2025 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Honda HR-V offers a nimble, efficient entry into the crossover segment, exciting buyers with its approachable $25,400 MSRP and respectable 28 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the rugged 2026 Subaru Forester enters with a bolder stance, boasting standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and superior power, delivering 180 hp versus the HR-V's 158 hp. The Forester’s appeal is enhanced by a substantial 29.6 cu ft of cargo space, significantly eclipsing the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft. While the Subaru commands a $4,595 premium over the Honda, its greater torque (178 lb-ft vs. 138 lb-ft) and commanding height of 68.1 inches suggest a more capable, sure-footed experience for those tackling varied conditions. The HR-V prioritizes efficiency and lower ownership entry cost, making it a sharp choice for urban navigation.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is slightly more compact and marginally cheaper, fitting better into dense commuting scenarios.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester provides significantly more room with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Forester offers a compelling advantage in performance metrics with 180 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Honda HR-V
The HR-V undercuts the Forester by $4,595, presenting a lower barrier to entry for new vehicle ownership.
Choose the Honda HR-V if...
- You must keep your initial purchase price below $26,000, as the HR-V starts at $25,400.
- You prefer the slightly smaller footprint (179.8 inches long) for easier city parking.
- Your driving prioritizes fuel economy slightly more, despite both having similar MPG ratings, due to the lower overall vehicle weight.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You require the superior traction and stability provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You need maximum utility, benefiting from the Forester's 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You desire stronger acceleration from the 180 hp engine and 178 lb-ft of torque.
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 2026 Subaru Forester.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Subaru Forester than the 2025 Honda HR-V?
The Forester packs a more potent punch with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, noticeably outpacing the HR-V's 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. This 22 hp difference translates to more assertive highway merging in the Subaru.
Is the higher price of the Forester justified by cargo space improvements?
Yes, the Forester offers significantly more utility, featuring 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is over 5 cubic feet more than the HR-V’s 24.4 cu ft. This makes the Forester the clear choice for hauling gear.
Which vehicle is better for drivers who frequently encounter snow or slippery roads?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the superior choice due to its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The HR-V comes standard in front-wheel drive, necessitating an upgrade for similar capability.
What is the total price difference between the base models?
There is a substantial $4,595 difference in starting MSRP between the two vehicles. The HR-V begins at $25,400 while the Forester commands a starting price of $29,995.
Do these crossovers use different types of fuel?
No, both the 2025 Honda HR-V and the 2026 Subaru Forester are designed to run optimally on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs consistent in that regard.
How does the exterior size compare between these two compact crossovers?
The Forester is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 183.3 inches long and standing taller at 68.1 inches in height. The HR-V is marginally shorter in length at 179.8 inches and notably lower to the ground.
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