When it comes to reliability, the 2025 Honda CR-V takes a narrow victory. It earns an impressive J.D. Power reliability score of 84 out of 100, just edging out the Subaru Forester's score of 83. While both vehicles are known for their durability, the CR-V's slightly higher rating gives it a confidence boost for long-term ownership. However, Subaru compensates with a more generous warranty, offering a three-year/50,000-kilometer limited warranty compared to Honda's three-year/36,000-kilometer coverage. Both models also come with a five-year/60,000-kilometer powertrain warranty.

When it comes to comfort, the CR-V stands out with its superior seating. It offers more adjustable and supportive seats, ensuring comfort on long drives. Reviewers particularly praised its spacious cabin with generous headroom and legroom. The CR-V also comes standard with reclining rear seats, enhancing passenger comfort. On the other hand, the Forester provides supportive seating with a spacious cabin, but its reclining rear seats are optional. This makes the CR-V the better choice for those who prioritize a comfortable and versatile seating arrangement.

For practicality, the 2025 Honda CR-V emerges as the winner with its superior cargo capacity. It offers 1,112 liters of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to an impressive 2,165 liters when the rear seats are folded down. The Forester, while still spacious, provides slightly less with 838 liters behind the rear row and 2,107 liters with the seats folded. The CR-V's wide and tall cargo area makes it particularly suitable for bulky items, making it an excellent choice for families and adventure seekers alike.

When it comes to performance, the CR-V also has the upper hand. It offers quicker acceleration, particularly useful for highway merging and overtaking. The CR-V’s engine delivers adequate torque for confident driving, although it can feel slightly sluggish at higher speeds. In contrast, the Forester is noticeably slower to reach speed, taking about 9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, which is approximately a second slower than the CR-V. This performance difference makes the CR-V the more dynamic and responsive choice for drivers seeking a spirited driving experience.

Both the 2025 Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester have their unique advantages, but the CR-V comes out on top in this comparison. It excels in reliability, comfort, cargo space, and performance. While the Forester boasts a stylish redesign and superior ride handling, the CR-V’s overall practicality and enhanced driving dynamics make it the better option for most buyers. If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, and versatile compact SUV, the 2025 Honda CR-V is the clear winner.