Car shopping can be an exciting experience as you look for the vehicle that perfectly reflects your personality. Unfortunately, it can also be stressful to sift through and research all the available models in order to make an informed decision. Perhaps no segment is more competitive today than the midsize SUV class. But, you don't have to do your research alone. Let us do the heavy lifting for you as we compare two popular midsize SUVs, the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Honda CR-V, side-by-side.
You'll see for yourself how the 2022 Forester and 2022 CR-V compare with each other regarding key categories like performance, safety, technology features, and more. We'll give you the info you need to answer these questions and more as we dive deep into these popular SUV models. Keep reading to find out what makes the 2022 Subaru Forester so great.
The 2022 Forester and 2022 CR-V both display striking designs inside and out but there's a difference when it comes to exterior features and interior space. For instance, the Subaru Forester comes standard with LED steering responsive headlights, while the Honda CR-V only has LED headlights for higher trim models. Even roof rails are only available on the highest trim of the 2022 CR-V while they're available on the entry-level 2022 Forester and standard on all higher models. You can even get raised and reinforced roof rails with the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness.
Moving inside, both SUVs are midsize models but that doesn't mean they're the exact same size. The Subaru Forester offers a little more when it comes to passenger space, 111.6 cubic feet against the 105.9 cubic feet of the Honda CR-V. The 2022 CR-V, though, does have a hair more cargo space, 75.8 cubic feet versus the 74.2 cubic feet of the 2022 Forester.
Between the two, there is a significant discrepancy in the technology features standard in the 2022 Forester and the 2022 CR-V. The Subaru Forester comes standard with a 6.5" touchscreen STARLINK infotainment display and a wealth of features while the Honda CR-V comes with a 5" LCD screen that's a bit bare as far as features go. In the 2022 Forester, you get popular technologies like Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™ for smartphone integration, HD Radio®, and SiriusXM®. There are similar features available in the Honda CR-V, but without the illustrious STARLINK name.
Under the hood, the two SUVs are actually quite similar in the size and output of their standard engines. The 2022 Forester offers a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder that can pack a solid punch with 182 horsepower and 176 lb/ft of torque. The 2022 CR-V, on the other hand, has a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with turbocharger that maxes out at 190 horsepower and 179 lb/ft of torque. Those are very similar outputs, but the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness, which can tow up to 3,000 pounds, doubles the 1,500-pound capacity of the 2022 Honda CR-V. Plus, although the Honda CR-V offers an all-wheel drive drivetrain, it's only an available option while the Subaru Forester gives you that extra control and capability standard on all models.
When you think of safe vehicles, your mind probably thinks of brands like Subaru and Honda, and for good reason. In this case especially, the 2022 Forester and 2022 CR-V are as safe as it gets in the midsize SUV class. Both received perfect five-star overall safety scores from the NHTSA for their outstanding crash-test performance. But, both models also have their own suite of driver-assist features standard to avoid collisions in the first place. The Subaru Forester has the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology while the Honda CR-V has Honda Sensing® Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies. Many of the driver-assist systems standard in both models overlap such as collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. In terms of safety, it's hard to beat either of these SUVs whether you're looking for crash-test ratings or advanced systems.
For many car-shoppers, choosing between two models will come down to which one is more affordable. In this comparison, we see two impressive models from brands that are known for having models that fit within many budgets. The 2022 Honda CR-V has a starting MSRP of $25,750 while the 2022 Subaru Forester begins at a slightly lower price at $25,195. We may sound biased, but if you ask us it's hard to beat the value of the 2022 Forester at that price. With solid performance, plenty of space, good fuel economy, and a multitude of standard features of all kinds, the 2022 Subaru Forester is truly the total package.
Find out more about the 2022 Subaru Forester by contacting our staff or stopping by Byers Airport Subaru located at 401 N. Hamilton Road in Columbus, OH 43213, to see this midsize SUV for yourself.
2022 Subaru Forester |
![]() |
2022 Honda CR-V |
$25,195 | Starting MSRP* | $25,750 |
2.5-Liter SUBARU BOXER 4-Cylinder | Standard Engine | 1.5-Liter Inline 4-Cylinder w/ Turbocharger |
182 HP / 176 lb/ft | Performance Output (Horsepower / Torque) | 190 HP / 179 lb/ft |
Standard | All-Wheel Drive | Available |
26 MPG / 33 MPG | Fuel Economy w/ AWD (City / Highway) | 27 MPG / 32 MPG |
1,500 lbs. / 3,000 lbs. | Towing Capacity (Standard / Maximum) | 1,500 lbs. / 1,500 lbs. |
Standard (w/ Steering Response) | LED Headlights | Only Available On Higher Trim Models |
111.6 Cubic Feet | Passenger Volume | 105.9 Cubic Feet |
74.2 Cubic Feet | Max Cargo Volume | 75.8 Cubic Feet |
EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology | Standard Driver-Assist Features | Honda Sensing® Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.