larger rocks.
The Subaru Forester has a minimum ground clearance of 8.7 inches, which is better suited for moderate off-roading. When you opt for the Wilderness trim, you get 9.3 inches of ground clearance, which gives you added confidence when traversing steep logs or mounds, thick snow or mud, and even big potholes in the city.
In terms of the interior, the Honda CR-V has a slight leg up in cargo space; however, the Forester boasts more overall passenger volume and front- and rear-seat headroom, creating a taller, airier cabin. If increased visibility and comfort are priorities to you, a Forester lease package could be an excellent option.
2026 Forester vs. CR-V Interior and Tech Features
The Subaru Forester begins its lineup with cloth seating, a 7-inch touchscreen, and dual automatic climate control. However, every trim aside from the base model comes with a large, tablet-style 11.6-inch touchscreen display. As you ascend the trims, available appointments like a Harman Kardon® sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, and leather upholstery become available. Standard Subaru EyeSight safety features include:
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
- Pre-Collision Braking
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Automatic Emergency Steering
The Honda CR-V has a standard 9-inch touchscreen that's the same on every trim, meaning a larger display is not available. Plus, while it offers options like a Bose® premium sound system, leather-trimmed seats, and heated front seats, it does not have heated rear seats or front seat ventilation like the Forester. Honda CR-V standard safety features include:
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Forward Collision Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Traffic Sign Recognition
Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V Safety
Safety ratings are usually one of the top priorities for drivers purchasing a new car, as they should be. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is one of the primary leaders in the industry, conducting crash tests to assess a vehicle's crashworthiness and protection of the occupants inside. We're proud to report that the 2026 Subaru Forester has earned the highest award the IIHS presents: a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ award.1 It also received a "Good" rating on every metric.1 In fact, the Forester has earned an award from the IIHS every single year for more than a decade,1 making a used Subaru Forester a wise pick for drivers who don't want to buy new.
The 2026 CR-V has not been awarded by the IIHS, getting a few "Average" and "Poor" ratings this year in certain crash test simulations.2
Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V Reliability
When it comes to reliability, both the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V have been showing up, year after year, for drivers who expect their SUV to be durable and perform well. For 2026, both models receive a "Great" Quality & Reliability Rating from J.D. Power, with the CR-V scoring 83 out of 100 and the Forester close behind at 81.8,9
That small gap on paper doesn't tell the whole story. The Forester has a reputation for holding up well in active, outdoor-heavy lifestyles, where wear and tear tend to show up faster.
The CR-V is known for its consistency and generally low-maintenance ownership experience. If your priority is a dependable daily driver with a strong track record, either SUV will deliver. But if you want that reliability paired with all-weather confidence, strong safety ratings, and more built-in durability, the Subaru Forester is the top option.
Test-Drive the New Subaru Forester at Subaru of Naples
Safety, capability, utility, and comfort all in one: That's what you get with the Subaru Forester. While the Honda CR-V certainly delivers in its own way, it just doesn't hold a candle to the off-road prowess and impressive safety ratings offered by the Forester lineup. See what we mean by visiting our Subaru Forester dealer for an in-person tour and test drive.
Have your eye on a specific trim level? We have Subaru deals that are designed to help drivers like you upgrade to your ideal model at a price that fits your budget. Come see us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the Subaru Forester over the Honda CR-V?
The 2026 Subaru Forester has standard all-wheel drive, more towing power, and earns a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, which the CR-V lacks.1,2 It is also well-equipped for off-roading and has more passenger volume, which can be ideal for outdoor excursions and long road trips.
Which is better for off-road driving: the Forester or CR-V?
The Subaru Forester is better for off-road driving. Not only does it have standard AWD, which the CR-V lacks, but it also has higher ground clearance, a higher towing capacity, and off-road-focused engineering. The CR-V is capable, but it is best used for light trails. The Forester, especially the Wilderness model, is ideal for clearing deeper ruts and larger obstacles.
Does the driver have better visibility driving a 2026 Subaru Forester or a Honda CR-V?
When it comes to maintaining the driver's visibility and confidence, the Subaru Forester offers clearer views of the road thanks to its raised ground clearance, larger windows, and boxier design. Due to these factors, you can expect to have fewer blind spots in a Forester model, which may also play a role in its superior safety ratings.
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/subaru/forester-4-door-suv/2026
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/honda/cr-v-4-door-suv/2026
3Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
4Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
5EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
6Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
7EPA estimate. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2026/honda/cr-v
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2026/subaru/forester
