Matchup
Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester
The 2026 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid against the 2026 Forester Sport, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 24, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the Forester costs $7,755 less: $36,245 against $44,000 for the CR-V, destination included. PublishedHondaPublishedSubaru
- The Forester stops from 70 mph in 172 ft, 10 ft shorter than the CR-V (182 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- The CR-V is rated 37 mpg combined by the EPA, 9 mpg better than the Forester (28 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the CR-V costs about $584 a year less to run: $1,815/yr against $2,399/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
Who each one suits
The CR-V hybrid gets 37 mpg against 28, costs about $584 a year less to run, gets to 60 mph 1.2 s sooner and has 7.2 cu ft more cargo space behind the second row.
The Forester costs $7,755 less in these trims and is the stronger safety pick: 10 ft shorter from 70 mph, low beams that reach 114 ft farther, and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ against the CR-V’s Poor grade in the moderate overlap test.
At a glance
| CR-V | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $44,000PublishedHonda | $36,245PublishedSubaru |
| Powertrain | 2.0 L Atkinson four + generator + 181-hp traction motor (two-motor hybrid) · Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System (on-demand rear coupling) | 2.5 L flat-four (boxer), naturally aspirated · Symmetrical AWD |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 8.3 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 182 ft (55.5 m)TestedCar and Driver | 172 ft (52.4 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 34.7 cu ft (983 L)PublishedHonda | 27.5 cu ft (779 L)PublishedSubaru |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Honda | 6Simulatedfrom Subaru |
| Seats | 5PublishedHonda | 5PublishedSubaru |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/P/G | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
Acceleration
The CR-V gets to 60 mph 1.2 s sooner: 7.1 s against 8.3 s.
| CR-V | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 204 hp (152 kW)PublishedHonda | 180 hp (134 kW)PublishedSubaru |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft (335 Nm)PublishedHonda | 178 lb-ft (241 Nm)PublishedSubaru |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 8.3 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 7.2 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 8.3 sSimulatedfrom Subaru |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 5.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 6.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 15.8 sTestedCar and Driver | 16.6 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
The Forester stops from 70 mph in 172 ft, 10 ft shorter than the CR-V (182 ft).
| CR-V | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 182 ft (55.5 m)TestedCar and Driver | 172 ft (52.4 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | no data | 123 ft (37.5 m)TestedMotorTrend |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 373 ft (113.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 357 ft (108.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 285 ft (86.8 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 275 ft (83.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 173 ft (52.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 166 ft (50.5 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
NHTSA puts the CR-V’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 15.5% risk against 17.4% risk for the Forester.
| CR-V | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 15.5% riskTestedNHTSA | 4★ · 17.4% riskTestedNHTSA |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.24Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.21Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
Efficiency and running costs
The CR-V is rated 37 mpg combined by the EPA, 9 mpg better than the Forester (28 mpg).
| CR-V | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $1,815/yrDerivedEPA | $2,399/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Drag coefficient | 0.36DerivedEPA | 0.35DerivedEPA |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
The Forester turns in a 1.6 ft tighter circle: 35.4 ft against 37.0 ft.
| CR-V | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.81 gTestedCar and Driver | 0.82 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.81 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.82 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.25 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.27 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 37.0 ft (11.3 m)PublishedHonda | 35.4 ft (10.8 m)PublishedSubaru |
| Ground clearance | 8.2 in (21 cm)PublishedHonda | 8.7 in (22 cm)PublishedSubaru |
| Tires | Michelin Primacy A/S 235/55R19 all-season · 235/55R19TestedCar and Driver | Bridgestone Turanza EL450 235/50R19 99V M+S all-season · 235/50R19TestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
The CR-V has 7.2 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 34.7 cu ft against 27.5 cu ft.
| CR-V | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5PublishedHonda | 5PublishedSubaru |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Honda | 6Simulatedfrom Subaru |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 0Simulatedfrom Honda | 0Simulatedfrom Subaru |
| Cargo behind the second row | 34.7 cu ft (983 L)PublishedHonda | 27.5 cu ft (779 L)PublishedSubaru |
| Cargo, seats folded | 71.8 cu ft (2,033 L)PublishedHonda | 69.1 cu ft (1,957 L)PublishedSubaru |
| Towing | 1,000 lb (454 kg)PublishedHonda | 1,500 lb (680 kg)PublishedSubaru |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | 0.0 in (0 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda | +1.4 in (4 cm)Simulatedfrom Subaru |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +2.3 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda | +3.7 in (9 cm)Simulatedfrom Subaru |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +5.3 in (13 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda | +6.5 in (16 cm)Simulatedfrom Subaru |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.5 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulatedfrom Subaru |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +4.4 in (11 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda | +3.3 in (8 cm)Simulatedfrom Subaru |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | −0.1 in head · +0.1 in kneeSimulatedfrom Honda | −0.5 in head · −1.0 in kneeSimulatedfrom Subaru |
| Front head room, published | 38.2 in (97 cm)PublishedHonda | 40.0 in (102 cm)PublishedSubaru |
| Rear head room, published | 38.2 in (97 cm)PublishedHonda | 37.7 in (96 cm)PublishedSubaru |
| Rear leg room, published | 41.0 in (104 cm)PublishedHonda | 39.4 in (100 cm)PublishedSubaru |
Cabin noise
No meaningful gap between the CR-V and the Forester on what we can measure here.
