Crossovers continue to evolve, offering more benefits to their drivers with each new model year. When it comes to these do-it-all vehicles, high on this year’s list are the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester.
These two sporty compact SUV crossovers feature a renewed commitment to providing everything you need for your travels in and around Cerritos, Buena Park, and Long Beach, CA. With this review by the team at Norm Reeves Honda Superstore Cerritos, see how they measure up against each other to decide which one can do it all for you.
STANDARD HORSEPOWER
HYBRID OPTION
PREMIUM AUDIO
Although compact in stature, the latest iterations of the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester present an imposing stance with large, bold grilles helping announce your arrival. Their still-substantial dimensions also yield plenty of wiggle room inside for you, your crew, and all your gear.
To maintain a formidable presence on the road, size matters. You want to know that your vehicle can run with the big dogs and stand up to whatever comes your way. Taking out the measuring tape reveals that the Honda CR-V is clearly the one that’s large and in charge.
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Honda CR-V
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Subaru Forester
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|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Length | 184.8 inches | 183.3 inches |
| Width | 73.5 inches | 72 inches |
Because with people comes stuff, you’ll need plenty of space to carry everyone’s essentials. When all seats are occupied, both models offer a generous trunk to load up luggage, pick up supplies for your next getaway, or transport the soccer team’s equipment. Use their 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks to open even more space. Still, the CR-V can better accommodate it all.
Easily access that cargo in either model with an available hands-free access power tailgate with programmable height. You’ll be able to view your cargo a lot easier in the CR-V, though, because it equips standard LED cargo area lights. The Forester offers no similar alternative.
Another aspect that guarantees a more enjoyable driving experience for all is having access to a variety of comforts and conveniences. The CR-V and the Forester offer a range of features that may make you consider taking the long way home.
Both models present plenty of opportunities to up the ante in the comfort department. Among their similar available amenities are:
As a result, you’ll remain relaxed for all the miles ahead. Adding to your Zen state of mind is the CR-V’s standard ambient lighting, which is unavailable in the Forester.
When you drive a vehicle like the CR-V or the Forester, you may be inclined to take some recreational toys along with you. Both models can standardly tow 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The Honda CR-V makes it even easier to load up your gear and go and keep the interior clean while doing so. Its Utility Package makes every adventure easier thanks to its roof rails, crossbars, running boards, trailer hitch, and seat protectors.
To add the perfect soundtrack to your road trip, both models provide Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. View your phone’s interface on their respective standard 7-inch touchscreens.
They each offer premium audio systems, although the sound may be clearer in the Honda that places 12 speakers around the cabin, compared to 11 in the Subaru. Plus, only the CR-V has standard Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation to ensure every note or syllable is crystal clear.
Both crossovers offer a handful of trims, providing the opportunity to choose the one that best suits your wants and needs. That said, only the Honda CR-V gives you performance options, not only for the amount of power you’ll command but also the source of that power. Let’s peek under their respective hoods, shall we?
The Subaru Forester equips a single powertrain for all its models that puts out 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While impressive on its own, it falls short of the standard engine in the CR-V that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
The Honda also takes the lead to minimize your carbon footprint and reduce emissions by offering three hybrid trim levels. They pair a high-torque traction motor with a lithium-ion battery to generate 204 total system horsepower. Only time will tell if Subaru follows with a hybrid variant; for Honda, the future is now.
When you’re behind the wheel, you want to know you can get from Point A to Point B with minimal interruptions. Spending less time and money at the pump allows you to keep the party going longer. Both the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester yield highly rated fuel economy, yet one model allows you to go the extra mile (or more)—literally.
Standard EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy |
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Hybrid 2WD EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy
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|---|---|---|
| 28 city/34 hwy MPG on 2WD gas-powered CR-V trims* | Honda CR-V | 43 city/36 hwy MPG* |
| 26 city/33 hwy MPG | Subaru Forester | N/A |
As mentioned previously, only the CR-V has a hybrid model. Also aiding the Honda’s efficiency is the Eco Assist™ System that comes standard on all CR-V trims. Again, there’s no comparable feature in the Subaru.
In the case of the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester, these two crossovers each cross off a lot of desirable features. Still, the CR-V ultimately checks off more boxes. Extra space? Check. Additional power? Check. Hybrid option? Check. Better fuel economy? Check.
Now that you’ve checked your list, it’s time to check out the Honda CR-V for yourself. Drivers in Cerritos, Buena Park, and Long Beach, CA can experience the Honda CR-V firsthand by contacting Norm Reeves Honda Superstore Cerritos. Schedule your test drive today!
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new Honda CR-V for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
Shop Honda CR-V Value Your Trade Apply for Financing Schedule a Test Drive* 28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 26 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. 43 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg rating for 2WD hybrid trim. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined mpg rating for AWD hybrid trim. Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.
