Forester Premium vs CR-V EX AWD 
 
      
 

Planet's Executive Summary

The "Small Crossover" segment of the auto industry continues to expand because these vehicles offer so much utility, value, and fuel economy.  For well under $30,000, you can drive a safe, stylish, and practical vehicle with a great reputation for quality. Nationally, the CR-V is the bigger seller. (Honda offers a cheaper front wheel drive version which sells well in warmer states where some buyers don't know that all wheel drive has many benefits beyond winter traction). Subaru's driver assistance suite, Eyesight, is recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as the best of any brand.
  
Standard Features on both cars:
  • Rear vision camera
  • Bluetooth phone connectivity
  • Steering wheel audio controls
  • Power windows, locks, mirrors
  • 3 year, 36,000 mile comprehensive warranty; 5/60 powertrain
  • 1,500 pound towing capacity
Standard Safety on both cars:
  • Vehicle stability control to avoid skids; 
  • Brake override system;
  • Anti-lock brakes with brake assist; 
  • Learn all about how these safety features work.

Dimensions are similar:
  • CR-V is two inches wider.
  • Forester is one inches longer.
  • Forester is two inches taller.

Differences
CR-V EX AWD
(with Honda Sensing)
 
 Forester Premium
with Eyesight






All Wheel Drive System

Forester was built from the ground up with all wheel drive; Honda started with a front driver and bolted some extra hardware later.  More sophisticated Subaru system responds more quickly to a loss of traction.

 



All wheel drive optional. 


















Ground clearance
Subaru engineers keep mass low for good handling, but clearance high for better performance in the snow and off road. 









8.2 inches



 
8.7 inches




Cargo Space
CR-V has a little more volume. However, Forester is about two inches taller so it's better for big pets.  Dog costs extra. Meet Blue, our Greeter.

















 
  
 76 cubic feet (seats down)
39 cubic feet (seats up)
 








76 cubic feet (seats down)
35 cubic feet (seats up)



Passenger Volume
Both are surprisingly roomy for people. 



 
 
103 cubic feet


 
 

108 cubic feet














Standard Engine
Turbo mill in the Honda performs well for a small engine but generates a lot of noise working so hard to move the Honda's weight around. 























 

1.5 liter turbocharged in-line four
cylinder with 190 horsepower











2.5 liter four cylinder
Boxer engine with 182 horsepower



Fuel Economy
 






Continuously variable
auto transmission

AWD: 27 city, 33 hwy





Lineartronic continuously variable
auto transmission

AWD: 26 city, 33 hwy





 






















Outward Visibility
Forester boasts wider, taller rear windows.  Forester's extra front partition window expands front visibility, especially for shorter drivers.  Forester was ranked first among all cars in outward visibility.












 




Power
Moonroof
Forester has larger panoramic moonroof that is shaped like a square, where CR-V has a narrower roof shaped like a rectangle. 



















 
 






 










Purchase and Ownership Experience
You can buy a new Subaru at Planet, but not a new Honda.












Price
Forester is a little less expensive, and includes standard luxury features such as a panoramic moonroof. 






















$28,995














$28,405

Forester models
and prices
Optional Driver-Assistive Technologies
Both offer their own versions of pre-collision warning and braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The safety suites also include additional features.
 

Honda Sensing










Safety Tests
CR-V has six airbags, Forester, seven. Click links for test results.










CR-V test results







 Forester test results
 








Search our huge inventory for your Forester:



    


...Or look at our nice Honda trades...






Exclusive Planet Benefit:  The Planet Passport Program




 








 







 






 
 your undealership





If you're comparing a Honda CR-V with a Subaru Forester, Planet has all the answers for you, especially if you live on the South Shore, Boston, or Plymouth.Â