Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester

Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews

Honda CR-V

$407
Average Annual
Repair Cost

Subaru Forester

$632
Average Annual
Repair Cost

Overall Reliability Rating

4
1
2
Excellent
The Honda CR-V Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 2nd out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $407 which means it has excellent ownership costs. The severity of repairs is low, and these issues are less frequent than average, so the CR-V is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
3
1
2
Above Average
The Subaru Forester Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 21st out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $632 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.
Cost
Average annual repairs total
$407
inexpensive
expensive
$632
inexpensive
expensive
Frequency
Average annual repair shop visits
0.3
not often
very often
0.37
not often
very often
Severity
Percentage of annual repairs that are urgent
9%
not urgent
urgent
13%
not urgent
urgent

Overall Car Ratings & Details

5 (10)
4 (45)
3 (18)
2 (7)
1 (3)
The Honda CR-V ranks highest in comfort and ranks lowest in safety.
83% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“The interior has aged quite well. There might be some slight fading of the upholstry but there has been otherwise no signs of wear. I did however wear through the driver's side floor mat, down to...”
“The interior has aged quite well. There might be some slight fading of the upholstry but there...”
5 (3)
4 (20)
3 (3)
2 (1)
1
(0)
“I bought my "98" forster 2 years ago with almost 100,000 miles on it. It has been a really good car. now I have 180.000 miles on it and I have to change the head gaskets, that will cost about...”
“I bought my "98" forster 2 years ago with almost 100,000 miles on it. It has been a really good...”

Vehicle Comparison Rundown

The Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V are both compact, two-row SUVs. While the CR-V comes with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, the Forester has all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The Forester also offers greater ground clearance (8.7 inches) than the CR-V (7.8 inches).

Comparing their engine output, the Forester has a standard engine with 170 horsepower, and an optional engine with 250 horsepower. The CR-V has a standard engine with 184 horsepower, and an optional engine with 190 horsepower.

Cargo space in the Forester and the CR-V comes out close to a tie. The Forester has 74.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and the CR-V has 75.8.

The Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V are closely matched as compact SUVs. With its standard all-wheel drive and greater ground clearance, the Forester has an edge — if going off road is important to you. The Forester’s higher output optional engine is also a plus, if you plan to carry heavy loads or tow a trailer. For standard, everyday paved-road duty, they are both worthy of your consideration.