Expansive Exterior

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.

Everything about the Honda CR-V is imposing in the best way possible. It features a range of bold color options and pairs its aggressive proportions with an optional dual chrome exhaust that leaves no room for interpretation. While the Forester has a few of its own impressive design features, it’s the CR-V that steals the show.

Stow and Go

Because with people comes stuff, you’ll need plenty of space to carry everyone’s essentials. When all seats are occupied, the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester 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.

• Honda CR-V Cargo Volume (behind rear/front seats): 39.3/76.5 cubic feet
• Subaru Forester Cargo Volume (behind rear/front seats): 29.6/74.4 cubic feet

Easily access that cargo in either model with an available hands-free access power tailgate with programmable height. As long as the key fob is in your purse or pocket, you can open the tailgate with a simple gesture, eliminating the need to put objects down. While standard on half of the CR-V trims, this feature only comes standard with two of the Forester’s trims.

Enjoy the Ride Ahead

Inside the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to up the ante in the comfort department. Even with a road trip ahead, you can settle into either cabin and know you’re in for a fun, memorable experience. Among their similar available amenities are:

• Leather-trimmed seats
• 10-way power-adjustable driver seat
• Dual-zone climate control
• Power moonroof

As a result, you’ll remain relaxed for all the miles ahead. Adding to your Zen state of mind is the CR-V’s ambient lighting system. When optionally equipped, the CR-V's cabin glows with soft white or warm amber lighting, setting the tone for a relaxing commute. Sadly, no ambient lighting is offered in the Forester.

Connected Across Every Mile

Everyone knows the most enjoyable commutes include your favorite songs playing in the background. With standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, it’s easy to access curated playlists through the intuitive touchscreen display. Taking a closer look, it’s clear the CR-V adds unparalleled convenience to your entertainment experience.

You’ll find the same number of standard speakers with the CR-V and the Forester. Audiophiles will surely want to upgrade the listening experience to the optional premium audio system, although the sound may be clearer in the Honda. Only this SUV features the Bose® Premium Sound System, which adds 12 speakers around the cabin and a subwoofer. The Forester, on the other hand, maxes out at 11 speakers and lacks a subwoofer.

Power Players

The Subaru Forester equips a single powertrain for all its models that puts out 180 horsepower (HP) and 178 lb-ft of torque. While impressive on its own, it falls short of the standard engine in the Honda CR-V that produces 190 HP 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. These trims pair a high-torque traction motor with a lithium-ion battery to generate 204 total system HP. Only time will tell if Subaru follows with a hybrid variant; for Honda, the future is now.

Travel Farther With Fewer Interruptions

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 at the pump allows you to keep the party going longer. 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.

As mentioned, 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.