The New Subaru Forester vs. the Competition

While the 2026 Honda CR‑V remains a competitive choice with its efficient turbocharged engine and hybrid options, the 2026 Forester offers notable benefits in performance consistency, practicality, and capability. The Forester's 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine delivers 180 horsepower with standard Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive on every trim, giving it a key advantage over the CR‑V, which provides optional AWD on most trims. This standard all-wheel drive, along with up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance, gives the Forester greater confidence in all weather conditions and off-road situations than the CR‑V, which features a lower ride height and an optional AWD system.

The Forester excels in cargo and interior space. It offers 27.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, and depending on the trim, it can extend to 69.1 to 74.4 cubic feet. While it falls slightly short of the CR‑V's maximum space, the Forester has better standard cargo accessibility and rear headroom. Its tall roofline and large windows give a more open, airy feel, enhancing visibility and everyday practicality, features that the CR‑V's sleeker, more sloped design can't quite provide.

With standard all-wheel drive, greater ground clearance, and adventure‑oriented engineering make the Subaru Forester the more capable choice for drivers who prioritize traction, weekend travel, or harsh‑weather performance here in Kennesaw.

You'll also find that technology plays a key role in differentiating the two vehicles. With the Subaru Forester, there's an 11.6-inch infotainment touch display and a host of modern safety amenities and features standard that you can find without needing to upgrade to the higher trim levels, as you would with the Toyota RAV4.

Even though the RAV4 may have more cargo space by a few cubic feet, the Forester offers a boxier design, a wide-opening cargo gate, and more upright packaging, making it easier to load bulky items, and in particular, outdoor gear, despite the slightly smaller total volume.