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.
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...”
“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...”
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.