Reedman-Toll Subaru

Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V - Comparative Review


The 2009 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester was redesigned for 2009, and it is now the third generation of the popular crossover utility vehicle. The Forester competes with other small sized SUVs. There are two engines types, both horizontally opposed four-cylinders displacing 2.5 liters; the 170-horsepower base engine is a single overhead cam, while the 224-horsepower turbocharged XT model has twin cams.
The base model offers more standard equipment than previous models did, in particular electronic stability control and airbag curtains.  Other improvements include a new chassis with safety structure, wider track and longer wheelbase, a new double wishbone rear suspension that yields a huge amount of cargo space, and 4.3 inches more legroom in the rear seat.


Overall, the 2009 Forester is actually 3 inches longer, 2 inches wider, and about 100 pounds heavier than last year's model. One may think this would make fuel consumption worse, but it has actually improved. Some versions have foglights that are mounted in gray plastic fascia that runs 360 degrees around the car. This is a nice styling touch.  The interior of this vehicle is decent, the front doors have a nice elbow rest and large pockets each with a recess for 24-ounce bottles.  The air conditioning cools well, fast and quiet.  Driver visibility is excellent in all directions, aided by a careful pillar design. The rear seat reclines in all but the 2.5X base model, and includes a retractable center tray with fixed drink holders.

There is a new suspension that isn't totally firm,  but includes more travel to the shocks, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and good all-season Yokohama tires with the 17-inch wheels. There are five trim packages: Subaru Forester 2.5X; 2.5X Performance Package; L.L. Bean Edition; XT; and  XT Limited.  There is a turbo option that delivers 226 pound-feet at 2800 rpm and 224 horsepower.  The Forester is rated to tow 2400 pounds.


The 2009 Honda CR-V

The  CR-V is a five passenger SUV available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, each with a choice of three trim levels: LX, EX and EX-L. The EX adds alloy wheels, a power moonroof and a six-disc CD changer, while the EX-L is further outfitted with heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control and satellite radio. Standard safety features on every CR-V include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a tire pressure monitor. Compared with the previous models of the CR-V, there's slightly more room in the front seat and (in most dimensions) slightly less room in the rear. There is a marginal amount of increased cargo room. All Honda CR-V models come with a 166-hp four-cylinder engine and a a five-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, four-wheel drive is available for all models.


The CR-V LX comes with fabric upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, powered outside mirrors that fold, power windows, power central locking, driver's-seat height adjustment, 60/40-split rear seatbacks that recline and fold. The EX adds a tilt-and-slide power moonroof; intermittent rear window wiper/washer; steering wheel-mounted audio controls for a six-speaker stereo with an in-dash, six-CD changer; dual-deck cargo shelf; and a lights-and-horn security system. The EX-L features leather-trimmed seats, armrests, shifter, and steering wheel; heated front seats; XM satellite radio with a 90-day trial subscription; and a front center console with storage for 24 CDs.

There are not many other options offered for the Honda
CR-V, but there are many Honda-approved accessories available from dealers. This includes wheel locks; attachments/racks for bicycles, kayak, skis, and surfboards; a roof box; auto-dim inside mirror with compass; amplified bass speaker system; and backup sensors. The Honda CR-V's four-cylinder engine delivers competitive power. The five-speed automatic transmission on the CR-V works perfectly with this engine.


Overall, the new Forester compares favorably to its main competitors, the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4.  It has an MSRP of $19,995 to $28,195. The Subaru Forester has an excellent fuel economy range: 26 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg in the city. A basic warranty is offered for 36 months/36,000 miles. The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that delivers a balance of style, versatility and comfort, along with a high level of safety technology.  It has an MSRP of $21,095 to $27,095.  The CR-V has a  fuel economy range of 27 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg in the city.  There is a  basic warranty of 36 months/36,000 miles.  Real Time all-wheel drive is offered on all three models.  The Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V are similar in size and drivability.  They are two of the best vehicles in their class.  The Forester has a slight advantage as far as price goes, as it starts with a lower base price.