Honda ZR-V vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Honda ZR-V at 4 stars (2023) and the Subaru Forester at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Honda ZR-V and 83% for the Subaru Forester, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Honda ZR-V, against 7 on the Subaru Forester.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Honda ZR-V and 9 in the Subaru Forester.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Honda ZR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Honda ZR-V stands out with power tailgate and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Honda ZR-V uses a Petrol producing 131kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.

The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 131kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Honda ZR-V measures 4,568mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 87mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 380L in the Honda ZR-V and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 116L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1302L vs 1174L.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Honda ZR-V's turning circle is 0.4 m tighter, 10.4 m against 10.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Honda ZR-V costs about $1,995 a year (7 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Forester about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $257 a year less for the Honda ZR-V.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Honda ZR-V) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Honda ZR-V), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The Honda ZR-V: lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,995 a year against $2,252).

The Subaru Forester: more power (136kW against 131kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (496L against 380L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 74

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the Honda ZR-V's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 12 points), practicality (Subaru Forester ahead by 9 points), fuel economy (Honda ZR-V ahead by 8 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Honda ZR-V costs about $257 less (7 L/100km against 7.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 380L in the Honda ZR-V, 496L in the Subaru Forester.

Common questions