Honda gave the CR-V an impressive redesign for the 2023 model year, making it more competitive against other compact crossover SUVs, including the Subaru Forester. Here are four advantages of the 2023 Honda CR-V over the 2023 Subaru Forester. 

2023 Honda CR-V delivers better performance than the 2023 Subaru Forester

The first advantage of the 2023 Honda CR-V crossover SUV over the 2023 Subaru Forester is its better performance. Prospective buyers of the CR-V have a choice of two powertrain options. The base-level turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. And for even greater performance, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain doles out 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.

In comparison, all Forester models have a 2.5-liter flat-four engine — and it’s weaker than both of the CR-V’s powertrains. It generates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. 

The CR-V also provides quicker acceleration. It has a 0-60 mph time as low as 7.5 seconds, compared to 8.5 seconds for the Forester. 

2023 CR-V gets better fuel economy than the 2023 Forester

The second advantage of the 2023 Honda CR-V over the 2023 Subaru Forester is its better fuel economy — especially for the hybrid model. We already discussed the performance advantage of the CR-V Hybrid. The other benefit is its high-level efficiency. 

It gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 43 city/36 highway mpg, compared to 26 city/33 highway mpg for the Forester. The fully gas-powered CR-V tops the Forester for efficiency as well, with an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 city/34 highway mpg. Not only is an efficient crossover SUV like the CR-V better for the environment, but it also saves you money when filling up the gas tank. 

Unlike the Subaru Forester, the Honda CR-V has a complimentary maintenance plan

The third advantage of the 2023 CR-V crossover SUV over the 2023 Forester is, unlike the Forester, the CR-V has a complimentary maintenance plan. One of the biggest costs of vehicle ownership is maintenance, and this is a more affordable endeavor for CR-V owners with the new Honda Service Pass free maintenance plan.

Honda Service Pass for the CR-V, which is good for two years or 24,000 miles, covers factory-scheduled maintenance. This includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections. Also, with more dealerships across the country for Honda compared to Subaru, servicing the CR-V is more convenient for the majority of owners.

2023 CR-V has a redesign — but the Forester hasn’t had one in four years

The fourth advantage of the 2023 CR-V over the 2023 Forester is its redesign. Conversely, the Forester hasn’t had a complete overhaul in four years. If you’re the type of automotive customer that desires the freshest look for a vehicle, then the CR-V is a good choice for you.

The exterior of the redesigned CR-V features a nice blend of ruggedness and sophistication. Highlights include a long hood, a large upright grille, and vertical LED taillights. Also, the interior of the CR-V has a more upscale look and feel. Additionally, the aforementioned hybrid powertrain is a major upgrade over the outgoing model.

The 2023 Honda CR-V has advantages over the 2023 Subaru Forester for performance, fuel economy, a complimentary maintenance plan, and a redesign. When deciding which crossover SUV to get, these are factors to consider.