Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, & Ford Escape in Little Rock

Selecting the Perfect Sport SUV

Some buyers enjoy the space that an SUV offers because they frequently travel with their family. Others carpool quite a bit and enjoy multiple seating configurations that improve the flexibility of their SUV. Then, there is another class of buyers: the Hot Springs adventurers.

These customers are concerned with capability, off-road potential, and space in one SUV. The Subaru Forester meets these needs, but so do a few other sporty SUV options. This makes the Forester an active competitor with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape. While their purpose and look are similar, the specific details of each of these SUVs differ greatly. Let's take a look at how they compare.

Subaru Forester vs Honda CR-V

If one were to consider the overall look of these two SUVs, you could easily tell which would sport a variety of attributes. The more square, traditional look of the Honda CR-V matches its characteristic strong engine, ample cargo space, noisy engine, and clunky shifting. Whereas, the slender and sleek Subaru Forester is known for its smooth driving, exceptional visibility, and attractive interior. The epitome of modern auto technology, the Subaru Forester makes a mark with consumers.

As a highly saturated segment of the auto market, these two compact SUVs have some fierce competition. Yet, that doesn't keep them from putting their best foot forward. Similar to paper but different in person, these two SUVs sport two completely different engine options. While the Subaru Forester uses a 2.4-Liter I4 naturally aspirated engine, the Honda CR-V relies on a 1.5-Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Still yet, both vehicles utilize continuously variable transmissions which allow them to average 29 combined miles per gallon fuel efficiency.

Considering interior and exterior design features and safety and technology attributes, the two vehicles vary quite a bit. One of the main noticeable differences between these two is that many of the standard features of the Subaru Forester are upgrades for the CR-V and result in additional charges. Touchscreen infotainment systems, driver-assistive safety suites, and seating for five are nearly identical between these two SUV models.

Despite their similarities, the driver-assistive features of the Subaru Forester are much more noticeable and aggressive than those of the Honda CR-V. Needless to say, drivers feel safer in the general environment of the Subaru Forester over the Honda CR-V.

Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4

As compact SUVs, both models seat up to five passengers and sport an overall length within two inches. Yet, not all space is created equal. Despite their comparable area, the Subaru Forester features 13 cubic feet of additional passenger space and 7 cubic feet of additional cargo area than the Toyota RAV4.

Incorporating the use of a 2.5-Liter I4 engine, both models sport comparable engine sizes and horsepower. Where the Forester and RAV4 differ is in their transmission. While the Subaru uses a continuously variable transmission, the RAV4 uses an automatic 8-speed transmission.

Though the RAV4 features a bit more horsepower and torque than the Forester, consumers will find that the Subaru Forester offers a unique combination of AWD from an economic standpoint. Simply put, you get more bang for your buck with the Subaru Forester when considering off-road performance and all-terrain capabilities.

Offering high levels of safety and exceptional resale value, both SUVs are tough competitors. While the RAV4 expresses its modern design in a hybrid model, the Forester promotes more practical design concepts. Made for adventuring, the Subaru Forester places a high level of focus on North Little Rock safety that surpasses that of the Toyota RAV4.

Subaru Forester vs Ford Escape

Between these two automakers, it comes as no doubt that they would have similar SUV models that would find themselves in competition with one another. Yet, here we stand with the Subaru Forester and the Ford Escape in this exact predicament. Overall, the Subaru Forester is a more economical option than the Ford Escape, coming in at a few thousand dollars less than the Ford SUV option. Yet, overall consumers still rate these two vehicles nearly the same in all other aspects.

The Ford Escape features three different powertrain options, with the most common selection standing as the 1.5-Liter inter-cooled turbo. In comparison, the Subaru Forester simplifies its offerings with a single 2.5-Liter direct-injected engine. Despite the differences in these engines, the Escape, and the Forester exhibit nearly identical horsepower generation. While the Ford Escape edges about the Subaru Forester in torque production, the Forester excels in highway fuel efficiency and overall combined fuel economy. This makes the Forster an excellent option as a commuting vehicle or frequent travel companion.

Comparing very similarly where it matters the most, both compact SUVs achieve excellent crash test ratings in every aspect. The safety gear in both options comes standard, while other tech-based options are available as upgrades. Featuring a hybrid edition, the Ford Escape thrives on offering modern amenities and technology. In comparison, the Subaru Forester offers more passenger and cargo capacity. It is also a more comfortable ride for passengers. While both compact SUVs have their strengths, those of the Subaru Forester undoubtedly outweigh those of the Ford Escape.

Comparison Conclusion

Comparing similar vehicle models is never an easy task. After all, we can look at the specs of each vehicle endlessly. Still, some attributes simply hold more value to clients as opposed to others. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which stands true even when comparing compact SUVs.

Despite all this convolution, we can all agree that the Subaru Forester beats the competition any day. While it may not differ greatly from these other options, it certainly excels in many aspects. Just ask the professionals at Subaru of Little Rock near Conway. Or, better yet, come in and see for yourself.