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Comparing Popular Compact SUVs: The 2026 Subaru Forester vs the 2026 Honda CR-V

Finding the right vehicle for your lifestyle could be as easy as shopping with Adventure Subaru. We have many popular options in our new Subaru inventory, including the 2026 Subaru Forester, that can accommodate your lifestyle.

The new Forester is in a competitive class. Other popular compact SUVs, including the 2026 Honda CR-V, put up a strong fight. Our experts compare the 2026 Forester to the 2026 CR-V to help you see which has what you want.

26/33
MPG City / Hwy
8.7"
Ground Clearance
3,000lbs
Towing Capacity

Performance

Every 2026 Forester has a 2.5-liter engine with 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives the Forester surefooted confidence through slippery terrain and harsh weather. A Lineartronic® CVT delivers smooth acceleration and incredible efficiency, delivering up to 33 MPG on the highway.

While the 2026 CR-V offers a slightly more powerful engine, you would need to upgrade it to include all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system makes the new CR-V less efficient than the Forester, sacrificing the qualities you love just to match the standard features of the new Subaru.


Technology

Staying connected to your favorite songs and media is easy in the 2026 Subaru Forester. The base trim includes a 7.0-inch screen, but every upgraded trim has an 11.6-inch screen. Both systems include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the larger system offering wireless connectivity.

Every 2026 CR-V has a 9.0-inch screen, giving it a less modern look for the cabin on most trim levels. It also includes smartphone connectivity that helps you listen to your favorite songs wherever you go.


Interior

You can count on the 2026 Forester to keep you comfortable with dual-zone climate control. The front seats offer up to 43.3 inches of legroom. Total passenger space measures up to 110.8 cubic feet, with up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold all the seats. Heated front seats are standard on every trim above the base.

You won't find as much max cargo space, front legroom, or passenger space in the 2026 Honda CR-V as you'd find in the 2026 Forester. While it also offers heated front seats on every trim higher than the base, it does not come standard with dual-zone climate control.

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Exterior

Bold details and a high stance keep your 2026 Forester ready for anything. Having 8.7 inches of ground clearance - 9.3 inches with the Forester Wilderness - means you can go over any obstacle along your route. Choose between 17-, 18-, and 22-inch wheels to find the right style for the model you want in your driveway.

The 2026 CR-V offers a more elegant design than the Forester. The new Honda SUV does not provide as much ground clearance and offers fewer wheel sizes. Anyone looking for something more versatile should keep the new Subaru Forester for sale in Painesville, OH higher on their list.


Safety

Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology includes many features that instill confidence while driving the 2026 Forester. Upgrading can add the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System that ensures your focus stays on the road ahead.

You'll find many similar features through Honda Sensing for the 2026 CR-V. It does not offer a 360-degree view camera, but you can upgrade the 2026 Forester to include one.

Visit Our Dealership for a Closer Look at the 2026 Subaru Forester

Our experts can show you all the benefits of buying a new Forester vs the new CR-V. Subaru models have world-renowned capabilities and innovative technology to assist with anything on your calendar. Feel free to contact our team with questions and to visit our dealership for your new Subaru test drive.

Questions Buyers Ask

Frequently asked about the Forester

Yes. Every 2026 Subaru Forester comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a 2.5-liter engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, and up to 33 MPG on the highway. The Honda CR-V requires an AWD upgrade to match.

The Forester features a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgrade to an 11.6-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The CR-V comes with a 9.0-inch touchscreen and smartphone connectivity.

The 2026 Forester offers up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space, 110.8 cubic feet of passenger room, and 43.3 inches of front legroom. It also includes standard dual-zone climate control for added comfort.

The Forester provides 8.7 inches of ground clearance, or 9.3 inches on the Wilderness trim, making it more capable off-road. The CR-V offers less ground clearance and fewer wheel size options.

Every Forester includes EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and offers available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation and a 360-degree camera. The CR-V includes Honda Sensing® but does not offer an available 360-degree view camera.

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