Are you on the hunt for a compact crossover SUV? Two high-quality choices are the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester. See how the two crossovers stack up in the 2022 Honda CR-V vs. 2022 Subaru Forester comparison. In a tight competition, the CR-V strikes the Forester, but the Forester strikes back.

2022 Honda CR-V vs. 2022 Subaru Forester

For our 2022 Honda CR-V vs. 2022 Subaru Forester comparison, we evaluate several different areas. This includes performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, towing, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

CR-V vs. Forester: Performance and efficiency

The 2022 Honda CR-V has the advantage for performance. It offers crossover SUV buyers the choice of two powertrain options: a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (190 hp) and a hybrid (212 hp). In comparison, all 2022 Subaru Forester models have a 182-hp 2.5-liter flat-four engine.

The CR-V also has the advantage for efficiency. The gas-powered CR-V gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, and the CR-V Hybrid has a gas mileage of 38 combined mpg. In comparison, the Forester gets an estimated fuel efficiency of 29 combined mpg.

CR-V vs. Forester: Off-road capabilities and towing

Do you want a crossover SUV that you can take on off-road excursions? If so, then the Forester is the better choice for you. For one, while all Forester models come standard with an all-wheel drive system, it’s an optional feature for the CR-V. Also, the Forester has higher ground clearance than the CR-V (up to 9.2 vs. 8.2 inches). Furthermore, unlike the CR-V, the Forester offers an off-road-focused model with the Wilderness trim.

Do you have towing needs? The Forester provides a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the CR-V.

CR-V vs. Forester: Safety 

On the safety front, the Forester has the advantage. While the Forester earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating, the CR-V received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.

CR-V vs. Forester: Passenger and cargo space

The Forester provides more passenger space than the CR-V. It has a total passenger volume of 111.6 cu-ft, compared to 105.9 cu-ft for the CR-V. For cargo space, the CR-V has a slight edge. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 75.8 cu-ft, compared to 74.2 cu-ft for the Forester.

CR-V vs. Forester: Interior features and technologies

The overall interior quality is higher for the CR-V. It offers premium materials such as woodgrain interior trim, which the Forester doesn’t offer. However, unlike the CR-V, the Forester has a Wi-Fi hotspot. Both crossover SUVs offer a sunroof/moonroof. 

CR-V vs. Forester: Warranty coverage and reliability

The CR-V and Forester have similar warranty coverage, with the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Both crossover SUVs are also very reliable, but the CR-V has a slight advantage. It has a J.D. Power reliability rating of 84/100, compared to 83/100 for the Forester.

CR-V vs. Forester: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 CR-V or the 2022 Forester? The starting prices of the 2022 CR-V range from $26,400 MSRP for the LX trim up to $37,400 MSRP for the Touring Hybrid trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Forester range from $25,195 MSRP for the Base trim up to $35,295 MSRP for the Touring trim.

2022 Honda CR-V vs. 2022 Subaru Forester: Which crossover SUV is better?

In our 2022 Honda CR-V vs. 2022 Subaru Forester comparison, each crossover SUV has its own set of advantages. For the 2022 CR-V, advantages include performance, efficiency, cargo space, overall interior quality, and reliability. Advantages for the 2022 Forester include off-road capabilities, towing, safety, passenger space, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and price.