Why Reynolds!
Which Vehicle is Best for you in the Competitive World of Crossover SUVs: The 2017 Subaru Forester or the 2017 Honda CR-V?
Here at Reynolds Subaru, we know just how much work and research goes into making a wise and informed purchasing decision for an automobile. If you are seeking a high-quality and well-rounded crossover SUV, there's a good chance that the Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V have crossed your mind. Allow us to do some of the work for you, as we have taken a closer look and found some significant differences when comparing the 2017 Subaru Forester with the 2017 Honda CR-V.
Price
Certainly a key factor for automotive shoppers, the Forester and the CR-V are quite similarly priced. MSRP for the 2017 Subaru Forester begins at $22,595, while MSRP starts at $24,045 for the 2017 Honda CR-V. 6 trim levels are available for the 2017 Forester, and the highest trim has an MSRP starting at $34,295 and is fully-packed with premium features and optional equipment. There are 4 trims to choose from for the 2017 CR-V, with a $32,395 MSRP for the top-level trim. Overall, these prices are splitting hairs, so let's dive into what you are paying for.
Engines and Performance
The 2017 Honda CR-V comes equipped with a standard 2.4-liter inline-4 engine, delivering up to 180 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. It's close, but this is in fact is more powerful than the standard engine of the 2017 Subaru Forester, which is a 2.5-liter BOXER® engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. However, available for the Forester is a 2.0-liter turbocharged BOXER® engine, which has an impressive 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque! The CR-V would get left in its dust, even with the upgraded 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that maxes out at 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque.
For the Forester, you can choose between either a fully synchronized 6-speed manual transmission or an advanced Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission. For the CR-V, the only transmission available is a CVT automatic. In regards to fuel-economy, at its best the 2017 Forester earned an EPA-estimated rating of 26/32 city/hwy MPG, while the 2017 CR-V received an estimated rating of 28/34 city/hwy MPG when properly equipped. Speaking on how these vehicles drive, the combination of advanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), responsive Sport-Tuned Suspension System, torque vectoring and electric power steering of the 2017 Subaru Forester creates a level of handling and agility that the Honda CR-V simply cannot match.
Design Inside and Out
It's hard to deny that both of the interior designs belonging to these two automobiles are attractive. The Honda CR-V boasts premium interior materials, custom storage space options and a roomy cabin that is also practical. With the pull of a lever, you have a huge rear cargo area for any storage needs. The Subaru Forester offers a huge cargo space as well, and was given many subtle refinements for 2017. Enjoy a remarkably quiet drive, thanks to an acoustic windshield, improved door seals and thicker glass than previous years. Equip your Forester with an available leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed upholstery and a one-touch folding rear seatback to create a true sense of luxury. For the exterior, the Forester holds an edge. The CR-V definitely holds its own, with a wide stance, 17-inch alloy wheels and aggressive bold lines, but we prefer the sleeker profile of the Forester. In addition, newly redesigned for the 2017 Subaru Forester is the front fascia, which possesses a sporty appearance, a new grille and LED headlights.
Technology and Safety
The 2017 Subaru Forester and the 2017 Honda CR-V offer a generous host of high-tech features. Both possess an advanced infotainment system with a full-color 7-inch touchscreen and complete connectivity abilities with smartphones, although we found SUBARU STARLINK™ Multimedia to be more user-friendly and intuitive. If you like to turn up the volume when you go out for a drive, you can equip your Subaru Forester with a premium Harman Kardon Speaker System; something you can't find in a Honda CR-V.
Last, and certainly not least, let's talk safety! The Honda and Subaru brands are both well-known for manufacturing incredibly safe automobiles. The 2017 CR-V provides you with Honda Sensing™, an intelligent suite of safety features. Included are a lane keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigation braking system and a road departure mitigation system. Also, all-wheel drive is an available upgrade for the CR-V, while enhanced symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on all models of the Forester. Listed below are the highlighted safety features of the 2017 Forester:
- EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, consisting of adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and sway warning, pre-collision automatic braking and pre-collision throttle management
- Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Rear-Vision Camera and Reverse Automatic Braking
- SUBARU STARLINK™ Safety and Security features
- High Beam Assist and Steering Responsive Headlights
- And more!
Purchase the 2017 Subaru Forester in Lyme, CT!
Well, it indeed is a close race. As you can see, when all things are considered, the Subaru Forester proves itself the victor. Visit Reynolds Subaru at 268 Hamburg Rd in Lyme, CT if you are interested in taking the 2017 Forester out for a test drive!
Check out our current Subaru Forester inventory!
