Home > 2026 Forester Hybrid comparisons > Forester Hybrid vs. Honda CR-V Hybrid
2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid vs. Honda CR-V Hybrid
By Lancaster County Motors Subaru | Reviewed by Jonathan Furukawa, General Sales Manager, and Ross Rodruan, General Manager | Last updated September 2026
Quick Answer
The 2026 Subaru Forester Limited Hybrid starts at $38,995 and the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid starts at $38,800, both before destination, so the two are separated by less than $200 with all-wheel drive included on each. The CR-V Hybrid makes more power at 204 hp versus 194 hp for the Forester Hybrid, and the two are essentially tied on fuel economy at 35 mpg combined, though a CR-V Sport-L Hybrid AWD on standard tires is rated higher at 37 mpg combined. The Honda offers noticeably more cargo room, 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat versus 27.5 for the Subaru, while the Forester counters with 8.7 inches of ground clearance versus 8.2 and a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen. On safety, the 2026 Forester, including the hybrid, earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, while the 2026 CR-V received no IIHS award after a Poor rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. Both carry 3-year/36,000-mile basic, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain and 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery coverage.
Lancaster County shoppers looking for a hybrid compact SUV with all-wheel drive almost always end up with these two on the same list. The Forester Hybrid and the CR-V Hybrid are priced within a few hundred dollars of each other, both seat five, both deliver mid-30s fuel economy, and both come from brands with deep roots in this part of Pennsylvania. This page puts the numbers side by side so you can see where each one actually leads, whether you are commuting up Route 30, hauling gear to the Poconos, or just trying to make it through a Manheim Pike winter without drama.
See all 2026 Forester Hybrid comparisons
On This Page
At a Glance
| Spec | 2026 Subaru Forester Limited Hybrid | 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (before destination) | $38,995 (plus $1,450 destination) | $38,800 (plus $1,550 destination) |
| Engine / Powertrain | 2.5L boxer 4-cyl + two-motor hybrid, Lineartronic CVT | 2.0L 4-cyl + two-motor hybrid, e-CVT |
| Combined Horsepower | 194 hp | 204 hp (247 lb-ft) |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD standard on every trim | AWD standard on TrailSport (optional $1,500 on Sport and Sport-L) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined) | 35 / 34 / 35 mpg, up to 581-mile range | 38 / 33 / 35 mpg (Sport-L AWD: 40 / 34 / 37) |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in | 8.2 in |
| Cargo Space (behind 2nd row) | 27.5 cu ft | 36.3 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Space (seats folded) | 69.1 cu ft | 71.8 cu ft |
| Touchscreen | 11.6-in tablet-style, wireless CarPlay / Android Auto, navigation standard on Limited | 9-in, wireless CarPlay / Android Auto, 10.2-in digital gauge cluster |
| Standard Driver-Assist Suite | EyeSight with Automatic Emergency Steering, adaptive cruise with lane centering, Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking on Limited | Honda Sensing: Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, adaptive cruise with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition |
| IIHS Rating (2026) | Top Safety Pick+ | No award (Poor in updated moderate overlap front test) |
| Basic / Powertrain Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi / 5 yr/60,000 mi, hybrid components 8 yr/100,000 mi | 3 yr/36,000 mi / 5 yr/60,000 mi, hybrid battery 8 yr/100,000 mi |
Price & Value
On paper this is one of the closest price matchups in the segment. The Forester Limited Hybrid lists at $38,995 and the CR-V TrailSport Hybrid at $38,800, and once you add destination the Honda comes out about $100 less. That is a rounding error on a $40,000 purchase, so the real value question is what each dollar buys.
The Forester Limited Hybrid includes navigation built into its 11.6-inch screen, a Harman Kardon audio system, an 8-way power passenger seat, rain-sensing wipers and Reverse Automatic Braking. The CR-V TrailSport Hybrid brings a moonroof, power tailgate, heated steering wheel, wireless charger, premium audio and its all-terrain tire and wheel package. Neither one is stripped down at this price.
Where the Subaru pulls ahead is at the entry point: every Forester Hybrid, including the $34,730 Premium Hybrid, has AWD standard. Honda's Sport Hybrid starts at $35,630 with front-wheel drive, and AWD adds $1,500. If you want the Honda's best mileage in an AWD configuration, the Sport-L Hybrid AWD at $40,225 is the trim to price.
