2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs. 2025 Subaru Forester e-BOXER Hybrid: Hybrid SUV Comparison

For Canadian buyers considering a hybrid compact SUV in 2025, both the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Subaru Forester e-BOXER Hybrid are recent entries, joining the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

While Honda and Subaru share similar goals—improved fuel efficiency, AWD capability, and family-friendly practicality—their approaches to these goals differ in meaningful ways. Below is a breakdown of how these two hybrids compare across powertrains, features, pricing, dimensions, range, and overall capability.

Powertrain & Performance

The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder engine and a two-motor hybrid system. This setup produces 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, sent through an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT). In Canada, the CR-V Hybrid is only offered with Honda’s Real Time AWD system, which uses Intelligent Control to optimize traction. Honda also includes four drive modes: ECON, Normal, Sport, and Snow.

Subaru’s next-generation e-BOXER hybrid system takes a different approach. It pairs a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle flat-four (BOXER) engine with an electric motor and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The combined output is slightly lower, at 194 horsepower. The system uses a Lineartronic CVT and maintains Subaru’s full-time symmetrical AWD system. X-MODE, Hill Descent Control, Active Torque Vectoring, and Vehicle Dynamics Control are all standard.

Features & Technology

The CR-V Hybrid, particularly in its Touring trim, offers a well-rounded set of technology and comfort features. Highlights include a 9-inch infotainment screen, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, built-in navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Honda’s suite of driver-assistance features, known as Honda Sensing, is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Additional convenience features like a wireless phone charger, heated front and rear seats, and a hands-free power tailgate are also available.

Subaru’s Forester e-BOXER Hybrid Premier counters with a larger 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and standard wireless smartphone integration. Subaru’s EyeSight system is included across the board and has been improved for quicker response and better performance in more driving situations. Features like Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection, and Emergency Stop Assist add extra layers of safety. The Forester also includes Subaru STARLINK connected services for emergency response and remote access.

Canadian Pricing

Pricing will be a significant factor for many buyers. The 2025 Subaru Forester e-BOXER Hybrid Premier has an MSRP of $47,995.

This puts it below both CR-V Hybrid trims: the EX-L Hybrid starts at $48,075, while the top-end Touring Hybrid is priced at $50,575.

Considering the Subaru’s richer feature content (Premier vs EX-L), the price gap may be appealing to value-focused shoppers.

Fuel Economy & Range

Honda’s hybrid system is well-optimized for fuel efficiency, especially in real-world conditions. The CR-V Hybrid equipped with AWD is rated at 6.0 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined.

Subaru has not yet published official fuel economy figures for the Forester e-BOXER Hybrid, but it’s estimated that it’ll be rated at 6.7 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 on the highway, for a combined 6.8 L

Capabilities

In terms of capability, both models offer all-wheel drive and light towing abilities. The CR-V Hybrid can tow up to 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

Subaru has not officially released a towing rating for the Forester Hybrid in Canada, but it is rated at 1,500 lbs in the US. What sets the Forester apart is its slightly more rugged focus, extra ground clearance, and standard features like X-MODE and dual X-MODE configurations for its AWD system.

Dimensions

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid prioritizes fuel economy, while the Subaru Forester e-BOXER Hybrid emphasizes ruggedness and safety. Both vehicles are smart, family-friendly choices.

Comfort-wise, the Forester’s ride is more compliant than that of the more expensive though more fuel-efficient CR-V. This is a tough call as both SUVs present very valid points in their favour.

2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Road Test: Refined and spacious, but not the most economical