Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester
Choosing between the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester is really a question of total cost, not sticker price. Below we compare both over five years — depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance — then let you run your own mileage.
Key assumptions for this page
Sources: Kelley Blue Book — figures are estimates last reviewed 2026; verify before purchase.
Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester: run the numbers
Cheaper to own over 5 years
Subaru Forester
by $156 — Honda CR-V: $39,347 · Subaru Forester: $39,191
Lower 5-year total cost
🏆 Subaru Forester
Lower fuel cost
🏆 Honda CR-V
Lower depreciation
🏆 Subaru Forester
Lower insurance estimate
🏆 Subaru Forester
Lower cost per mile
🏆 Subaru Forester
Baseline 5-year cost breakdown
MSRP + EPA efficiency · USD| Cost | Honda CR-V | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | $17,512 | $17,276 |
| Fuel | $6,800 | $7,034 |
| Insurance | $10,185 | $10,080 |
| Maintenance | $4,850 | $4,800 |
| 5-year total | $39,347 | $39,191 |
| Cost per mile | $0.66 | $0.65 |
Customize your scenario
The baseline uses each car's MSRP, EPA-rated efficiency and segment-typical depreciation. Change the assumptions below to match how you actually drive — your result may differ from the baseline.
5-year cost by annual mileage
| Miles / year | Honda CR-V | Subaru Forester | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 mi | $37,080 | $36,846 | Forester |
| 12,000 mi· now | $39,347 | $39,191 | Forester |
| 15,000 mi | $41,047 | $40,949 | Forester |
| 20,000 mi | $43,880 | $43,880 | CR-V |
| 30,000 mi | $49,547 | $49,742 | CR-V |
Estimates only, not quotes. Depreciation, insurance and maintenance use segment-typical assumptions; insurance is modeled from each model's risk factor against a national average, not a quote. Verify with dealers and insurers before deciding.
Good to know
Specific, useful answers for this page.
Is the Honda CR-V or the Subaru Forester cheaper to own?＋
Over five years, total ownership cost comes down to depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance. The breakdown above totals both side by side so you can see the real gap, not just the sticker difference.
What's the biggest cost difference between them?＋
Usually depreciation and insurance dominate. The Forester depreciates faster, while insurance tracks each car's risk factor (CR-V: 0.97×, Forester: 0.96×).
Does the price gap between the CR-V and Forester matter long term?＋
The two start within about $0k of each other, so the sticker is close to a wash and running costs decide it. With similar drivetrains, fuel and maintenance land close, leaving depreciation and insurance as the deciders.