From a standstill, the 2.5-liter/165-horsepower DOHC Forester dusts the CR-V, accelerating 0-60 mph in a scant 9.5 seconds. It becomes painfully obvious under hard acceleration that the CR-V's small 2.0-liter/126-horsepower DOHC inline-four is working feverishly to keep 0-60-mph times under 12 seconds. Once at 60 mph, the CR-V is noticeably (11 dB) louder inside (at 69 dB) than the Subaru. Hit the brakes at 60 mph and the Forester stops 7 feet shorter than the CR-V's 134-foot distance.
Our test Forester seemed to employ every geegaw from the J.C. Whitney bag of backwoods SUV tricks to pump up its image. Fortunately, this Subaru's bravado was warranted both on- and off-pavement, where it proved to be the sport/cutes' equivalent of the Jeep Grand Cherokee: not overly spacious, but powerful, luxurious, and a joy to drive. Our extensive time behind the wheel proved the Forester offers a sporting alternative to traditional SUVs. However, Honda's CR-V offers the size, flexibility, ride height, all-wheel drive, interior comfort, ride compliance, fuel economy, and a host of amenities many SUV intenders crave-all for an alluring price. If you can overlook the mediocre power, the CR-V offers an outstanding value and excels in the areas that matter most in the real world, making it the cuddliest of the sport/cutes.
| TECH DATA |
| GENERAL |
| | HONDA CR-V | SUBARU FORESTER |
| Location of final assembly | Saitama, Japan | Gunma, Japan |
| Body style | 4-door, 5-passenger | 4-door, 5-passenger |
| EPA size class | Special purpose vehicle | Small wagon |
| Drivetrain layout | Front engine, all-wheel drive | Front engine, all-wheel drive |
| Airbag | Dual | Dual |
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