Subaru and Honda both have fantastic reputations when it comes to manufacturing safe and reliable vehicles that consumers trust. When it comes time to purchase a new vehicle, prospective buyers often narrow down their choices between these two brands. This is especially true when it comes to their SUV offerings, like the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester. In 2021, the choice remains difficult. Let’s talk about the features of each of these cars, and explore why some prefer one over the other. 

An overview of the 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V is well recognized as a stylish, efficient, and family-friendly SUV, earning acclaim from various critics. The Honda CR-V looks sleek and modern on the outside, and the inside feels luxurious and polished. The 2021 Honda CR-V also comes equipped with a respectable engine and an option to select front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It can get incredible gas mileage for a vehicle of its size – 34 MPG highway with front-wheel drive and 32 MPG highway with all-wheel drive.

One major drawback to the base model Honda CR-V, known as the LX, is its lackluster infotainment center. It comes with a 5-inch, non-touchscreen infotainment center that is slow and lacking in seemingly basic features. One remedy for this problem is to spend $2,000 extra and upgrade to the EX version of this vehicle, which also comes with a power-adjustable seat and lumbar support. 

Overall, the 2021 Honda CR-V has received glowing reviews from plenty of critics and ultimately ranking No. 1 on MotorTrend‘s list of Best Compact SUVs. When put head-to-head with the 2021 Subaru Forester, U.S. News also picked the 2021 Honda CR-V as the winner, citing the Subaru Forester’s “underwhelming” engine as the culprit for its lower rating. 

What the 2021 Subaru Forester is all about

The 2021 Subaru Forester is another first-rate and superb option for anyone looking to purchase a new SUV. The Subaru Forester also looks chic and upscale, especially inside the vehicle. Its engine performance isn’t something to write home about, but it does deliver a smooth ride. The 2021 Subaru Forester also delivers admirable fuel efficiency at 33 MPG highway. So far, the Honda CR-V looks to be the better choice for an SUV. However, that may change when discussing the base model features of both vehicles, and the opinion of Consumer Reports. 

The 2021 Subaru Forester’s base model provides a far superior infotainment system and standard all-wheel drive all at a lower price than the 2021 Honda CR-V LX, making this a tempting choice for many prospective buyers. Although some car reviewing websites deemed the 2021 Honda CR-V as a superior vehicle to the 2021 Subaru Forester, Consumer Reports actually rated the Subaru Forester higher.

They gave the Subaru Forester an 89 for reliability, while the Honda CR-V got a score of 82. Both are remarkably high, but the Subaru Forester just slightly beat out the Honda CR-V in the eyes of Consumer Reports. That being said, reliability ratings are an important factor for many prospective car buyers. 

The bottom line between the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V

When it comes to choosing between these two vehicles, it’s hard to go wrong with either. Both look and feel great, deliver exceptional fuel efficiency, and cost about the same. But, if you are looking for a base model that comes with a better infotainment system and all-wheel drive as a standard feature, the 2021 Subaru Forester may be a better choice. 

If, on the other hand, you want a vehicle with a better engine and superior gas mileage, the 2021 Honda CR-V may better suit your wants and needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two vehicles comes down to personal preference. Either way, chances are good that you’ll be happy with your new SUV.