2018 Forester vs 2018 CR-V: A Rivalry as Old as the SUV Itself

Value is important to shoppers who want to buy a new SUV, and it should be! You want your new vehicle to give you years of fun, safe, practical performance. Subaru and Honda both boast strong reputations for value and durability, and their respective compact SUVs go a long way in securing that reputation. While we could create an entire overview just comparing the reliability of the Subaru Forester vs the Honda CR-V, it's important to look at the big picture before you buy in Tucson.

See what the 2018 CR-V can do for you--or can't do for you--when put head-to-head against the impressive new 2018 Subaru Forester.

Compare Performance & Capability

• CR-V offers more standard horsepower (184 HP to 170 HP)
• Forester offers more available horsepower (250 HP to 190 HP)
• Forester has more ground clearance

One of the main selling points of the Forester, nationwide, is its legendary performance in snow--if you're an Arizona driver who plans annual trips to Tahoe or the big ski lodges, this will be an important point for you. But, even if you prefer the relative warmth of a downtown Tucson winter, the capability and safety of all-wheel drive is beneficial for every driver, and while both the 2018 Forester and the Honda CR-V offer AWD performance, only Forester gives it to you as standard. Subaru's system is also more efficient, smarter, and smoother than Honda's.

Compare Technology & Features

• Forester comes standard with STARLINK infotainment w/ 6.2-inch touchscreen
• CR-V comes standard with a 5.0-inch display screen
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is standard on the Forester; a pricey upgrade on the CR-V

Both 2018 small SUVs have bolstered their base models to offer a greater range of standard features for drivers who want the most value for the money. However, with a starting price greater than $24,000, the new CR-V really makes you pay for those upgrades. The 2018 Forester starts at just over $22,500 and comes loaded with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard touchscreen infotainment, standard rearview camera, and a lot more. Subaru gives you more for the money when it comes to tech and features.

Compare Safety & Security

• The 2018 Subaru Forester can be equipped with a full suite of EyeSight features
• The 2018 Honda CR-V can be equipped with a full suite of HondaSensing features
• Both SUVs were rated an IIHS Top Safety Pick

If you're willing to pay for it, you'll get incredible and high-level safety features from both the Forester and the CR-V. Subaru and Honda are both top choices among families, so both automakers have invested heavily in their driver-assistance technologies and safety systems. Both systems offer technologies for lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision/collision mitigation braking, backup viewing, and more. The 2018 Forester and 2018 CR-V received similar safety ratings from the IIHS and the NHTSA.