Comparison Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester

[trilinearmipmap]

I am considering one or the other of these vehicles. The vehicle will be 95% for driving to work and 5% for going skiing camping etc. I would be getting the top-of-the line variety of either vehicle with the exception of I have no use for a navigation system. I will get an automatic transmission. We have a large vehicle (Honda Pilot) already which we will use when the whole family goes camping etc.

I see pros and cons to both vehicles and would like input from anyone who has owned either. Both vehicles seem to have high reliability, nice interiors, and good safety/crash ratings so I will leave that part out of the equation.

CR-V:

Pros: Good gas mileage, comfortable ride
Cons: Somewhat underpowered, moderately overpriced in Canada compared to U.S.

Forester (turbocharged engine version):

Pros: perhaps superior full-time all-wheel drive system, better power
Cons: requires premium fuel, worse gas mileage, only 5-speed automatic transmission, very overpriced in Canada so would have to buy it in the U.S.

So far the Subaru seems like the overall better vehicle to me but the CR-V seems like the more practical choice despite some compromises. So if anyone has anything to add let me know, I hope to test drive both next week.

[new_vr]

Forester (turbocharged engine version):

Pros: perhaps superior full-time all-wheel drive system, better power
Cons: requires premium fuel, worse gas mileage, only 5-speed automatic transmission, very overpriced in Canada so would have to buy it in the U.S.

Just for clarity...did you mean only 4-speed automatic?

[trilinearmipmap]

Just for clarity...did you mean only 4-speed automatic?

Whoops, I meant the Forester has only a 4-speed automatic transmission compared to the CR-V's 5-speed.

[mau108]

scoobies awd > crv awd....

but other then that I'd choose the CRV hands down. More "refined", holds its value.

[sfsf]

Forester (turbocharged engine version):

Pros: perhaps superior full-time all-wheel drive system, better power
Cons: requires premium fuel, worse gas mileage, only 5-speed automatic transmission, very overpriced in Canada so would have to buy it in the U.S.

my friend got a good price on the outback, only 2-3k more than the US outback,same model. but dealers doesnot have manual transmission and the coolor he wants so he didnot buy it. He told me that(the car salesman told him) the US car resale value isn't as good as Canadian car, that's why he stick to buying in Canada. is that true?
but he did get a very good deal. the final total price(including tax and everything) he got is a few k under the suggested price(doesnot including tax and others), and he told me some other model has the same discount too.
so you might want to check out the Canadian Subaru first! but haggle!
and Subaru is a very nice car. I used to drove a 98 Legacy wagon, very nice ride. drove for 3 years, never have a single problem(really zeo problem).

[aquariaguy]

What about the Outback? I have a V4 Outback, it's pretty jumpy peppy and styling is nice.

[Rocky03]

Why don't you compare the 2.5X Limited version instead (non turbo).
You don't have to use premium fuel and fuel economy is the same.

[trilinearmipmap]

Why don't you compare the 2.5X Limited version instead (non turbo).
You don't have to use premium fuel and fuel economy is the same.

Good point. This is probably a more fair comparison.

[runningdog]

To get the "correct" answer to your question take a look at subaurforester.org. They have a number of threads on this very subject. They *may* however be biased.

[mtl4]

We have an 07 CRV AWD and love it. I don't know which has the "more superior AWD system" but I can tell you that as long as you have decent winter tires (we use Michelin X-ice) on your CRV you won't get stuck even in the worst snowstorms. The gas mileage in the CRV is excellent (avg around 10-11 L/100km in city and about 8.5 L/100km on longer highway drives and all of this on regular gas). The styling is one of the best in the small SUV class and very practical for family use. I have yet to test drive an 09 Forrester so I can't compare the two for you. I can't say I am a huge fan of the boxer 4cyl they use in their vehicles (except when boosted and then your MPG goes down the toilet).

I do like the look of the new 2009 Forrester though (it's a big improvement from before....as was the CRV):
http://bp-misc.subaru.com/sub/misc/2...f/brochure.pdf

Here's the 2008 Honda CRV brochure as well:
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/...v-brochure.pdf

[ES_Revenge]

2009 Foresters will start to be shipped to dealers in the near future, so if you aren't already compariing with the 2009 you might want to look into it. The 09 has a much nicer interior and though I can't really say the exterior has changed much, it is appreciably better looking overall. The interior still leaves a bit to be desired but it's nowhere near as bad as it used to be, at least.

[xtremedrunk]

Have an 07 CRV as well. Like the poster above, the AWD although simple is fine for city winter driving. Just make sure to replace the horrible stock tires. I had a few quality issues on mine, maybe cause their production is solely in Ohio now?

Gas mileage isn't amazing to be honest, the 4 cylinder has to rev to move all that weight at a decent pace. I can't really say on exact numbers as I make tons of short trips. I find the ride be be quite bumpy... even with the recommended psi. Over bumps, potholes, uneven surfaces the ride feels choppy but other than that the car is relatively smooth and comfortable.

[fastlayne]

I also own a CR-V (2003) and although it is our second CR-V, I would definitely jump at a V6 version. Too bad Honda didn't see fit to add a V6 option.

I believe that the V6 option in the RAV4 is just as economical as the CR-V, yet the RAV4 has 260HP. That makes staying with the CR-V a tough choice.

[sunnybono]

I am considering one or the other of these vehicles. The vehicle will be 95% for driving to work and 5% for going skiing camping etc. I would be getting the top-of-the line variety of either vehicle with the exception of I have no use for a navigation system. I will get an automatic transmission. We have a large vehicle (Honda Pilot) already which we will use when the whole family goes camping etc.

I see pros and cons to both vehicles and would like input from anyone who has owned either. Both vehicles seem to have high reliability, nice interiors, and good safety/crash ratings so I will leave that part out of the equation.

CR-V:

Pros: Good gas mileage, comfortable ride
Cons: Somewhat underpowered, moderately overpriced in Canada compared to U.S.

Forester (turbocharged engine version):

Pros: perhaps superior full-time all-wheel drive system, better power
Cons: requires premium fuel, worse gas mileage, only 5-speed automatic transmission, very overpriced in Canada so would have to buy it in the U.S.

So far the Subaru seems like the overall better vehicle to me but the CR-V seems like the more practical choice despite some compromises. So if anyone has anything to add let me know, I hope to test drive both next week.

If you are looking for true 4x4 performance, then Subaru. Someone, not too long ago, posted a youtube video comparing, the Subaru, with the CRV, Highlander and VW 4x4 (can't recall the model name). It was quite interesting to see that neither the CRV's nor the Highlander's 4x4 kicked in when needed!!!! The VW's 4x4 kicked in, but had too much torque steer.

sk

[mtl4]

If you are looking for true 4x4 performance, then Subaru. Someone, not too long ago, posted a youtube video comparing, the Subaru, with the CRV, Highlander and VW 4x4 (can't recall the model name). It was quite interesting to see that neither the CRV's nor the Highlander's 4x4 kicked in when needed!!!! The VW's 4x4 kicked in, but had too much torque steer.

sk

Is this the one you're talking about?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t09ExAUgtyE

That was pretty interesting, but the test was also not unbiased since that was clearly commissioned by Subaru. I still believe that the CRV's AWD is plenty capable for our winter months and the reactive type system (which puts you in 2WD 99% of the time) is the key to maximizing on road fuel economy. I'd also maintain that good tires are by far the most important factor in on road traction.