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2024 Honda CR-V or 2024 Subaru Forester? Comparing Two Prominent SUVs

A gray 2024 Honda CR-V ST is shown driving on a rainy day after visiting a Honda dealer near Picnic Point-North Lynnwood.

Ever since the Honda CR-V made its debut in the mid-1990s, the vehicle has been praised by many drivers and industry insiders as a competent SUV that’s ideal for many different drivers. If you’re looking for a Honda dealer near Picnic Point-North Lynnwood to take that test drive, the experts here at Klein Honda are happy to help you. One of the many challengers to the 2024 Honda CR-V is the 2024 Subaru Forester. Capable and praised for its Symmetrical AWD drivetrain, the Forester has long been one of Subaru’s more popular offerings. Today, we’ll be offering an examination of both vehicles.

Performance Comparison

Drivers look at various aspects when choosing a vehicle that suits their needs. Some drivers are looking for storage, and some look for a discernible level of style that allows them to make a notable first impression. However, aspects such as performance and fuel economy have always been at the forefront for many. For this reason, we’ll be examining both vehicles’ performance and fuel economy first.

The Subaru Forester comes with two of the most common features associated with the brand: a Boxer engine and AWD. The Forester employs a four-cylinder engine with 182 hp that produces 176 lb-ft of torque. A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is paired with the engine, which has been proven ideal for drivers who regularly deal with stop-and-go traffic patterns.

Subaru’s AWD system is exceptional at allowing you to battle the harsh elements and can even facilitate some off-road enjoyment. A disadvantage is that no FWD drivetrain is available, which is what many look for to provide them with sustainable fuel economy. As such, the 2024 Forester achieves just 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway for an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined. AWD might benefit drivers who live in colder climates where heavy snowfall is prevalent. Still, anyone in Picnic Point-North Lynnwood knows that despite heavy rainfall, there is little need for AWD in our climate.

The 2024 Honda CR-V has an advantage in offering drivers more variety with the powertrain they choose. Two engines are available, and their capabilities far exceed what the Forester provides. The first of these is a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder, which is paired with a CVT. The four-cylinder places 190 hp at your disposal, along with 179 lb-ft of torque. FWD is standard, but AWD is available for those who want to travel into the mountains. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 28 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG combined.[b]

For those who want even better fuel economy, the 2024 CR-V can also be equipped with a hybrid setup that consists of a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. This allows for a combined 204 hp and the capacity to generate 247 lb-ft of torque. Elevated performance aside, the EPA-estimated ratings are extremely favorable. With 43 MPG in the city, 36 MPG on the highway, and 40 MPG combined, the 2024 CR-V Hybrid proves to be a more capable vehicle for saving customers money on routine fill-ups.[b] With the high population density of Picnic Point-North Lynnwood, having a vehicle with exceptional fuel economy is essential. The stop-and-go patterns that tend to permeate the area call for the type of fuel economy that the Honda CR-V can provide.

The black interior and dash in a 2024 Honda CR-V is shown.

Interior Features and Space

Getting behind the wheel of any vehicle and being satisfied with the results is always the icing on the cake for many drivers. Comfort and storage are two reasons why the SUV segment has become as popular as it is. Now that performance has been thoroughly examined, it’s time to open the doors and see what each vehicle offers. Drivers in the Pacific Northwest enjoy comfort, especially when they need to stay dry from the rain.

The Forester has a stylish and refined interior design, with a sloping windshield that offers drivers a unique aesthetic that can’t be found in other vehicles. However, Subaru’s technology is spartan on the base trims, with a 6.5-inch infotainment screen that can be upgraded to an eight-inch screen on some of the more upscale versions. As with most SUVs, connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is par for the course. There is a single standard USB port in the front, with the option to have up to three more installed along with navigation. There are 74.2 cu.ft. of storage space at its most spacious.

Sitting behind the wheel of the CR-V, one experiences a more futuristic feel. The first thing that catches the eye is the infotainment screen that sits atop the dashboard in a vertical position. A seven-inch screen is standard, with select trims having a larger nine-inch screen. All trims of the CR-V have streaming audio via Bluetooth, and there are four different stereo options. There are four, six, and eight-speaker setups, and for those who want to immerse themselves in entertainment completely, a 12-speaker offering from Bose is standard on the top-tier trim. The available storage space in the CR-V is better than that of the Forester, with 76.5 cu.ft. available.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Technology

We felt it was vital that we save the most critical items for the conclusion. Safety is essential for any vehicle, and the Forester and CR-V have plenty to offer. The technological advancements that have taken place in recent years are advantageous and impressive, so let’s examine both vehicles closely.

Every 2024 Subaru Forester comes standard with a comprehensive suite of features known as EyeSight. This includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and a Pre-Collision Braking System, essential for preserving reaction time. Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Lane Departure and Sway Warning are also included. Available features include Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The features that come standard with the 2024 CR-V are numerous and a part of a suite known as Honda Sensing. A Collision Mitigation Braking System, a Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, a Traffic Sign Recognition System, a Lane Keeping Assist System, Auto High-Beam Headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist are all standard. While both vehicles certainly have a considerable amount to offer, the sheer volume of what Honda provides is enough to declare it the winner in the competition. Whether you’re a driver who’s family-oriented or otherwise, safety is essential, and the standard features that come with the CR-V are critical for drivers who live in Picnic Point-North Lynnwood.

A silver 2024 Subaru Forester is shown driving near a park.

Picnic Point-North Lynnwood Drivers: The CR-V Is Waiting for You We’ve reached our final decision after looking at both vehicles as closely as we have. While the Forester is admirable for giving drivers standard AWD and a host of safety features that are imperative for any driver to possess, it just comes up short in several areas. The Honda CR-V offers drivers more variety in terms of power and drivetrains, making it compatible with a wide variety of drivers. Better fuel economy and more safety features are also two items that consumers look for when they’re deciding on the vehicle that suits them best.

The CR-V has quite a bit to offer drivers. If you’re in the market for an SUV that can go the distance, deliver on your expectations, and sometimes surpass them, Klein Honda is here to get you in the driver’s seat. With our vast selection of new and used vehicles, a sales team who will gladly walk you through the entire purchasing process, and a parts and service department that will keep your purchase on the road, there’s never been a better time to buy.


[b]28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD LX, EX, and EX-L. 27 city/32 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD LX, EX, and EX-L. 43 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg rating for 2WD Sport and Sport-L. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined mpg rating for AWD Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring. Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims), and other factors.