At All American Subaru in Old Bridge, many shoppers compare the Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V when they begin searching for a compact SUV. Both nameplates are popular, but drivers in New Jersey who need year-round capability, strong safety, and long-term reliability consistently find the Forester to be the better value.
The latest ratings from Consumer Reports reinforce this. Subaru is recognized as one of the best overall brands, and the Forester is ranked as one of the best overall vehicles in its class thanks to its reliability, safety performance, and practical design.
| Feature | Subaru Forester | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Standard All-Wheel Drive | Yes, standard Symmetrical AWD | No, optional upgrade |
| Ground Clearance | Higher, built for snow and light trails | Lower, more road-focused |
| Visibility | Outstanding with large windows and upright seating | Honda Sensing is included but varies |
| Predicted Reliability | Strong Consumer Reports score | Average to slightly above average |
| Off-Road Capability | Available Wilderness trim with upgrades | No off-road specialty trim |
| Safety System | EyeSight standard on all trims | Honda Sensing is included, but varies |
| Brand Reliability | Subaru ranked among best brands | Honda ranked below Subaru recently |
| Value for New Jersey Weather | Excellent year-round | More limited due to the sloped design |
Why the Forester Leads in the Real World
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Every Forester comes equipped with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, giving drivers instant confidence in rain, snow, and icy conditions. With the CR-V, AWD requires an upgrade and still lacks the balanced layout that makes Subaru’s system unique.
Designed for New Jersey Roads and Winters
From the higher ground clearance to the durable interior materials, the Forester is built for real-world use. Whether you are commuting on Route 9, taking weekend trips to the Shore, or navigating winter weather, the Forester stays composed and capable.
Visibility and Safety
The Forester is known for its excellent outward visibility, which makes driving less stressful in busy areas around Old Bridge, East Brunswick, and Freehold. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on every Forester trim and continues to earn top ratings from IIHS.
Consumer Reports Praise
Consumer Reports highlights the Forester as one of the best overall vehicles in its segment, thanks to:
- Impressive reliability history
- Comfortable, practical interior
- Strong safety performance
- Easy handling and great visibility
Subaru, as a brand, is also consistently ranked as one of the best and most trusted manufacturers for long-term satisfaction.
Forester for the Win
The Honda CR-V is a strong competitor, but the Subaru Forester offers more capability, more safety confidence, and stronger long-term value for New Jersey drivers. With standard AWD, excellent visibility, and high praise from Consumer Reports, the Forester stands out as the smarter choice.
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