Subaru Forester Vs. Honda CR-V: A Comprehensive Comparison
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2026 Subaru Forester at a Glance
- Compact SUV with two rows
- Up to an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- 11 exterior colors and nine interior color and material combinations, with every trim sporting unique combinations
- 6 trim levels
- Up to 3,500 pounds of towing strength when properly equipped
2026 Honda CR-V at a Glance
- Compact SUV with two rows
- Up to an EPA-estimated 28/33/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
- Standard FWD or available AWD
- 7 exterior colors and two interior color and material combinations
- 3 trim levels
- Up to 1,500 pounds of towing strength when properly equipped
2026 Subaru Forester vs. 2026 Honda CR-V Overview
There are plenty of similarities and differences to uncover in a Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V comparison. Both of these compact SUVs have comparable dimensions, performance, creature comforts, and convenience features. They also both offer gas-only and hybrid powertrains, though our review will focus on the gas models. So, how do you decide which one comes out ahead and deserves to be your next daily driver?
In our guide, we'll explore key categories for these sport-utes, including their power specifications, exterior builds, and cabin amenities to help you answer the above question. Buckle up, and join the team here at Wallace Subaru of Johnson City as we embark on a head-to-head compact crossover battle between two icons of the segment: 2026 Subaru Forester vs. 2026 Honda CR-V.
Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V: Specs & Performance
Right out of the gate, the Forester and CR-V specs appear to be fairly comparable. However, a closer look reveals that the Subaru Forester is the more exploration-friendly SUV – and won't upcharge you for things the Honda CR-V will. For instance, its standard Symmetrical AWD system is a major bonus, especially considering you would have to spend more to upgrade your front-wheel-drive Honda CR-V to all-wheel drive. Check out how else these two SUVs stack up below.
| Specification | 2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 Honda CR-V |
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cyl | 1.5L turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 180 | 190 |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 179 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Transmission |
|
CVT |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 26 / 33 / 29 (AWD)1 |
|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal | 14 gal |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs3 | 1,500 lbs4 |
While the Honda CR-V has a slightly higher fuel economy rating overall, it is for the FWD version. The AWD iteration renders up to an EPA-estimated 27/31/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),2 which means it's more on par with the comparable AWD Forester, which boasts up to an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1
The 2026 Forester also has a larger fuel tank capacity than the 2026 CR-V, meaning you can travel farther before stopping to refuel, given their identical 29 MPG (Combined) all-wheel-drive fuel ratings.1,2 In fact, with its 16.6-gallon tank, the standard AWD Forester can go longer between fillups than the standard FWD CR-V, despite the Honda SUV having a slightly higher fuel rating. The Subaru Forester has up to an EPA-estimated 481 miles of gas-only range,5 compared to just 420 miles of gas-only range for the Honda CR-V.5
Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V: Towing Capacity
The Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V SUVs measure up equally when it comes to towing capacity in most trims. Both can haul up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. However, if you opt for the adventure-ready 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness trim, your towing capacity increases to a maximum of 3,500 pounds.3 If towing is an important aspect of SUV ownership for you, consider the Forester Wilderness performance – you still get compact agility, but you'll be able to pull 2,000 pounds more than if you go with its Honda competitor.3,4
The Forester also comes standard with Trailer Stability Assist, providing ample peace of mind when pulling heavy cargo in the back. While the Honda CR-V provides standard Vehicle Stability Assist, it is not tailored specifically toward the attached cargo. The fact that the Forester has standard Symmetrical AWD, along with Active Torque Vectoring, already puts it in a class above the Honda CR-V for towing capabilities.
Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V: Dimensions
Are you wondering how the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V compare in terms of dimensions? Starting with the exterior, the CR-V is longer and wider, but the Forester is taller. This is actually another advantage for the Forester when it comes to off-road potential. The shorter length gives it a better breakover angle, and the tighter width makes it easier to maneuver on narrow trails. Plus, its height advantage gives you a better view of the road – or lack thereof – ahead of you.
There's one other major exterior benefit to the Subaru Forester when it comes to exploration: ground clearance. The Honda CR-V starts you out with 7.8 inches of ride height in front-wheel-drive models, increasing that measurement to 8.2 inches when you opt for all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Subaru Forester has 8.7 inches along with its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in most trims – pick the trail-conquering Forester Wilderness we mentioned earlier, and that raises to 9.3 inches.
Now let's climb inside their cabins. The 2026 Subaru Forester prioritizes passenger comfort. You'll have more overall headroom in both rows, plus more front headroom and rear shoulder room. In the two categories where the CR-V has the advantage – rear legroom and front shoulder room – the differences are so negligible that you're likely not to notice.