"The Forester and the CR-V hybrids are close enough on sticker that I tell customers not to sweat the two hundred dollars. What matters is whether the trim you're looking at actually has all-wheel drive and the features you want. Every Forester Hybrid does. On the Honda side, you have to pick the right trim or add it, so build the exact vehicle you'd drive home before you compare the bottom line."Jonathan Furukawa, General Sales Manager, Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Performance & Efficiency
Honda's hybrid system is the more powerful of the two. The CR-V Hybrid's 2.0-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors produce 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, compared to 194 total system horsepower from the Forester Hybrid's 2.5-liter boxer engine and two-motor setup. In everyday driving the CR-V feels a little quicker off the line, and its hybrid transitions are consistently smooth.
Fuel economy is closer than the CR-V Hybrid's reputation suggests, at least in this matchup. The TrailSport Hybrid's all-terrain tires drop its EPA rating to 38 city, 33 highway and 35 combined, which is exactly what the Forester Hybrid returns at 35 city, 34 highway and 35 combined. Step over to a CR-V Sport-L Hybrid AWD on regular tires and the Honda's advantage reappears at 40/34/37, and a front-drive Sport-L Hybrid reaches 43/36/40. So if efficiency is your top priority and you can live with a different trim, the Honda has the edge. If you are comparing AWD adventure trims, it is a wash.
The Forester's advantages are in how it puts that power down. Symmetrical AWD is always engaged rather than reactive, ground clearance is 8.7 inches versus 8.2 for the Honda, and the hybrid version adds X-Mode for slippery surfaces. With a 16.6-gallon tank the Subaru also goes up to 581 miles between fill-ups.
Interior, Cargo & Comfort
This is the section where the Honda earns its strong sales numbers. The CR-V Hybrid offers 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 71.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Forester Hybrid, whose battery pack sits under the cargo floor, offers 27.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 69.1 cubic feet maximum. That nine-cubic-foot gap behind the second row is the single biggest practical difference between these two vehicles, and families who regularly fill the back with strollers, hockey bags or Costco runs should notice it.
Rear-seat legroom is generous in both, and both seat adults comfortably in the second row. The CR-V's cabin is finished with a clean, horizontal dash and a honeycomb vent strip that looks more premium than its price. The TrailSport adds orange interior accents and unique cloth-and-synthetic-leather seating.
The Forester counters with visibility. Its tall glass and upright pillars make it one of the easiest compact SUVs to see out of, which matters in tight parking lots and on farm roads at dusk. The Limited Hybrid's power passenger seat, Harman Kardon audio and StarTex water-repellent upholstery give it a comfortable, practical feel. Both offer heated front seats standard at this trim level, and both have a wide, low liftover for loading.
Safety Ratings & Driver-Assist Technology
Both of these SUVs come with a full suite of standard driver-assist technology, but their 2026 crash-test results diverge in a way shoppers should know about.
The 2026 Subaru Forester, including the Forester Hybrid, earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the Institute's highest honor. The award requires a Good rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, which now measures rear-seat passenger protection, along with Good ratings in small overlap and updated side tests, acceptable or better headlights and pedestrian crash prevention.
The 2026 Honda CR-V received no IIHS award. It scored Good in the small overlap front and updated side tests and Good for headlights, but it was rated Poor in the updated moderate overlap front test because the rear seat bracket deformed and the belt shifted on the rear dummy. Front crash prevention was rated Acceptable.
On driver assistance, the two are closely matched. The Forester's EyeSight system uses a three-camera setup and adds Automatic Emergency Steering, adaptive cruise with lane centering, Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Honda Sensing covers Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, adaptive cruise with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Information and Traffic Sign Recognition, and the 2026 update added a new front radar and wider-view camera.
"I want to be careful here because the CR-V is a good vehicle and Honda builds a lot of them. But the facts are the facts. The 2026 Forester, hybrid included, is a Top Safety Pick Plus. The 2026 CR-V didn't earn an IIHS award this year, and the reason is a Poor rating in the new rear-seat test. Anybody can look that up at iihs.org, and I'd rather a customer hear it from us than find it after they've bought."Ross Rodruan, General Manager, Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Technology
The Forester Limited Hybrid's 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen is the larger display and it includes built-in navigation at this trim, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The physical volume and temperature controls flanking the screen are a practical touch. Some drivers find the screen's response a step slower than a phone, so it is worth trying in person.
The CR-V TrailSport Hybrid uses a 9-inch landscape touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.2-inch digital instrument display and a wireless charging pad. Honda's interface is simple and quick, and physical knobs for volume and climate are standard. Google Built-in with native Google Maps and Assistant is reserved for the Sport Touring Hybrid. Both vehicles include a Wi-Fi hotspot capability and remote start through their respective apps.
