Which Is Better: Subaru Forester or Honda CR-V?
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If you are shopping for a compact SUV, the 2026 Subaru Forester and the 2026 Honda CR-V will likely be on your list. Both offer comfortable cabins, modern technology, and great everyday practicality. They are built for families, commuters, and weekend travellers alike. At Rally Subaru in Edmonton, AB, we are often asked which SUV offers the better value. While both are excellent choices, the Forester stands out with standard Symmetrical Full Time All Wheel Drive, impressive cargo flexibility, and confidence that fits Alberta's changing weather. Let us compare them side by side.
Performance That Feels Ready Every Day
The 2026 Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5- litre SUBARU BOXER engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a Lineartronic CVT and achieves about 8.1 L/100 km combined. Every Forester also comes with Subaru Symmetrical Full Time All Wheel Drive as standard and can tow up to 1,500 lbs. Whereas, the 2026 Honda CR-V comes with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. It also uses a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy is approximately 8.4 L/100 km combined for AWD models, and towing capacity is also 1,500 lbs. The CR-V offers slightly more horsepower, but the Forester provides standard full time all wheel drive on every trim and a balanced BOXER engine that delivers excellent stability. For drivers in Edmonton who experience snow, ice, and changing road conditions, the Forester becomes the stronger choice.
Space That Makes Family Life Easier
Both SUVs seat five passengers comfortably, making them ideal for growing families. The Forester offers up to 2,107 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Cloth seating comes standard, while premium upholstery is available on higher trims. The wide rear opening also makes loading bicycles, hockey bags, or camping gear much easier. The Honda CR-V offers up to 2,166 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Cloth seating is standard, with leather available on upper trims. Passenger space is generous, and the rear seats provide excellent comfort for longer drives. The CR-V has a slight advantage in maximum cargo volume, but the Forester's lower cargo floor, excellent visibility, and practical cabin design make everyday loading much simpler. For active families, the Forester offers better overall usability.
Technology That Keeps You Connected
The Subaru Forester features an available 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features include wireless phone charging, Harman Kardon premium audio, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, LED fog lights, keyless entry, push button start, dual zone climate control, and multiple USB ports. The Honda CR-V offers a touchscreen up to 9 inches, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims, available wireless charging, Bose premium audio, heated front seats, available heated steering wheel, dual zone climate control, keyless entry, and push button start. Both SUVs offer excellent technology, but the Forester provides a larger available touchscreen and more premium features across its lineup. That gives Subaru a slight advantage for drivers looking for a more modern cabin.
Confidence for Every Journey
The Forester comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology featuring a wide angle mono camera and Emergency Stop Assist. Standard systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre Collision Braking, Lane Centring, Lane Departure Prevention, and Lane Departure Warning. Additional available features include Reverse Automatic Braking and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Honda CR-V includes Honda Sensing technologies such as Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Information, and Traffic Jam Assist on selected trims. Both SUVs provide excellent driver assistance systems, but the Forester includes Subaru's Symmetrical Full Time All Wheel Drive on every model, giving drivers added confidence throughout Alberta's winter months. That makes the Forester the better companion for year round driving.
Quick Comparison of Subaru vs Honda CR-V
| Feature | 2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 Honda CR-V |
| Engine | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER | 1.5L Turbocharged 4 Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb ft | 179 lb ft |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 8.1 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km (AWD) |
| Drivetrain | Standard Symmetrical Full Time AWD | Available Real Time AWD |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 2,107 L | 2,166 L |
| Touchscreen | Available 11.6 inch | Up to 9 inch |
| Driver Assistance | EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | Honda Sensing |
| Best For | All weather confidence and everyday versatility | Comfortable city and highway driving |
Subaru Forester Leads The Way
The Honda CR-V is an excellent SUV for families who want a comfortable and efficient daily driver. It performs well in the city and offers a spacious interior. The Subaru Forester goes one step further by combining everyday comfort with standard all wheel drive, generous cargo flexibility, advanced safety technologies, and impressive capability in changing weather. For drivers who experience snow, gravel roads, or weekend adventures, the Forester delivers more confidence without asking you to move into a larger SUV.
Book Your Subaru Forester Only at Rally Subaru!
Reading about the Forester is only the beginning. The best way to see what makes it special is to get behind the wheel. Visit Rally Subaru in Edmonton, AB, and compare the Subaru Forester with the Honda CR-V in person. Our team will answer your questions, show you the features, and help you choose the SUV that fits your lifestyle. Book your test drive today and experience the Subaru difference for yourself. If you're looking for something different, check out our Subaru Uncharted reviews, Subaru Impreza review or our used cars for sale in Edmonton today!
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