Check out more about these crossover SUVs' dimensions in the chart below.
| Specification | 2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 Honda CR-V |
| 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 |
| Max. Cargo Capacity | 74.4 cu ft | 76.5 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Volume | 106.6 - 110.8 cu ft | 103.5 - 106 cu ft |
| Max. Headroom (Front / Rear) | 41.2 / 39.6 in | 40 / 38.2 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 43.3 / 39.4 in | 41.3 / 41 in |
| Shoulder Room (Front / Rear) | 57.7 / 56.7 in | 57.9 / 55.9 in |
Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V: Trim Levels
For their pure-gasoline variants, the Honda CR-V has just three trim levels, while the Subaru Forester gives you six distinct options, which are often all available in our new Subaru inventory. Right off the bat, this provides more flexibility in finding the most value-packed trim when shopping the 2026 Forester.
2026 Honda CR-V Trim Levels
- 2026 Honda CR-V LX
- 2026 Honda CR-V EX
- 2026 Honda CR-V EX-L
2026 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
- 2026 Subaru Forester Base
- 2026 Subaru Forester Premium
- 2026 Subaru Forester Sport
- 2026 Subaru Forester Limited
- 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness
- 2026 Subaru Forester Touring
Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V: Interior & Technology
In terms of interior features between the two models, you can find a bit more in the Subaru Forester. For instance, the Forester comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control. The CR-V has a single-zone automatic climate control system as standard, with an upgrade available for a dual-zone system. Plus, the Subaru Forester features an under-floor cargo compartment in the back in nearly every trim. The Honda CR-V fails to offer this in any model.
For infotainment, the 2026 Forester boasts a dual 7-inch multimedia system on the entry-level model or an 11.6-inch display inside the remainder of the lineup. By contrast, the Honda CR-V has a 9-inch display with no option to upgrade. Both SUVs start out with a four-speaker audio system (with available six-speaker upgrades), USB connectivity, and steering-wheel-mounted controls. However, you won't find the option for a premium sound system in the gas Honda CR-V, which tops out with an eight-speaker system. On the other hand, your Subaru Forester can be had with a premium 11-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system.
The Forester has cloth, StarTex water-repellent, and leather-trimmed upholstery options. Meanwhile, the CR-V offers cloth and leather. Heated front seats are available in both SUVs, but the Subaru Forester takes it up a notch with available heated second-row seats. The Forester also has an available heated steering wheel, an amenity not offered in the gasoline-powered CR-V, just like the heated second-row seats. While there are some similarities, we think the 2026 Forester has the upper hand when it comes to interior amenities in our Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V matchup.
Explore the Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V Further at Our Dealership
Ultimately, the Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V comparison ends with the Forester at the top – in our opinion. From its standard Symmetrical AWD and greater interior dimensions to its more impressive list of features, the Forester paces ahead of the CR-V in several categories. Experience all that the new Subaru Forester for sale has to offer at Wallace Subaru of Johnson City today.
While you're here, don't forget to ask about our Subaru Forester deals. We frequently have incentives that allow you to have a little more flexibility in your new lease or purchase. We look forward to working with you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV is more fuel-efficient: the Subaru Forester or Honda CR-V?
The Honda CR-V has a slightly better fuel efficiency, reaching up to an EPA-estimated 28/33/30 (City/Highway/Combined).2 However, this is for the FWD model. The AWD Honda CR-V has an EPA-estimated rating of 27/31/29 (City/Highway/Combined),2 making it closer to the Subaru Forester EPA-estimated rating of 26/33/29 (City/Highway/Combined)1 with standard Symmetrical AWD.
What engine options are available in the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V?
Putting aside both SUVs' hybrid options, the Forester and CR-V each offer one gas-only engine. The CR-V is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, and the Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Honda CR-V puts out 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, while the Forester delivers 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
What is the towing capacity of the Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V?
The towing capacity for the Subaru Forester is a maximum of 3,500 pounds3 with the Wilderness trim. All other Forester trim levels can tow up to 1,500 pounds.3 In contrast, the Honda CR-V can only tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped in each trim. If you plan to tow, the increased capacity and towing features in the Forester make it a superior choice.
Discover More Subaru Model Comparisons
1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
2Based 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.
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.
5Estimated ranges provided are subject to variation based on factors such as fuel levels, driving habits, road conditions, and individual vehicle performance. These estimates should be used for comparison purposes only and shall not be solely relied upon.
