The 2025 Honda CR-V and 2025 Subaru Forester are two exemplary examples of what a compact SUV can be, and their unique attributes help each stand out in the most crowded and competitive segment there is.
The Honda CR-V practically invented the modern compact SUV when it debuted 30 years ago. Over the decades, it has only gotten better and is once again our Compact SUV Best Buy Award winner. The Honda CR-V sets a benchmark for compact SUVs and is among the best-selling.
Yet, the latest Subaru Forester is highly impressive in its own right. Totally redesigned for 2025, the Forester retains the attributes Subaru buyers love — rugged capability, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and ample ground clearance — and adds the latest technology and safety features.
Here’s how the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester compare to each other.
2025 Honda CR-V
You know the Honda CR-V. Everyone knows the Honda CR-V. It basically created the compact SUV segment as we know it decades ago. It is a multiyear Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner and our current top-ranked model. It meets many people’s needs and is available as a standard gasoline-powered model and a hybrid, which we review separately. This year, there’s even an innovative fuel-cell variant for California buyers. For this comparison, we highlight the gas models.
Honda CR-V Highlights
Honda Sensing: Standard on every Honda CR-V, this wide-ranging suite of active safety and driver assistance features includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and more.
Easy to load up: The CR-V might be classified as a compact SUV, but it can hold lots of gear. With the rear seats up, it boasts 39.3 cubic feet of capacity, which grows to 76.5 with them down. Those numbers best even the impressive ones of the Forester.
Smart Entry With Walkaway Auto Lock: Ever get stressed wondering if you remembered to lock the car? This ingenious feature will put you at ease. Standard on all but the base trim, this feature automatically locks the CR-V once you walk away from it.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CR-V models for sale near you.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has long been loved by individuals and families seeking a compact SUV that’s game for adventure. It boasts rugged appeal and lots of cargo room for ample gear. The Forester is all new for 2025, and this latest generation benefits from updated tech and safety features. Also making its debut this year is the first-ever Forester Hybrid, which we review separately.
Subaru Forester Highlights
Standard all-wheel drive: Having power go to all four wheels instead of just the front, like most SUVs, enhances traction. The extra grip and capability aren’t just handy for off-roading. All-wheel drive grants better handling and assurance if you regularly deal with snow or slick roads. The CR-V offers all-wheel drive, but you must pay extra.
EyeSight safety suite: This standard safety and driver assistance suite includes features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and a rear-seat reminder. This suite is very comparable to the CR-V’s Honda Sensing system.
Wilderness version: The Forester Wilderness cranks up this Subaru’s off-road chops and adventurous attitude. It has more ground clearance than the standard model — 9.2 inches — all-terrain tires, front-view camera system, and can tow 3,000 pounds, twice the max of the other Forester models.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Forester models for sale near you.
Similarities
These compact SUVs have similar starting prices, cargo capacity, and technology and safety systems. Both carry stellar reputations for reliability and resale value, and a hybrid powertrain for those seeking great fuel economy.
Pricing
New 2025 Subaru Forester Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,415 |
$29,586 |
|||
$33,730 |
$31,567 |
|||
$36,230 |
$33,788 |
|||
$36,415 |
$35,857 |
|||
$37,830 |
$35,484 |
|||
$41,715 |
$38,945 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Honda CR-V vehicles and New 2025 Subaru Forester vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Honda CR-V | 2025 Subaru Forester | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1,700-5,000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Fuel economy MPG | 28 city/34 highway/30 combined | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined |
| Also Available | AWD; hybrid | Hybrid |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.8 inches | 183.3 inches |
| Width | 73.5 inches | 72.0 inches |
| Height | 66.5 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 35.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 43.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 41.0 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.9 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.9 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Cargo Volume rear seats up/down | 39.3/76.5 cubic feet | 29.6/74.4 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Honda CR-V has become a de facto choice for everyday buyers seeking a compact SUV. Vehicles don’t get much easier to live with, and the CR-V does everything well. Much of the same could be said about the Forester, except that it has a more rugged and outdoorsy attitude. We find the Forester is tougher but also rides a bit rougher because of that. This comparison is really a contest between two winners. Our advice is to drive them both and see which tugs at your heart.
