Compact SUV comparison · West Palm Beach, Florida
2026 Subaru Forester vs. 2026 Honda CR-V in West Palm Beach
The 2026 Forester is the stronger shortlist choice for shoppers who want AWD included from the start, more ground clearance and a Wilderness configuration with substantially greater towing capacity. The CR-V may suit drivers who prioritize slightly more maximum cargo room or the stronger published fuel economy and output of its hybrid system. Honda wins those hybrid numbers; Forester counters with standard AWD throughout the lineup, 8.7 inches of clearance on most trims and 9.3 inches on Wilderness.
Which one belongs on your shortlist?
Choose the 2026 Subaru Forester if…
- You want Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive included on every trim rather than added as an option.
- You value 8.7 inches of clearance, or 9.3 inches on Forester Wilderness.
- You want gas, Hybrid and Wilderness choices within the same model family.
- You may need up to 3,500 pounds of towing from a properly equipped Wilderness.
Keep the Honda CR-V on your list if…
- You prioritize the CR-V's 76.5-cubic-foot published maximum cargo figure.
- You want 41.0 inches of published second-row legroom.
- You prioritize a 204-horsepower hybrid system and up to 40/34/37 MPG with AWD.
- You prefer Honda's available front-wheel-drive choices and their higher EPA estimates.
Compare exact configurations and decision points
This exact gas-AWD comparison avoids presenting a front-wheel-drive CR-V price or a hybrid MPG figure as though it applies to the AWD gasoline model.
| Decision point | 2026 Subaru Forester Base 2.5L gas / CVT / AWD | 2026 Honda CR-V LX AWD 1.5L turbo / CVT / AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP before destination | $29,995; AWD included | $32,420; configured with AWD |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD standard | Real Time AWD is optional on LX; this column uses AWD |
| Published output | 180 horsepower | 190 horsepower / 179 lb-ft |
| EPA estimate, city / highway / combined | 26 / 33 MPG; combined figure not listed in the cited Subaru summary | 27 / 31 / 29 MPG |
| Minimum ground clearance | 8.7 inches | 8.2 inches for AWD |
| Maximum published cargo volume | 74.4 cu. ft. on Base | 76.5 cu. ft. |
| Maximum towing capacity | 1,500 lb. on most models; 3,500 lb. on Wilderness when properly equipped | 1,500 lb. gas; 1,000 lb. Hybrid |
Manufacturer MSRPs exclude destination, taxes, title, license, options, dealer-installed equipment and dealer charges unless specifically stated. Dealer prices vary. EPA estimates are for comparison and actual mileage varies. Schumacher Subaru of West Palm Beach can provide current inventory and itemized pricing only for the Subaru vehicles it sells; it cannot quote or verify another dealer's price, fees, incentives or payments.
Where Honda CR-V has an advantage—and what Forester offers instead
CR-V has slightly more maximum cargo room
Honda publishes 76.5 cubic feet versus 74.4 for Forester Base. Forester does not erase that 2.1-cubic-foot advantage; its counterbalance is standard AWD, greater clearance and a more capability-focused Wilderness choice. Test the actual cargo shape with your stroller, golf bags or mobility equipment.
CR-V Hybrid has stronger efficiency and output
The AWD CR-V Hybrid publishes 40/34/37 MPG and 204 system horsepower. Forester Hybrid publishes 35/34 MPG and 194 system horsepower, so Honda leads on city and combined efficiency and on output. Forester counters with standard AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance and a manufacturer-estimated range up to 581 miles.
CR-V offers more rear legroom on paper
Honda publishes 41.0 inches of second-row legroom. Forester's case rests on visibility, an upright cabin, standard AWD and clearance rather than claiming a rear-legroom win. Seat the actual passengers who ride with you and compare entry, knee room and sightlines.
Which hybrid makes more sense: Forester Hybrid or CR-V Hybrid?
Choose CR-V Hybrid if its higher published city and combined MPG or additional system horsepower controls the decision. Those are meaningful advantages, and Forester Hybrid does not match them.
Keep Forester Hybrid on the list if you also value standard AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance, the Forester driving position and its estimated 581-mile range. Compare exact trims because cargo volume, equipment and pricing change with configuration.
Build a useful West Palm Beach comparison drive
Schumacher Subaru serves West Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and communities north toward Jupiter and Stuart. A short route can reveal more than a generic ranking:
- Use stop-and-go traffic on Okeechobee Boulevard to compare low-speed response and outward visibility.
- Merge onto I-95 and judge road noise, lane placement and adaptive-cruise controls at normal highway speed.
- Try a tight parking space and load the gear you actually carry; published cubic feet do not show opening shape or floor height.
- Drive the exact gas or hybrid Forester you intend to buy instead of assuming one powertrain represents the other.
Visit Schumacher Subaru: 3021 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33409. Contact Sales before traveling so the exact Forester trim and test-drive time can be confirmed. Courtesy delivery for a completed new-vehicle purchase may be available to agreed locations from West Palm Beach through Port St. Lucie; ask the team to confirm eligibility and timing.
Questions shoppers ask about Forester and Honda CR-V
Is AWD standard on both the Forester and CR-V?
AWD is standard on every 2026 Forester. The 2026 CR-V offers front-wheel drive or available AWD on several trims, while TrailSport and Sport Touring Hybrid use AWD.
Which hybrid gets better gas mileage?
The CR-V Hybrid publishes higher city and combined estimates in the AWD comparison. Both publish 34 highway MPG in the cited AWD hybrid figures; Honda retains the city and combined advantage.
Which can tow more?
Most Foresters and gas CR-Vs publish 1,500 pounds. Forester Wilderness raises the Subaru maximum to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, while Honda lists 1,000 pounds for CR-V Hybrid.
Can Schumacher Subaru quote a Honda CR-V?
No. We can provide current availability and itemized pricing for a Subaru Forester. Competitor specifications and MSRP references come from Honda's official materials.
Compare the Subaru before you decide
Tell our West Palm Beach team which priorities control your decision. We can show an available Forester, explain its exact equipment and provide itemized Subaru pricing. You do not need to own the competing brand or have a trade.
Optional: estimate the value of any trade. A trade is not required to use this guide or contact the Sales team.
