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Honda HR-V vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (131 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Honda HR-V or Subaru Forester?

Honda HR-V vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Honda HR-V

4.2 (13 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit lighter
Overall, owners tend to find the Honda HR‑V a practical, reliable and economical compact SUV that’s easy to live with in town and for family duties, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride. Common positives include good fuel economy, roomy/intuive packaging and reassuring manners; common negatives some owners mention are noticeable noise under brisk acceleration or low‑speed maneuvers and a tendency to feel underpowered on sustained highway runs. So while feedback is broadly favorable for city and everyday use, opinions are more mixed on long‑distance refinement — worth a motorway run during your test drive if that’s your regular terrain.

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely more power
  • visibly more trunk space

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

HR-V

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Honda HR-V is somewhat cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 34,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,963 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Honda HR-V uses 5.4 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.7 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Subaru Forester offers barely more power – delivering 136 HP compared to 131 HP. That’s roughly 5 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Honda HR-V is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 10.6 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Honda HR-V delivers markedly more torque with 253 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 71 Nm more.

HR-V

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Honda HR-V is a bit lighter – 1,452 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 241 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers visibly more boot space – 508 L compared to 319 L. That’s a difference of about 189 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries moderately more – 492 kg compared to 418 kg. That’s a difference of about 74 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Honda HR-V is far ahead overall 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.

from £29,700
HR-V

Honda HR-V

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 131 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.4 L/100km
details

Frequently compared as well

Honda HR-V
Renault Captur
VS
The Honda HR-V and Renault Captur go bumper-to-bumper in the small SUV ring, where style, space, and running costs matter more than lap times. We pit Japan’s pragmatic hybrid hero against France’s chic, tech-savvy all-rounder to see which one deserves your driveway—and your monthly payments.
Honda HR-V
Honda ZR-V
VS
Choose the Honda HR‑V if you want a compact, economical city SUV that’s practical and nimble—perfect for tight parking and sensible running costs. Opt for the Honda ZR‑V if you prefer more interior space, sharper styling and stronger engines plus a plusher cabin; it’s the slightly more grown‑up, …
Honda HR-V
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is the sensible compact crossover that blends roomy practicality with a composed, friendly drive, making it an easy pick for buyers who want everyday usability without fuss. It won’t thrill hardcore enthusiasts, but its clever packaging, comfortable cabin and low-key styling make life simpler — and that’s exactly the point.

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Reviews Honda HR-V

4.2 (13 Reviews)
rate
Iza
21 Mar 2026, 15:57:05

I think it's a very good car for the city, fairly quick, nimble, and above all intuitive.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Izabela
11 Mar 2026, 08:41:20

The Honda HR‑V is amazing. Quiet, intuitive, lots of space. It just drives well and I'm not even tired after sitting in traffic.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Daniel
10 Feb 2026, 18:01:33

A car with elegant lines, reliable and enjoyable to drive, with a particular focus on fuel economy. Verdict: Pass!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
felix cortes
11 Jan 2026, 18:59:00

I recently bought an HR‑V, and I feel cheated. At the dealership they didn't warn me it's a city-only car; take it out on the highway and it has no power — with even a headwind the car barely moves. I'm very disappointed.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Adriano
23 Oct 2025, 16:59:00

Same underpinnings as the Honda Jazz — which means the same strengths and the same weaknesses: very good grip, quick and reasonably precise steering. It stays composed in corners, even if it’s not exactly a sports car. With normal driving and a bit of care, hitting 25 km/l isn’t hard. Downsides: it gets noisy under sudden acceleration, and the brakes and suspension are a touch rattly when manoeuvring. All in all, a solid family car with perfectly decent performance and a straightforward, predictable character.

Subaru Forester

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.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
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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.

Frequently compared as well

Honda HR-V
Honda Jazz
VS
Think of the HR-V as the SUVs' extrovert — taller stance, more boot space and a confident road presence — while the Jazz is the clever, city‑savvy hatch that hides a brilliant, flexible cabin and frugal running costs. Choose the HR-V if you need space and SUV style; pick the Jazz if you value …
Honda HR-V
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
Between the practical, roomy Honda HR-V and the zippier, city-focused Toyota Yaris Cross, buyers must choose between generous family space and nimble urban agility. The HR-V scores on cabin comfort and a more grown-up highway ride, while the Yaris Cross delivers sharper handling, class-leading …
Honda HR-V
Volvo XC40
VS
The Honda HR-V is the clever, pragmatic compact SUV — roomy, economical and built for cost‑conscious buyers who want sensible packaging without fuss. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, feels like a grown‑up’s treat: pricier but wrapped in Scandinavian style, class‑leading safety tech and a premium cabin, …
Honda HR-V
Lexus LBX
VS
The Honda HR-V is the sensible, roomy all‑rounder—efficient, practical and easy on the wallet—while the Lexus LBX swaps utility for boutique luxury, sharper finishes and a hushed cabin. If you want value and usable space, pick the HR‑V; if you crave premium materials, a posh badge and don’t mind …
Honda HR-V
Mazda CX-30
VS
In the competitive subcompact SUV segment, the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30 stand out for their unique appeal and driving dynamics. While the HR-V offers a spacious interior and versatile cargo options, the CX-30 impresses with its upscale cabin and engaging handling. Ultimately, your choice between …
Honda HR-V
VW T-Roc
VS
In the competitive compact SUV market, the Honda HR-V and VW T-Roc stand out with their distinct design and functionality. While the HR-V is praised for its spacious interior and versatile cargo options, the T-Roc offers a more sporty aesthetic and advanced tech features. Ultimately, choosing …
Honda HR-V
Nissan Qashqai
VS
In the competitive compact SUV segment, the Honda HR-V and Nissan Qashqai stand out with their unique blend of style and practicality. While the HR-V impresses with its versatile interior and fuel efficiency, the Qashqai offers a more dynamic driving experience and advanced safety features. …
Nissan X-Trail
Subaru Forester
VS
In the battle of compact SUVs, the Nissan X-Trail and Subaru Forester offer compelling choices for adventure enthusiasts and family travelers alike. The Nissan X-Trail boasts a suave design and innovative safety technologies, making it a favorite for style-conscious drivers. On the other hand, the …
Honda HR-V
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 35,400 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
5.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
122 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
1,452 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
319 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
-
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
418 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
131 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.6 - 10.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
253 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
96 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Honda
Brand
Subaru
What drivetrain options does the Honda HR-V have?

The Honda HR-V is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.