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Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (184 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (42800 £ vs 34700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester?

CR-V

Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester: A Clash of Compact SUV Titans

In the ever-competitive world of compact SUVs, the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester stand out as two of the most reliable and feature-rich vehicles. Both models have carved out a significant fan base, thanks to their reputations for dependability, all-weather capability, and practicality. Let’s take a closer look at these two titans to see how they compare in terms of technical specifications and innovations.

Forester

Engine and Performance

The latest Honda CR-V offers a choice between Full Hybrid and Plugin Hybrid engine configurations with a power output of 184 HP and 135 kW. It features a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. This futuristic setup enables efficient fuel consumption, with figures ranging from 0.8 L/100km in hybrid mode to 6.7 L/100km using its petrol engine alone.

On the other hand, the Subaru Forester relies on a petrol mild hybrid engine and boasts a power output of around 150 HP or 110 kW. Also utilizing a CVT and exclusively offering all-wheel drive, the Forester trails the CR-V slightly in terms of fuel efficiency with an average consumption of 8.1 L/100km.

CR-V

Electric Range and Environmental Impact

A significant advantage of the CR-V Full Hybrid and Plugin Hybrid models is the electric range, which can extend up to 79 km, helping to lower overall carbon emissions. CO2 efficiency classes for the CR-V vary, but it can achieve a grade as efficient as 'B'. Meanwhile, the Subaru Forester’s CO2 emissions hover around 183 g/km, assigned a 'G' efficiency class.

Forester

Design and Practicality

While both SUVs provide a comfortable seating arrangement for five passengers, their cargo spaces differ. The CR-V has the edge in trunk capacity, offering up to 617 liters compared to the Forester's 509 liters. In terms of physical dimensions, the Honda CR-V measures 4706 mm in length, 1866 mm in width, and up to 1684 mm in height, while the Subaru Forester is slightly smaller, with a maximum length of 4670 mm and a width of 1830 mm, but it stands taller at 1730 mm.

CR-V

Technological Features and Innovation

Honda has packed the CR-V with innovative features, keeping it at the forefront of automotive technology. The vehicle includes advanced hybrid systems, fuel-saving technologies, and notable safety features as standard or available options. Subaru's Forester is equipped with similar innovations on the safety front, including Subaru’s acclaimed EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, although it lacks in hybrid drivetrain innovations compared to the CR-V.

Forester

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester will come down to what consumers value more: advanced hybrid technology and efficiency, or all-wheel drive performance and practicality with ample safety tech. The Honda CR-V clearly shines with its innovative hybrid technology and generous cargo space, while the Subaru Forester delivers a robust all-wheel drive system and solid safety features, making each a commendable contender in the compact SUV category.

Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Honda CR-V

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeable more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • noticeable quicker from 0–100 km/h
  • slightly more trunk space

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • evident cheaper
  • hardly perceptible lighter

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

CR-V

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Subaru Forester has a evident advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34700 £ , while the Honda CR-V costs 42800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8066 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Honda CR-V manages with 2.60 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.10 L. The difference is about 5.50 L per 100 km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Honda CR-V has a noticeable edge – offering 184 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 48 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Honda CR-V is noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 9 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.20 s. That’s about 3.20 s faster.

There’s also a difference in torque: Honda CR-V pulls significantly stronger with 335 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 153 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Subaru Forester is hardly perceptible lighter – 1693 kg compared to 1821 kg. The difference is around 128 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Honda CR-V offers slightly more room – 617 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 109 L.

When it comes to payload, Subaru Forester minimal takes the win – 492 kg compared to 475 kg. That’s a difference of about 17 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Honda CR-V sits well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

Frequently compared as well

Honda CR-V
Skoda Kodiaq
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The Honda CR-V is the sensible all‑rounder — refined, reliable and especially tempting if you want a supple ride and frugal hybrid tech, while the Skoda Kodiaq is the bigger, more pragmatic family hauler with genuine seven‑seat practicality and a cavernous boot. Choose the CR‑V for urban ease and …
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Honda CR-V
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £42,800
CR-V

Honda CR-V

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 184 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.6 - 6.7 L
  • Electric Range : 78 km
details

Honda CR-V

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

The Honda CR-V blends sensible practicality with a polished feel, offering roomy interiors and a confident ride that keeps commutes and weekend escapes equally comfortable. Its unshowy styling and reliable reputation make it a smart, low‑drama choice for buyers who want versatility without fuss — the kind of car that quietly makes everyday life a little easier.

details
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Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

details
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Reviews Honda CR-V

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

Reviews Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

Honda CR-V
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
42800 - 52100 £
Price
34700 - 42200 £
Consumption L/100km
2.6 - 6.7 L
Consumption L/100km
8.10 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
78 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
59 - 152 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1821 - 1988 kg
Curb weight
1693 - 1739 kg
Trunk capacity
579 - 617 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1866 mm
Width
1830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
439 - 475 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
184 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9 - 9.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.20 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
335 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
135 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1993 cm3
Engine capacity
1995 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Honda
Brand
Subaru

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What drivetrain options does the Honda CR-V have?

The Honda CR-V is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.