2025 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Subaru Forester

When searching for the perfect compact SUV, two models consistently rise to the top of buyers' lists: the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2025 Subaru Forester. Both vehicles promise reliability, practicality, and modern features, but which one delivers the best value for your investment? As Honda's flagship compact SUV continues to dominate sales charts, we'll explore how it stacks up against Subaru's wilderness-ready contender.

The compact SUV segment has become increasingly competitive, with buyers demanding more fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, cargo space, and cutting-edge technology. Both the CR-V and Forester have undergone significant updates for 2025, making this comparison more relevant than ever for discerning SUV shoppers.

Quick Overview: Top Features at a Glance

Performance and Powertrain Comparison

Performance capabilities often determine which compact SUV fits your lifestyle best. The 2025 model year brings significant powertrain improvements to both vehicles, but their approaches differ substantially.

The Honda CR-V offers versatility with two distinct powertrain options. The base 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine delivers 190 horsepower and impressive torque delivery from just 1,700 rpm, making city driving effortless. However, the real star is the hybrid system, combining a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine with dual electric motors to produce 204 total system horsepower while achieving exceptional fuel economy.

The Subaru Forester takes a more traditional approach with its proven 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® flat-four engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system as standard equipment.

The Honda CR-V clearly dominates in fuel efficiency, especially with its hybrid powertrain achieving up to 43 mpg city. This translates to significant savings at the gas pump and reduced environmental impact. While the Forester offers standard AWD, the CR-V's available Real-Time AWD system provides excellent traction when needed without sacrificing fuel economy in daily driving.

Off-Road Capability and Utility Features

For buyers who venture beyond paved roads or need maximum utility, off-road capabilities and practical features become crucial decision factors.

The Subaru Forester has built its reputation on go-anywhere capability, featuring standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Wilderness trim extends this capability further with enhanced underbody protection and increased towing capacity up to 3,000 pounds. Subaru's X-MODE system optimizes traction control for challenging terrain.

The Honda CR-V approaches utility differently, focusing on everyday practicality while offering capable AWD when conditions demand it. The Real-Time AWD system with Intelligent Control System™ automatically engages when traction is needed, providing confidence in various weather conditions while maintaining excellent fuel economy during normal driving.

While the Forester edges out slightly in ground clearance and offers standard AWD, the CR-V provides significantly more cargo space for everyday hauling needs. The CR-V's 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up compared to the Forester's 27.5 cubic feet makes a substantial difference for families or active lifestyles requiring gear storage.

Interior, Technology, & Safety Features

The modern compact SUV buyer expects a comprehensive package of comfort, connectivity, and safety features that enhance the daily driving experience.

The 2025 Honda CR-V maximizes interior space efficiency with 41.3 inches of front legroom and 41 inches of rear legroom, plus a superior 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The redesigned cabin features high-quality materials and a honeycomb-textured dash insert. Technology highlights include a 7.0-inch or 9.0-inch touchscreen (trim dependent) with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on higher trims, plus a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster display. Honda Sensing® safety suite comes standard across all trims, featuring Traffic Jam Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure.

The 2025 Subaru Forester received a complete interior redesign featuring premium soft-touch materials and heated rear seats. However, cargo space is limited to just 27.5 cubic feet with seats up. The available 11.6-inch touchscreen includes wireless connectivity and Subaru Starlink services. EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology comes standard, with higher trims adding DriverFocus® distraction mitigation and blind-spot monitoring.

The Honda CR-V delivers superior practicality with 43% more cargo space than the Forester, while Honda Sensing® provides more comprehensive standard safety features including Traffic Jam Assist for enhanced highway driving comfort.

Test Drive the New Honda CR-V at Team Honda of Acadiana

After comprehensive analysis across all major categories, the 2025 Honda CR-V emerges as the superior choice for most compact SUV buyers. While the Subaru Forester offers standard all-wheel drive and proven off-road capability, the CR-V delivers better overall value through superior fuel economy, more cargo space, advanced safety features, and Honda's renowned reliability.

The Honda CR-V wins in key areas that matter most to buyers:

• Exceptional fuel economy with hybrid options reaching 43 mpg city
• Superior cargo capacity providing 39.3 cubic feet versus Forester's 27.5 cubic feet
• Advanced safety technology with Traffic Jam Assist and comprehensive Honda Sensing®
• Flexible powertrain options allowing buyers to choose gas or hybrid based on needs
• Strong resale value backed by Honda's reputation for reliability and longevity

Ready to Experience the 2025 Honda CR-V Difference? Experience the superior comfort, efficiency, and capability of the 2025 Honda CR-V for yourself. Visit Team Honda of Acadiana today and discover why it continues to be America's best-selling SUV. Contact Team Honda of Acadiana to schedule your test drive and explore current incentives on the award-winning 2025 Honda CR-V. Your perfect compact SUV is waiting!