Subaru Forester Vs. Honda HR-V | Interior, Cargo Space, Specs

When shopping for your next family commuter or road trip companion, a Subaru Forester vs. Honda HR-V guide can help clear the air. These two legendary names in the compact SUV space are worthwhile for smaller families wanting to bring cargo, enjoy a practical, comfortable cabin, and benefit from technology. But, if you want maximum comfort for your crew, the Subaru SUV takes the crown in almost every 2025 Subaru Forester vs. Honda HR-V category.

This newest Forester edition really puts on a show in 2025, hitting the streets with a fresh exterior design, updated chassis, a larger available touchscreen, and a new electric power-steering rack for an effortless driving experience. Meanwhile, the Honda HR-V arrives in the new year with zero additions or upgrades but a higher MSRP. Visit the Victory Subaru showroom to tour and test-drive our Subaru Forester vs. Honda HR-V victor: the 2025 Forester SUV.

Honda HR-V vs. Subaru Forester Engine Specs

Let's start by revving those engines. Both the 2025 Subaru Forester vs. Honda HR-V prioritizes saving you money between each gas station. However, thanks to a larger engine and standard Symmetrical AWD, the Subaru Forester specs are at another level altogether.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder Honda HR-V engine provides an efficient 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. If you've ever driven an SUV with smaller powertrain figures like these, you know how unexciting and sometimes frustrating such slow acceleration can be. Unfortunately, every Honda HR-V trim is equipped with front-wheel drive, forcing shoppers to pay an upcharge if they prefer AWD. The mightier Subaru Forester engine, on the other hand, uses its 2.5-liter four-cylinder design to generate 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque while providing standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive confidence in every variant.

Logical minds may assume that a smaller Honda powertrain with more compact Honda HR-V specs would deliver higher fuel economy, but this simply isn't true. In fact, this year's Honda HR-V MPG rings in at an EPA-estimated 26/32/28 (City/Highway/Combined),² figures which are slightly lower than the Subaru Forester MPG.

Not only does the HR-V's reduced torque and horsepower give you less muscle beneath the hood and lower MPG, but it also means this Honda SUV isn't officially rated for towing, either. Meanwhile, the 2025 Subaru Forester can haul up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, enabling you to plan weekend adventures that include navigating to your favorite riverside camping spots while trailering a few canoes.

Subaru Forester vs. Honda HR-V Cargo Space & Dimensions

As we tour the dimensions of both vehicles, it's immediately noticeable that the Forester has the upper hand in headroom, legroom, cargo capacity, and overall passenger volume – though this comes as no surprise thanks to the Subaru SUV's extra length and height. Pop the trunk to examine the standard Subaru Forester cargo space, and you'll notice up to an extra 5.1 cubic feet of overall capacity for groceries, luggage, or whatever else you need to bring on your busy day-to-day.

Subaru Forester vs. Honda HR-V Interior

Now that we've explored each SUV's exterior, let's slip inside their cabins. The Honda HR-V interior is thoughtfully designed with a mixture of button, dial, and touchscreen controls, but its small center display floats awkwardly above the dashboard, which is similar to vehicles 10 years its senior. In stark contrast, the Subaru Forester interior offers a more luxe driving experience, a techy tablet-style center touchscreen that measures 11.6 inches in all but its Base trim, and a longer list of standard features. Here's a closer look at a few of the key Subaru Forester vs. Honda HR-V differences.

Both vehicles offer upholstery choices that scale from high-quality cloth to leather. However, the new Subaru Forester for sale gives you more variety as you climb in, such as Gray Sport StarTex material, which is a nice and durable alternative to leather.

2025 Subaru Forester vs. Honda HR-V Features Comparison

No Subaru Forester vs. Honda HR-V comparison guide would be complete without contrasting the different tech levels of these two affordable options. The Forester has Trailer Stability Assist for its 1,500-pound towing capacity³ and an impressive 7-inch media center display on its entry-level trim. The standard touchscreen of the HR-V is the same size at 7 inches, but the Honda model doesn't have towing technology or capability.

That's not even talking about the available options you have in a Forester. The 11-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system lets you explore the world as you want to hear it, a tune the eight-speaker option provided by the higher-end Honda trims can't keep up with. As you browse our new Subaru specials, you'll certainly find a trim that reaches your comfort standards. If you browse 2025 models, you'll find the 11.6-inch touchscreen to dwarf the 9-inch option on offer in a 2025 HR-V.

From a more advanced Adaptive Cruise Control system and a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System to the intricacies of the EyeSight Driver Assistance feature, the Subaru SUV stays ahead of its smaller competitor in terms of safety. If you want more information on how the Subaru Forester can help you avoid accidents and stay out of harm's way on and off the interstate, contact us.

Test-Drive the Subaru Forester at Victory Subaru

Now that you've seen how the Honda HR-V vs. Subaru Forester comparison plays out, it's time to feel those slightly improved specs at your local Subaru dealer in Somerset, NJ. Talk with a representative about signing up for a test drive. We'll be sure to fit into your busy schedule.

Once you find the trim and optional packages you like, talk with our friendly financing department. We have limited-time Subaru Forester lease and finance deals waiting for you there.

¹EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.

²Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.

³Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.