2015 Subaru Forester versus 2014 Honda CRV

Two of the most elite offerings in the Compact Cross-Over SUV market, the new 2015 Subaru Forester and the 2014 Honda CR-V are well-respected for affordability, fuel economy, handling, and a spacious interior, despite their smaller exterior sizes.
     
Both designed for carrying up to 5 people and a plentiful amount of gear, the Subaru Forester shows greater versaility, excelling at both family usefulness as well as off-road adventures.  Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which comes standard on even the base models, offers "uniform stability" and "delivers an optimal distribution of power for maximum traction, making for improved handling, efficiency, and a quick response to road conditions" for the Forester.  While the CR-V is not known as a "trail vehicle", its All-Wheel Drive is considered to be good for driving in alternate on-road weather conditions, and is available as an optional upgrade for an additional fee (not included in base MSRP).   If you want the control of manual transmission, the Forester is your only choice between the two, providing 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive standard or available Lineartronic 6-Speed Automatic Transmission, while the CR-V offers no manual transmission option and has 5-Speed Automatic Transmission standard.  
 
From a design standpoint, the Forester and CR-V are similar in size, and their difference of shape may be more of a preference, with the Subaru Forester offering a more rugged look on the outside, as well as superior passenger volume on the inside.  Both compact cross-over SUVs have a versatile cargo storage area and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats for additional storage as needed, with available roof rack and cross bar systems for added exterior storage.  The hatchback liftgate makes for easy loading and unloading, and the Forester offers an automatic liftgate option for added convenience.
 
With fuel economy and safety top-of-mind, let's explore their ratings more closely.  Both vehicles claim good fuel economy, with the Forester edging all leading competition in its class with up to 24 City and 32 Highway MPG, as compared to the CR-V's slightly lower 23 City and 31 Highway MPG.  Safety ratings are also very good for both vehicles, with the Forester coming out as the front-runner as the only model in its class to earn a top "Good" rating in the new IIHS "Small overlap front" test, with the Honda CR-V earning two grades lower with "Marginal" in this same tested area.  Although the CR-V did receive "Good" ratings in all other Crashworthiness categories from the IIHS, the Forester again prevails by achieving the "Top Safety Pick+" accolade and "Superior" Front Crash Prevention with optional equipment.  

From the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) coming standard on even the base model, to the excellent off-pavement handling, fuel economy, storage capacity, superior passenger volume, and top safety ratings in its class, the Forester makes a better all-around vehicle with a lower starting MSRP.


 

Want to learn more about the Subaru Forester?  Click  to view Forester inventory, photos, and specifications on all Foresters we have in-stock, or feel free to contact us live at (877) 358-8062.

  

   




     
     
   
All information presented on this page was obtained directly from Subaru.com, Automobiles.Honda.com, and IIHS.org. Information is deemed to be accurate but cannot be guaranteed.  Consumers are welcome to independently verify all facts against manufacturer data and to contact us with any questions, using the form above.