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2019 Subaru Forester vs 2019 Honda CR-V

2019 Subaru Forester
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Honda CR-V
2019 Honda CR-V
$24,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Honda CR-V
$24,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Subaru Forester emerges as the more well-rounded and compelling choice. It offers a spacious and functional interior, advanced technology, top-notch safety features, and a competitive price point, making it an excellent option for consumers seeking a versatile and value-packed compact SUV.

Choose the 2019 Subaru Forester if:

Shop Now
8.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize utility and cargo space in a compact SUV.
  • Advanced safety features and driver-assistance systems are important to you.
  • You seek a vehicle with a competitive price point and a focus on functionality.

Choose the 2019 Honda CR-V if:

Shop Now
8of 10overall
  • You value a spacious and comfortable interior for passengers and cargo.
  • You are looking for a compact SUV with a range of lease options.
  • The availability of advanced infotainment and safety features is a priority.
Overview

MSRP

$24,295

MSRP

$24,450

Average price

$21,661

Average price

$23,300

Listings

886

Listings

2141
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Uninspired styling

2019 Subaru Forester Reviews Summary

Consumers are hungry for all-weather capability, plenty of space for passengers, and plenty of space for the gear that comes with those passengers. Crossovers can offer all of this, while also providing solid fuel economy. So, it makes sense that crossovers of different sizes and price ranges are dominating the new car market. Nearly every automaker out there today offers at least one, if not multiple crossovers, in their showrooms.

But while this is a new trend for some brands, Subaru has been offering multiple vehicles that fit the crossover formula for decades.

In particular, the Subaru Forester has been around since 1997. When it arrived, the Forester provided standard all-wheel drive, reasonable fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and an affordable base price. It was not the first vehicle to come standard with all-wheel drive—that would be the AMC Eagle of the 1970s. But the AMC brand is no more, and the '97 Forester offered all these attributes while also being incredibly reliable, and thus set the blueprint for the modern crossover craze.

The modern compact SUV market includes popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more. With all these rivals, can the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester once again set the curve in this segment?

2019 Honda CR-V Reviews Summary

Refined, roomy, and historically reliable, the Honda CR-V has earned its status as one of the best selling vehicles in America. This is a safe SUV, too, and it returns good fuel economy while delivering lively performance. There are few reasons to cross the 2019 Honda CR-V off of your shopping list, and numerous reasons to drive one home from the dealership.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 182 hp H4

Engine

2.4L 184 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

184 hp @ 6400 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

26

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

32
2019 Subaru Forester
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Honda CR-V
2019 Honda CR-V
$24,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Honda CR-V
$24,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Subaru Forester emerges as the more well-rounded and compelling choice. It offers a spacious and functional interior, advanced technology, top-notch safety features, and a competitive price point, making it an excellent option for consumers seeking a versatile and value-packed compact SUV.

Choose the 2019 Subaru Forester if:

Shop Now
8.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize utility and cargo space in a compact SUV.
  • Advanced safety features and driver-assistance systems are important to you.
  • You seek a vehicle with a competitive price point and a focus on functionality.

Choose the 2019 Honda CR-V if:

Shop Now
8of 10overall
  • You value a spacious and comfortable interior for passengers and cargo.
  • You are looking for a compact SUV with a range of lease options.
  • The availability of advanced infotainment and safety features is a priority.
Overview
MSRP
$24,295
$24,450
Average price
$21,661
$23,300
Listings
886
Shop all listings
2141
Shop all listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.3
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Uninspired styling
Summary

Consumers are hungry for all-weather capability, plenty of space for passengers, and plenty of space for the gear that comes with those passengers. Crossovers can offer all of this, while also providing solid fuel economy. So, it makes sense that crossovers of different sizes and price ranges are dominating the new car market. Nearly every automaker out there today offers at least one, if not multiple crossovers, in their showrooms.

But while this is a new trend for some brands, Subaru has been offering multiple vehicles that fit the crossover formula for decades.

In particular, the Subaru Forester has been around since 1997. When it arrived, the Forester provided standard all-wheel drive, reasonable fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and an affordable base price. It was not the first vehicle to come standard with all-wheel drive—that would be the AMC Eagle of the 1970s. But the AMC brand is no more, and the '97 Forester offered all these attributes while also being incredibly reliable, and thus set the blueprint for the modern crossover craze.

The modern compact SUV market includes popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more. With all these rivals, can the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester once again set the curve in this segment?

Refined, roomy, and historically reliable, the Honda CR-V has earned its status as one of the best selling vehicles in America. This is a safe SUV, too, and it returns good fuel economy while delivering lively performance. There are few reasons to cross the 2019 Honda CR-V off of your shopping list, and numerous reasons to drive one home from the dealership.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 182 hp H4
2.4L 184 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
184 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
26
26
MPG Highway
33
32
Look and feel
2019 Subaru Forester
7/10
2019 Honda CR-V
9/10
The 2019 Subaru Forester, rated 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, offers a modern cabin design prioritizing utility. It comes in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, with the Sport trim featuring unique styling touches and the Limited and Touring trims offering upscale features like leather upholstery and a larger touchscreen. The Forester's exterior design is inspired by the Subaru Ascent, providing a scaled-down version of the larger SUV. The 2019 Honda CR-V, rated 9 out of 10, boasts appealing aesthetics, especially from the back, and offers four trim levels with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The CR-V LX comes with standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, while higher trims feature body-color trim, larger 18-inch wheels, and rear privacy glass.
Performance
2019 Subaru Forester
6/10
2019 Honda CR-V
7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Forester 6 out of 10 and the 2019 Honda CR-V 7 out of 10 in terms of performance. The Forester is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, providing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with symmetrical AWD and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CR-V offers a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine in the LX trim and a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in higher trims, delivering 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
Form and function
2019 Subaru Forester
8/10
2019 Honda CR-V
9/10
The 2019 Subaru Forester, rated 8 out of 10, offers a spacious cabin with class-leading cargo space, providing 76.1 cubic feet in the base trim and 70.9 cubic feet in other trims. Its larger wheelbase results in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance make it suitable for various driving conditions. The Forester's emphasis on functionality is evident in its numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders. The 2019 Honda CR-V offers ample space for passengers and cargo, with 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 75.8 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down. However, it lacks a height adjuster for the front passenger seat, which may be a drawback for some individuals.
Technology
2019 Subaru Forester
9/10
2019 Honda CR-V
7/10
The 2019 Subaru Forester, rated 9 out of 10, features Subaru's Starlink infotainment system with a 6.5-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems, with Lead Vehicle Alert as a standout feature. The 2019 Honda CR-V, rated 7 out of 10, offers an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional navigation. However, the system lacks a tuning knob and has been criticized for being distracting and less intuitive.
Safety
2019 Subaru Forester
10/10
2019 Honda CR-V
8/10
The 2019 Subaru Forester, rated 10 out of 10, comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. It also offers excellent visibility and a full array of airbags, making it a very safe vehicle. The 2019 Honda CR-V, rated 8 out of 10, includes Honda Sensing as standard on most trims, providing adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, some of the systems lack refinement, and the CR-V has received an Acceptable rating for headlight performance from the IIHS.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Subaru Forester
9/10
2019 Honda CR-V
8/10
The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a compelling value proposition, providing AWD, infotainment, and safety features across its trim lineup. The Forester's pricing was competitive, and it delivered more utility and technology at each price point compared to its rivals. The 2019 Honda CR-V offered a range of lease options, but the fully loaded Touring AWD trim could be relatively expensive. While the CR-V represented good value for its quality and utility, the lease pricing was not as compelling as other models in Honda's lineup.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.

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