2019 Subaru Forester vs 2019 Honda CR-V

The 2019 Subaru Forester exhibited a slight increase in size and width compared to its predecessor. Its exterior design was reminiscent of a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent, aligning with the Ascent's resemblance as an upscaled Forester, including the addition of a third row. This thematic consistency extended to the interior, where the modern cabin prioritized functionality over luxurious aesthetics.

The 2019 Forester was available in five trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. All trims came standard with LED headlights, Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and the EyeSight driver-assistance system. The base model was well-equipped, featuring 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and an under-floor storage tray.

The Premium trim upped the ante with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a panoramic moonroof, and 10-way power front seats. The Sport trim added distinctive orange and black accents, sport seats with orange stitching, and larger 18-inch wheels, among other features like push-button start and heated seats. The Limited trim accentuated luxury with leather upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen, and dual-zone climate control. The top-tier Touring trim offered additional comfort with heated rear seats, an integrated navigation system, and a Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

In contrast, the 2019 Honda CR-V came in four trims: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring, each available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base LX trim featured 17-inch aluminum wheels, while higher trims boasted body-color trim, 18-inch wheels, and rear privacy glass.

The CR-V, except for its front styling, was generally appealing, especially from the rear, where it appeared upscale. Inside, the CR-V showcased high-quality materials and a well-arranged control layout. Despite the presence of hard plastics, they didn't feel or look cheap, contributing to a satisfying overall feel.

Under the hood, the 2019 Subaru Forester housed a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine saw a slight increase from its predecessor's 170 hp and 174 lb-ft torque. However, unlike the 2018 model, the 2019 Forester lacked a turbocharged XT variant, leaving it with a single, less powerful engine option.

The Forester's symmetrical AWD system, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in modest acceleration. Subaru's SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, allowed drivers to switch between Intelligent and Sport modes to optimize throttle response. Additionally, the Forester's X-Mode terrain-management system adjusted power delivery for various driving conditions, enhancing its off-road capability.

Despite its underwhelming acceleration, the Forester excelled in ride quality, offering a smooth and refined driving experience. Fuel economy was commendable at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with real-world mixed driving conditions yielding around 28.9 mpg.

The 2019 Honda CR-V's LX trim came with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 184 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The EX, EX-L, and Touring trims featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, offering a more responsive and satisfying acceleration experience.

The CR-V's 1.5-liter engine, however, faced issues in cold weather, potentially mixing fuel with engine oil and causing power loss, which Honda addressed with an oil and software change in select states. Some owners also reported battery problems. Fuel economy averaged 27.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA's expected 29 mpg for combined driving.

The CR-V's Real Time 4WD operated primarily in FWD, only sending up to 40% power to the rear wheels when necessary. Despite lacking advanced features for off-roading, the CR-V performed well in most driving conditions, thanks to its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable and capable ride.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's slightly increased dimensions resulted in a larger wheelbase, offering more backseat space and a tailgate opening 5 inches wider than the previous model. The base trim boasted a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while other trims offered 70.9 cubic feet. In comparison, the Honda CR-V provided 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down and 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

The Forester's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and seat height were advantageous for various buyers, especially older individuals who might struggle with lower or higher vehicle entry points. The cabin emphasized practicality with numerous storage compartments and excellent rearward visibility due to its tall greenhouse design.

The 2019 Honda CR-V also excelled in providing spacious interiors and cargo capacity. However, the lack of a height adjuster for the front passenger seat was a notable drawback. The CR-V's rear seats were roomy, accommodating taller adults comfortably, and offering convenience features like air vents and USB ports. The CR-V's sizable glove box and center console bin further enhanced its practicality.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system, available in either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen, was notable for its responsiveness and user-friendly interface, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. Subaru's EyeSight suite included an innovative Lead Vehicle Alert, notifying drivers when the car ahead had moved and they hadn’t, reducing the chances of distracted driving.

The 2019 Honda CR-V's infotainment system improved with the EX trim and higher, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other connectivity services. However, it lacked a tuning knob and shortcut buttons, making it somewhat distracting and less intuitive to use. Voice activation was available but performed inconsistently, necessitating more attention from the driver than ideal.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came equipped with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance technologies, offering features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive headlights, and a comprehensive array of airbags.

On the other hand, the 2019 Honda CR-V included the Honda Sensing suite of safety features in the EX trim and above, which comprised adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. Additionally, the EX trim and higher incorporated a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with only its headlight performance preventing it from achieving the Top Safety Pick Plus accolade.