Heated competition between Japanese crossovers
The Honda CR-V is a fan favorite within the crossover segment, with a competitive price, spacious interior, and a healthy list of options at the ready. For the 2025 model year, there are no major changes on the docket – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Honda CR-V entered its sixth generation back in 2023, after all.
Honda
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While Honda’s crossover saw no major changes, the Subaru Forester went in the opposite direction. The 2025 model year brings fresh exterior styling, as well as an updated chassis. Perhaps a more important update to some, Subaru upgraded the Forester with a new dual-pinion electronic power steering rack similar to what’s found in the WRX sedan. The Subaru Forester also comes with a new hybrid offering, but we’ll be focusing on the gas-powered model here.
Exterior styling spotlight
The Honda CR-V was redesigned back in 2023, and it hasn’t seen any notable changes since then. Like in most Japanese crossovers, functionality is the primary focus. LED lighting comes standard across the board, including the turn signals integrated into the side mirrors. While the hybrid models are where most of the premium amenities lie, the EX-L includes a power tailgate and heated side mirrors. With just three gas-powered models to choose from, the 2025 Honda CR-V is priced from $30,100 – $35,000.
Honda
The Subaru Forester arrives with a fresh new look that leans into a more modern, athletic direction. The base model rides on 17-inch dark metallic wheels and includes several notable amenities, including LED steering-responsive headlights and raised roof rails. At the top of the range, the Forester adds a touch of premium styling to the equation, with 19-inch wheels, a panoramic power moonroof, and a foot-activated power tailgate. Priced from $29,995 to $41,595, the 2025 Subaru Forester is designed for the masses with seven trim levels to choose from.
Subaru
Leisurely performance at reasonable prices
All gas-powered 2025 Honda CR-V models come equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. FWD comes standard across the board, but AWD is available for an additional $1,500. 2025 Honda CR-V models with FWD are rated for 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Upgrading to AWD reduces fuel economy by two miles per gallon in combined driving scenarios.
Honda
Under the hood of every Subaru Forester lies a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT that sends power to all four wheels. That powertrain produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. At its best, the 2025 Forester earns an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Notably, the Wilderness model posts slightly different performance numbers, 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and lower fuel economy, 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Subaru
Interior design and features
The Honda CR-V is a fan favorite for a long list of reasons, and the practical, spacious interior is a major selling point. At the base level, Honda’s crossover is fairly comfortable with mostly industry-standard equipment. Second-row heater ducts are an added bonus, but you’ll have to step up a bit to get more upscale amenities. The EX-L model features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic front and rear windows, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The CR-V also boasts up to 76.5 cu ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
James Riswick
As far as tech goes, the CR-V is right in line with the rest of its segment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard in all three models, but only the EX-L ditches the wire. A seven-inch touchscreen comes standard in the lower two trim levels, while the EX-L gets a nine-inch display and includes a wireless smartphone charging pad. The base model gets a four-speaker sound system, while the EX-L gets upgraded to an eight-speaker setup.
The Subaru Forester comes in seven trim levels, which means there’s a rather wide variety of standard features across the range. While the base model has all of the necessities and none of the frills, mid-tier trims blend comfort with practicality, thanks to features like heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. At the top of the range, the Forester gets more premium amenities, like ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The base Forester tops out at 74.4 cu ft. of cargo space behind the front seats. All other trim levels offer 69.1 cu ft. of cargo space with the rear seats lowered.
Subaru
Talking tech, the base Forester arrives with a seven-inch touchscreen display, but most models come with an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android, as well as a wireless smartphone charging pad. Entry-level and mid-tier models come equipped with four or six speakers, but several pricier models boast an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Final thoughts
James Riswick
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The 2025 Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester have proven to be top contenders within their segment, but there are some major differences to consider. While the Forester comes with standard AWD, the CR-V offers a bit more cargo space. Neither model has a major advantage in performance, and they have similar infotainment offerings. In terms of style, practicality is a key factor in both models, but with seven trim levels to choose from, the Forester wins when it comes to flexibility.