Subaru Forester vs Honda CR-V

The Subaru Forester starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the Honda CR-V opens at $41,800 (our estimated RRP; the brand lists drive-away prices only). Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $50,589 and $45,980 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda CR-V by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.

The Subaru Forester holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Honda CR-V. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 88% for the Honda CR-V.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Honda CR-V, against 4 on the Subaru Forester.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Forester and 11 in the Honda CR-V.

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

The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Honda CR-V gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Forester stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Honda CR-V. The Honda CR-V counters with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.

The Honda CR-V responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 240Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels.

The Honda CR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 49mm shorter than the Honda CR-V at 4,704mm (2,701mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda CR-V generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 589L in the Honda CR-V, giving the Honda CR-V a 93L advantage.

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

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester and $2,024/year for the Honda CR-V. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Honda CR-V.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda CR-V). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda CR-V).