You’re the engine that keeps your family running—known (or at least should be) for your resilience, strength, and ability to power through even the busiest days. The Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V follow your lead, each equipped with a standard 4-cylinder engine delivering at least 180 horsepower and over 175 lb-ft of torque so you can handle the hustle without missing a beat.

And just like you, they’re built to go the distance efficiently. Both models are designed to sip fuel—because there’s no time for extra pit stops when life’s in full swing. For even greater efficiency, the Forester and the CR-V offer hybrid options that not only stretch your mileage but also reduce emissions, helping make the world a little cleaner for the next generation of riders in the back seat.

Planning a weekend escape? With standard 1,500-pound towing capacities, the Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V can haul a teardrop camper, ATV, or small fishing boat. For DIY staycations, they’re just as ready for a trailer loaded with yard tools or landscaping gear. Need more muscle? The Forester Wilderness trim doubles towing capacity to 3,000 pounds—giving you even more freedom to bring what you need, wherever life takes you.

When it comes to your everyday life, your motto might as well be, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night. . .” because no matter what, you’ve got to keep moving forward—even when the weather (or the road) has other plans. And for that, you need a vehicle that can take it all in stride.

The Subaru Forester rises to the challenge with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), giving you confidence and control in nearly any road or weather condition. Its low center of gravity and smooth-shifting Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) deliver added stability and steady handling from Point A to Point B. While the CR-V also features a CVT, its AWD is only optional, not standard.

And when your route leads off the beaten path—or when there is no path—the Forester lives up to its name, ready to venture into terrain where the CR-V might hesitate:

• Subaru Forester Ground Clearance (Standard/Max): 8.7 / 9.2 inches
• Honda CR-V Standard Ground Clearance (Standard/Max): 7.8 / 8.2 inches

From backcountry getaways to unpredictable commutes, only the Subaru Forester proves itself a truly go-anywhere, do-anything companion.

You’re rarely flying solo. On most days, you’ve got passengers filling the seats—and sometimes every single one. So, which compact SUV gives everyone enough room to stretch out, without the constant battle for personal space?

Almost across the board, the Forester offers more space, so wherever they’re seated, your passengers will ride more comfortably.

You might assume all that extra room means a larger vehicle overall. Surprisingly, the opposite is true:

The Subaru Forester makes smarter use of its footprint, offering a roomier interior in a smaller, more maneuverable package—perfect for navigating tight city streets and packed parking lots.

From jam-packed days to those rare quiet moments, the Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V are built to make your time behind the wheel more comfortable and less complicated. Settle in and you’ll find a space designed to help you relax and recharge, with thoughtful touches like available heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate control, and leather-trimmed seating.

But only the Subaru Forester adds an extra layer of luxury and all-weather readiness with optional features designed to keep everyone cozy, no matter the season:

• Heated rear seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel

And because life can be unpredictable—and, let’s be honest, messy—the Forester also offers durable, easy-to-clean StarTex® water-repellent upholstery on select trim levels. Whether it’s sandy feet, muddy paws, leaky juice boxes, or melting ice cream cones, it’s ready for whatever your crew might drag in, drip, or drop.

Whether texting your family to say you’re running a little late, navigating to that out-of-town tournament, or ordering takeout for the third time this week (no judgment), your vehicle needs to keep up. When you’re spending more time in your car than on your couch, staying connected isn’t a luxury—it’s a must.

The Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V let you easily pair your phone via Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ to access your contacts, apps, maps, music and more through 7-inch center touchscreens that mirror your smartphone’s display.

But Subaru packs in more infotainment features across more trims:

And while the CR-V’s available touchscreen maxes out at nine inches, the Forester goes even bigger with an intuitive 11.6-inch multi-touch-gesture display. That extra screen real estate makes it easier to follow directions or manage apps, all while keeping your focus where it belongs: on the road ahead.

No in-vehicle technologies are more critical than those that help protect you and your most precious cargo. With their comprehensive safety suites—EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology in the Subaru Forester and Honda Sensing® in the CR-V—these two compact SUVs offer every driver’s non-negotiable: peace of mind.

Both models come standard with brand-specific versions of these advanced features:

• Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
• Pre-collision Braking
• Lane Departure/Lane Keep Assist
• Automatic Emergency Steering
• High Beam Assist
• And more

Thanks to these technologies, the latest Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V have each earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and have been named a 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety—making them standout choices for drivers who put safety first.