| CR-V | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | 68 dBATestedCar and Driver | 68 dBATestedCar and Driver |
Visibility
Drivers see 43% of the ground within 33 ft of the Forester’s nose and 38% in the CR-V.
| CR-V | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 20 ft (6.1 m)Simulated | 21 ft (6.4 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 38%Simulated | 43%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Forester and still stop inside the lit road is 79 mph; in the CR-V it’s 62 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction).
| CR-V | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 281 ft (85.7 m)TestedIIHS | 395 ft (120.3 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 62 mph (100 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 79 mph (128 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 481 ft (146.6 m)TestedIIHS | 449 ft (136.9 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the Forester rates Good and the CR-V Poor.
| CR-V | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5★TestedNHTSA | 5★TestedNHTSA |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | PoorTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | no data | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 3,890 lb (1,764 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 3,656 lb (1,658 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Honda CR-V
- The CR-V is rated 37 mpg combined by the EPA, 9 mpg better than the Forester (28 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the CR-V costs about $584 a year less to run: $1,815/yr against $2,399/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The CR-V gets to 60 mph 1.2 s sooner: 7.1 s against 8.3 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- The CR-V has 7.2 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 34.7 cu ft against 27.5 cu ft. PublishedHondaPublishedSubaru
- Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 5.2 s in the CR-V and 6.4 s in the Forester. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- NHTSA puts the CR-V’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 15.5% risk against 17.4% risk for the Forester. TestedNHTSATestedNHTSA
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +4.4 in of knee room in the CR-V and +3.3 in in the Forester. Simulatedfrom HondaSimulatedfrom Subaru
- It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the CR-V; the Forester goes over at 11 mph. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA
Subaru Forester
- In the trims shown, the Forester costs $7,755 less: $36,245 against $44,000 for the CR-V, destination included. PublishedHondaPublishedSubaru
- The Forester stops from 70 mph in 172 ft, 10 ft shorter than the CR-V (182 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the Forester rates Good and the CR-V Poor. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Forester and still stop inside the lit road is 79 mph; in the CR-V it’s 62 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
- IIHS measured the Forester’s low beams lighting the road 114 ft farther on a straightaway: 395 ft against 281 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +1.4 in between head and headliner in the Forester and 0.0 in in the CR-V. Simulatedfrom HondaSimulatedfrom Subaru
- The Forester is rated to tow 500 lb more: 1,500 lb against 1,000 lb. PublishedHondaPublishedSubaru
- The Forester turns in a 1.6 ft tighter circle: 35.4 ft against 37.0 ft. PublishedHondaPublishedSubaru
- Drivers see 43% of the ground within 33 ft of the Forester’s nose and 38% in the CR-V. Simulated
Other trims
- CR-V EX-L AWD
- CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid · on this page
- Forester Sport · on this page
- Forester Touring Hybrid
Keep comparing
- All the Honda CR-V figures
- All the Subaru Forester figures
- Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4
- Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson
- Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5
- Honda CR-V vs Volkswagen Tiguan
- Honda CR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross
- Honda CR-V vs Tesla Model Y
- Honda CR-V vs Honda Accord
- Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4
- Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-50
- Subaru Forester vs Hyundai Tucson
Sources
- American Honda: 2026 CR-V trims and starting MSRP (excludes $1,450 destination) (2026-10)
- Subaru of America: 2026 Forester pricing (Sport $34,795, Touring Hybrid $41,545; $1,450 destination) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Comparison test: CR-V Hybrid, CX-50 Hybrid, Forester Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid (2026 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid AWD) (2025-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2025 Subaru Forester Sport (2024-05)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Honda CR-V AWD (1.5 L turbo, id 49487) and CR-V Hybrid AWD (id 49488) ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Subaru Forester AWD (id 49532) and Forester Hybrid AWD (id 50131) ratings (2026-10)
- Honda News (American Honda): 2026 Honda CR-V Specifications & Features (2025-08)
- Subaru of America: 2026 Forester specifications (dimensions, weights, engines, brakes, interior, cargo) (2025-03)
- MotorTrend: 2025 Subaru Forester Sport first test (2024-07)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid SUV HEV AWD (VehicleId 20888) (2026-10)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Subaru Forester SUV AWD (VehicleId 21696) (2026-10)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (CR-V coastdown target coefficients) (2026-01)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Forester coastdown target coefficients) (2026-01)
- Car and Driver: 2025 Subaru Forester Sport long-term test (new and 40,000-mile results) (2026-09)
- IIHS: 2026 Honda CR-V ratings (crash tests apply to 2023–27 models) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Subaru Forester ratings (moderate overlap applies to 2026 only; other crash tests to 2025–26) (2026-10)
- IIHS: IIHS pushes improvements in crash avoidance with 2026 awards (Mar 24, 2026) (2026-03)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.