Reliability, Warranty & Ownership Costs
Warranty coverage is a dead heat. Both Subaru and Honda provide a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and 8-year/100,000-mile coverage on hybrid components including the battery. Neither brand includes complimentary scheduled maintenance nationally, so check current dealer offers.
Honda's hybrid system is now in its fourth generation and has an excellent track record for durability, and the CR-V is a perennial strong performer in resale value. Subaru's boxer-based hybrid is newer, but it uses a Toyota-derived motor layout and the core 2.5-liter engine has been in service for years. Both brands rank near the top of the industry in owner loyalty.
Where the Forester saves money is on the AWD side of the ledger: it is standard, so there is no upcharge and nothing extra to service. The Honda's small mileage advantage on non-TrailSport trims can add up to real savings over 100,000 miles if your commute is mostly city driving.
Which One Is Right for You
| If you want... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| The most cargo space behind the rear seat and the roomiest cabin | Honda CR-V Hybrid (36.3 vs 27.5 cu ft) |
| A 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner | Subaru Forester Hybrid |
| The best possible fuel economy in an AWD hybrid | Honda CR-V Sport-L Hybrid AWD (37 mpg combined) |
| Standard AWD at the lowest entry price | Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid ($34,730) |
| The strongest acceleration and torque | Honda CR-V Hybrid (204 hp, 247 lb-ft) |
| More ground clearance and always-on AWD for snow, gravel and dirt roads | Subaru Forester Hybrid (8.7 in, Symmetrical AWD, X-Mode) |
| The largest touchscreen with built-in navigation at this price | Subaru Forester Limited Hybrid (11.6 in) |
| The longest range between fill-ups | Subaru Forester Hybrid (up to 581 miles) |
See the Forester Hybrid in Person at Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Our team can walk you through current inventory, pricing, and a side by side test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid or the Honda CR-V Hybrid cheaper?
They are nearly identical. The Forester Limited Hybrid starts at $38,995 and the CR-V TrailSport Hybrid at $38,800 before destination. Add destination and the Honda is about $100 less, but the least expensive AWD hybrid is the Forester Premium Hybrid at $34,730.
Which gets better gas mileage, the Forester Hybrid or the CR-V Hybrid?
In matching AWD adventure trims, they tie at 35 mpg combined. The CR-V Sport-L Hybrid AWD on standard tires is rated 37 mpg combined, and the front-wheel-drive Sport-L Hybrid reaches 40 mpg combined, so the Honda has the edge if you pick the right trim.
Does the Honda CR-V Hybrid come with all-wheel drive?
Only the TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid include AWD standard. On the Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid it is a $1,500 option. Every 2026 Forester Hybrid has Symmetrical AWD standard.
Which has more cargo space, the Forester Hybrid or the CR-V Hybrid?
The CR-V Hybrid, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 71.8 cubic feet maximum. The Forester Hybrid offers 27.5 and 69.1 cubic feet.
Is the 2026 Honda CR-V an IIHS Top Safety Pick?
No. The 2026 CR-V did not earn an IIHS award because it was rated Poor in the updated moderate overlap front test. The 2026 Subaru Forester, including the hybrid, earned Top Safety Pick+.
How much horsepower does the 2026 CR-V Hybrid have compared to the Forester Hybrid?
The CR-V Hybrid produces 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The Forester Hybrid produces 194 total system horsepower.
Which is better for snow in Lancaster County, the Forester Hybrid or the CR-V Hybrid?
Both handle typical winter roads well with AWD, but the Forester Hybrid has 8.7 inches of ground clearance versus 8.2 for the CR-V, always-engaged Symmetrical AWD, and X-Mode for low-traction surfaces, which gives it the edge on unplowed or rural roads.
About Our Experts
 | Jonathan Furukawa, General Sales Manager General Sales Manager, Lancaster County Motors Subaru. Jonathan has spent his career helping Lancaster County drivers compare their options honestly, including when a competitor's vehicle is the better fit for a specific need. |
 | Ross Rodruan, General Manager General Manager, Lancaster County Motors Subaru. Ross oversees dealership operations and is a frequent resource for local drivers researching Subaru models against the competition. |
Pricing, specifications, and ratings referenced on this page reflect published manufacturer and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety data available as of September 2026 and are subject to change. Confirm current pricing, incentives, and availability with Lancaster County Motors Subaru, 1705 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, (717) 381-2871.
