TL;DR
- The 2025 Subaru Forester is better due to standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and dual-function X-MODE®, offering superior all-terrain capability over the Honda CR-V.
- Forester's redesign includes more passenger space than the CR-V, an extra-wide rear gate, and practical StarTex® upholstery for versatile use.
- For a stress-free experience, visit Findlay Subaru Las Vegas, offering incredible selection of Subaru Forester for sale and exceptional customer service.
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Also Read: The 2025 Subaru Forester Trim Levels Explained
When comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2025 Subaru Forester, it becomes clear that both SUVs offer compelling features, yet the 2025 Subaru Forester distinguishes itself in several key areas, presenting a strong case for drivers seeking a versatile and advanced compact SUV. Below, we will delve into power and performance, design features, and tech capabilities of these fine vehicles.
Power and Performance
The power and performance of a compact SUV are paramount for daily driving and adventurous excursions. The 2025 Subaru Forester sets a high bar with its standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. This system is engineered to optimize traction across various conditions, including rain, snow, rough roads, and even off-road paths. It continuously evaluates acceleration, braking, and cornering in real time, instantaneously transferring power to the wheels with the most grip if slippage occurs.
The Forester offers available dual function X MODE®, which works alongside the Symmetrical All Wheel Drive to provide maximum traction on slippery roads, with settings for dirt or snow and deep snow or mud. This feature is available on Sport, Limited, and Touring trims. The Forester also boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its off-road flexibility.
With fuel economy up to 33 MPG and over 540 miles of driving range, the 2025 Forester delivers competitive fuel efficiency while maintaining its robust capability. The Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system has a proven track record of durability and low maintenance over four decades, assuring owners of its long-term reliability.
On the other hand, the Honda CR-V offers a 190 horsepower 1.5L turbocharged engine, which provides maximum torque when needed and achieves a 28 city/34 highway mpg rating. For those seeking more efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid features a 204 horsepower two motor hybrid powertrain with a 40 city/34 highway fuel economy rating. While the CR-V does offer available Real Time AWD™ with Intelligent Control System™, designed for outstanding cornering traction by sending extra power to the rear wheels when steering is detected, it is an available feature rather than a standard one across all trims, unlike the Forester's standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.
This difference in standard versus available all-wheel drive makes the 2025 Subaru Forester a more universally capable vehicle right from the base model, particularly for those who frequently encounter varied driving conditions. When considering the Honda CR V vs Subaru Forester for all terrain readiness, the Forester's standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and specialized X Mode offer a distinct advantage.
Design Features
Both the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2025 Subaru Forester feature redesigned exteriors and interiors, but the Forester offers specific design elements that enhance its versatility and comfort.
The 2025 Subaru Forester features a newly redesigned exterior that balances a tough SUV design with sophisticated touches, including a bold new grille, striking headlight styling, geometric trim accents, and muscular design contours. Inside, the Forester is completely redesigned for 2025, offering premium soft touch materials, excellent visibility, and a generous cabin with up to 110.8 cubic feet of passenger space. The Forester also prioritizes cargo versatility with up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space and an extra wide rear gate opening that simplifies loading and unloading large items. The 60/40 split flat folding rear seats further enhance its adaptability for longer items.
Specific trims like the redesigned Forester Touring offer high quality comfort and elegant style, including exclusive exterior accents, trim, 19-inch alloy wheels, available two-tone leather trimmed upholstery with Ultrasuede® inserts, standard heated front and rear outboard seats, and new for 2025, standard ventilated front seats.
The Forester Sport makes a bold statement with exclusive StarTex® water repellent upholstery, unique bronze accents, geometric trim, and 19-inch alloy wheels with a bronze finish. The StarTex upholstery is durable and easy to clean, adding a practical touch for active lifestyles.
The Honda CR-V also boasts a rugged design with a long wheelbase and wide stance. Exterior features include a large, gloss black grille, LED headlights, vertical taillights, and dual chrome exhaust finishers on hybrid trims. The CR-V offers a hands-free access power tailgate and roof rails for utility. Inside, the CR-V presents a minimalist layout with expansive sight lines, body stabilizing front seats, available leather trimmed seats, and orange contrast stitching on hybrid trims for a sporty atmosphere. It offers up to 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space and configurable rear seating that can recline, fold, and split.
While the CR-V offers ample cargo space, the Forester's larger passenger volume and specialized interior materials like StarTex upholstery cater to a broader range of needs and design preferences, solidifying its appeal as a best compact SUV for comfort and practicality.
Tech Capabilities
The 2025 Forester features upgraded standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with a wider field of view and greater range, enhancing peace of mind on the road. A significant enhancement is the available Automatic Emergency Steering, which helps drivers avoid collisions by providing automatic steering and pre collision braking support if sufficient space is detected. This goes beyond mere alerts, offering active intervention. Another newly available safety feature is the 360-degree Surround View Monitor, providing a top-down view to assist with parking maneuvers. Additionally, the Forester includes the innovative Subaru DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, which acts as an attentive copilot, alerting drivers if they become distracted or drowsy.
The Forester also comes with a newly available 11.6-inch-high resolution touchscreen for its SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system. This larger screen offers intuitive control for navigation, music, and other apps, with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration making smartphone connectivity seamless without the need for cables. Wireless device charging is also available.
The Honda CR-V also offers a robust suite of technology. It features an available 9-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Wireless phone charging is also available. The CR-V includes a Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor, Parking Sensors, and a Multi Angle Rearview Camera.
While the above are comprehensive safety and connectivity features, the Forester's larger available touchscreen, the standard upgraded EyeSight® with Automatic Emergency Steering, the available 360-degree Surround View Monitor, and the unique DriverFocus system provide a more advanced and actively assistive technological package. This suite of features positions the 2025 Subaru Forester as a leading choice for technology conscious buyers.
Conclusion
The continuous innovation in the Honda CR V vs Subaru Forester rivalry certainly benefits consumers. Both vehicles are strong contenders in the compact SUV segment, but the 2025 Subaru Forester distinguishes itself through its standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and superior off-road capabilities, greater passenger volume, and a more comprehensive and actively assistive suite of safety and convenience technologies.
Visit Findlay Subaru Las Vegas today and explore in person our amazing lineup of 2025 Subaru Forester for sale!
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