Honda HR-V vs Subaru Forester
This page compares the Honda HR-V and the Subaru Forester across the 11 model years both appear in our data (2016–2026). