2025 Honda HR-V vs 2025 Subaru Forester

$25,400 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial numerical divergence between the 2025 Honda HR-V (Car 1) and the 2025 Subaru Forester (Car 2) is the $4,595 MSRP gap, with the Forester starting at $29,995 against the HR-V's $25,400. Performance metrics favor Car 2, which delivers 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the HR-V's 158 hp and 138 lb-ft. Conversely, Car 1 boasts a slightly lower weight profile and a marginally better city MPG rating of 26 MPG compared to the Forester's 26 MPG city/33 MPG highway cycle. The Forester offers superior utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft, amplified by a taller overall height of 68.1 inches. The HR-V's FWD orientation and lower entry price present a distinct economic proposition against the Forester's standard AWD system and higher output.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda HR-V

The lower MSRP of $25,400 for the HR-V makes it the more economical daily commuter choice.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Forester

The Forester provides significantly more utility, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Forester

The Forester delivers a measurable power advantage with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda HR-V

Despite lower power, the HR-V offers an entry price that is $4,595 less than the Forester while achieving a near-identical 28 combined MPG rating.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

Budget constraints necessitate the lowest upfront cost, starting at $25,400.
Primary driving is within urban environments where FWD is sufficient.
Efficiency is prioritized slightly over outright power, given its 28 combined MPG.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

All-Wheel Drive capability is required for varied road conditions.
Maximum cargo space is necessary, as it provides 29.6 cu ft versus 24.4 cu ft.
Performance metrics matter, demonstrated by its 22 hp and 40 lb-ft torque advantage.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda HR-V	Subaru Forester
Length	179.8"	183.3"
Width	72.4"	72.0"
Height	63.4"	68.1"
Wheelbase	104.5"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	158 hp @ 6500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/32 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/448.0 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	53.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R H	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda HR-V and 2025 Subaru Forester.

How does the standard drivetrain affect fuel economy between the two crossovers?

The 2025 HR-V is FWD standard and achieves 28 combined MPG, while the 2025 Forester includes standard AWD and returns 29 combined MPG. Despite the AWD penalty typically seen, the Forester is marginally more efficient overall.

What is the specific cargo capacity difference, and does it impact utility?

The Subaru Forester (Car 2) offers 29.6 cu ft of cargo space, which is 5.2 cu ft more than the Honda HR-V's 24.4 cu ft. This substantial difference impacts the Forester’s suitability for larger hauling tasks.

Is the $4,595 price difference justified by the performance upgrades in the Forester?

The Forester commands a $4,595 higher MSRP, justified by 22 additional horsepower (180 hp vs. 158 hp) and standard AWD, which the HR-V lacks in its base FWD configuration.

Which vehicle is physically larger based on exterior dimensions?

The Forester is longer at 183.3 inches versus the HR-V's 179.8 inches, and significantly taller at 68.1 inches compared to the HR-V's 63.4 inches, contributing to its greater internal volume.

Do both vehicles require premium gasoline?

No, both the 2025 Honda HR-V and the 2025 Subaru Forester are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping operational fueling costs similar despite price differences.

How close are their highway MPG figures?

The Highway MPG ratings are very close: the HR-V achieves 32 MPG while the Forester reaches 33 MPG. Both demonstrate competitive efficiency for highway cruising.