Year after year, the Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling SUVs in America, so Subaru needed a particularly impressive vehicle at a particularly impressive price to compete. We're glad to say that the 2020 Subaru Forester lives up to that lofty goal. It's more affordable than the 2020 Honda CR-V, yet it still provides greater comfort, more utility, superior performance and class-leading safety. You get more for less when you choose Subaru! And with its all-wheel drive configuration, a Subaru is perfect for the conditions you may face exploring the beautiful California wilderness. Discover below what makes the 2020 Subaru Forester a better value than the Honda CR-V.
2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Honda CR-V: Design Comparison
We prefer the look of the 2020 Subaru Forester, but there's more than just style that separates these two cars. The Forester is also more functional! It comes standard with clear and bright LED headlights for superior visibility. LED headlights aren't standard on the 2020 Honda CR-V. You also get more generous ground clearance from the Subaru Forester for clearing small obstacles and traversing rural back roads with ease. And while you can get factory integrated roof rails on any 2020 Subaru Forester trim level, they're only an option on the fully-loaded Honda CR-V touring trim level which will cost you thousands more!
And while both vehicles have virtually identical cargo volume, the passenger cabin of the 2020 Subaru Forester is noticeably larger than that of the 2020 Honda CR-V. It all adds up to superior capability, capacity and comfort when you choose Subaru.
2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Honda CR-V: Technology Comparison
The most desirable new cars these days offer features that pair your smartphone to the multimedia system and keep your mobile devices charged as you drive. The 2020 Subaru Forester is no exception, complete with a standard touchscreen multimedia system and two USB charging ports. It also mirrors your favorite apps right on the in-car display through standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ technology. On the 2020 Honda CR-V, these features are all available upgrades, and none come standard. Entry-level Honda CR-V models feature a static infotainment screen and a single audio-only USB port. Staying informed, entertained and connected is easier in the 2020 Subaru Forester.
2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Honda CR-V: Performance Comparison
For superior all-weather, all-terrain capability, the 2020 Subaru Forester comes totally standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive! You'll be able to tackle wet and snowy conditions as well as unpaved surfaces with confidence. All-wheel drive is an available option on the 2020 Honda CR-V, but it'll cost you an additional $1,500. And if you do choose the AWD CR-V, it loses fuel efficiency, and the Subaru Forester even gets slightly better gas mileage on the highway. You can also get X-MODE® low-friction surface optimization and Hill Descent Control on the 2020 Subaru Forester for venturing even further afield. This level of off-road capability simply isn't available on the 2020 Honda CR-V.
2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Honda CR-V: Safety Comparison
The 2020 Honda CR-V impressed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration well enough, earning a solid five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, in their passenger-side frontal crash test, the 2020 Honda CR-V achieved only four stars. Not only did the 2020 Subaru Forester receive a five-star overall NHTSA safety rating, it got five stars in every single individual crash test, too!
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reached a similar conclusion. They gave the 2020 Honda CR-V the 2020 Top Safety Pick award, given only to the safest vehicles in each segment. Yet the 2020 Subaru Forester did even better, picking up the even-more-prestigious 2020 Top Safety Pick+ award! When it comes to the finest safety for your family from an affordable small SUV, the industry authorities have spoken and the Subaru Forester is the very best choice.
2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Honda CR-V: Driver Assistance Comparison
Both these cars provide class-leading standard driver assist technology. Thanks to the standard Subaru EyeSight® suite, every 2020 Subaru Forester features standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. But, to its credit, the 2020 Honda CR-V has similar standard features, too.
But with available Reverse Automatic Braking, the 2020 Subaru Forester has one exclusive safety feature. When the available Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system detects traffic passing behind you when reversing, the 2020 Subaru Forester can even jolt the brakes to prevent a parking lot fender-bender. The 2020 Honda CR-V offers rear traffic alert, but lacks automated braking in reverse.
Why A Subaru Is Right For Life In Northern California
For all the superior standard equipment you get from the 2020 Subaru Forester, you might expect it to cost thousands more than its Honda rival. But Subaru is built to defy expectations, and the entry-level 2020 Subaru Forester starts at an MSRP of just $24,495 -- about $500 less than a front-wheel-drive base model 2020 Honda CR-V! That makes it obvious which one gives you and your family more value, safety, comfort and utility for the price.
| 2020 Subaru Forester |  | 2020 Honda CR-V |
| $24,495 | Starting MSRP* | $25,050 |
| 111.9 Cubic Feet | Passenger Space | 105.9 Cubic Feet |
| Standard | All-Wheel Drive | Available Upgrade |
| 33 Highway - 26 City | Fuel Economy (MPG) | 34 Highway - 28 City (FWD Model) |
| 1,500 Pounds | Standard Towing Capacity | 1,500 Pounds |
| 182 | Horsepower | 190 |
| Standard | Touchscreen Infotainment | Available Upgrade |
| 76.1 Cubic Feet | Max Interior Cargo Volume | 75.8 Cubic Feet |
| Standard | LED Headlights | Available Upgrade |
| Standard | USB Charging Ports | Available Upgrade |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
