Looking for Your Next SUV in Monrovia? Compare the 2026 Subaru Forester vs Honda CR-V

October 14th, 2026 by

Buy the 2026 Subaru Forester for sale in Monrovia, CA at Sierra Subaru of Monrovia

Quick Take

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Ask around Monrovia about compact SUVs and two names keep coming up: the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester. Both have loyal fans, and Consumer Reports has named the Forester its Top Compact SUV for 13 years in a row. If your week mixes a 210 commute with weekend drives into the foothills, here’s how the 2026 Subaru Forester vs Honda CR-V comparison plays out in the things you’ll notice every day.

What’s the Quick Answer in the 2026 Subaru Forester vs Honda CR-V Matchup?

For most Monrovia drivers, the 2026 Subaru Forester is the better buy. It comes with all-wheel drive on every trim, gives you more passenger space than the CR-V, and holds the #1 spot for projected resale value among compact SUVs, according to J.D. Power. The CR-V has real strengths, including seven Car and Driver 10Best Trucks and SUVs awards. Still, the Forester packs more standard capability into the deal.

Does the Honda CR-V Have Standard All-Wheel Drive?

Only on two trims. Honda’s site, which now lists the 2027 CR-V, shows Real Time AWD as standard on the TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid. On the LX, EX, EX-L, Sport Hybrid, and Sport-L Hybrid, it’s an available extra.

Every 2026 Forester gets Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. Subaru pairs it with up to 35 MPG and says that standard combo is something the CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson can’t match. Available X-MODE and dual-function X-MODE add traction in all kinds of conditions, which helps on a rainy morning drive up Canyon Boulevard.

2026 Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid interior shown in Touring Brown Leather

Which SUV Gives You More Room Inside?

The Forester gives you more space for people. It has up to 110.8 cubic feet of passenger space, which Subaru says beats the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-5. Total cargo space goes up to 74.4 cubic feet, so the dog crate and the weekend bags can ride along together.

On the Honda side, every CR-V trim includes a reclining 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, and a power tailgate shows up starting at the EX-L.

How Do the Safety Features Compare?

Both SUVs come with a standard driver assist suite. Honda Sensing on the CR-V includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and the Lane Keeping Assist System.

The 2026 Subaru Forester brings a strong safety resume of its own:

  • Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, with available Automatic Emergency Steering
  • An available 360-degree Surround-View Monitor, a big help when you’re squeezing into a spot near Old Town Monrovia
  • A 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  • Subaru rated #1 in safety for seven years in a row, according to ACSI

Which One Saves You More Money Over Time?

This is where the 2026 Forester pulls ahead. The savings show up in a few places:

  • At the pump: Up to 35 MPG (EPA estimate; your actual mileage will vary) with all-wheel drive already included. The Forester Hybrid reaches a range of up to 581 miles.
  • At trade-in time: J.D. Power ranks the Forester #1 among compact SUVs for 2025 projected resale value.
  • Over the long haul: 96% of Subaru Forester vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today.

Consumer Reports also named the Forester a 2026 Top Pick, an honor that went to only 10 vehicles in the country. It picked Subaru as its Best Overall Automotive Brand for the second year in a row, too. A car that lasts longer and keeps its value costs you less to own, and current Subaru Forester lease deals can make the monthly math even friendlier.

Which 2026 Forester Version Fits Your Life?

Subaru builds the 2026 Forester in several versions:

  • Forester: The everyday pick, with right-size versatility and all-weather capability for commuting and road trips.
  • Forester Hybrid: Better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, plus a longer range of up to 581 miles.
  • Forester Wilderness: Built for off-road trips, with increased ground clearance and standard all-terrain tires.
  • Forester Sport with the Onyx Edition Package: Gloss-black and metallic accents, 19-inch alloy wheels with a dark metallic finish, and exclusive Black/Gray StarTex upholstery.

Ask our team which versions are in stock when you browse our Subaru Forester for sale.

Should You Buy New, Buy Used, or Lease a Forester?

Each path can work, and the right one depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep the car.

Going new gets you first pick of trims and colors. You can browse every 2026 Subaru Forester for sale in our new inventory or start the process online with our Shop From Home tool.

A used Subaru Forester makes sense if you want Subaru capability on a tighter budget. That 96% still-on-the-road figure suggests a pre-owned Forester has plenty of miles left in it, and our Subaru Certified Pre-Owned inventory is worth a look too.

If leasing sounds better, check our offers and incentives page for current Subaru Forester lease deals. Our finance department shops around for loan options so you can pick the one that suits your situation, and you can get pre-qualified online with no impact on your credit. Ask about our College Grad, Military Incentive, and VIP Educator programs as well. If you have a car to trade in, our Value Your Trade tool and Guaranteed Trade-In Program make that step simple.

2026 Subaru Forester Limited shown in Crimson Red Pearl

Why Is Sierra Subaru the Best Place to Service Your 2026 Subaru Forester?

Our Monrovia service department is staffed with Subaru Certified Technicians who have the specialized training your Forester needs. They handle everything from a routine tire rotation to a check engine light that’s had you guessing.

A few more reasons Forester owners keep coming back:

We also come from a family of dealerships that has served the San Gabriel Valley for over thirty years. We support local groups like Grow Monrovia and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, because this is our community too.

Where Can You Buy a 2026 Subaru Forester in Monrovia, CA?

You can buy a 2026 Subaru Forester at Sierra Subaru of Monrovia – your trusted dealership serving the region with 4.5 stars on Google Reviews, a 4.7 rating on Kelly Blue Book, and 4.9/5 on AutoTrader!

Browse our new Subaru Forester for sale, look through used Subaru Forester options, or ask our team about this month’s Subaru Forester lease deals. The fastest way to settle the 2026 Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V question is to spend a few minutes behind the wheel of a Forester yourself. Visit Sierra Subaru of Monrovia to get started.

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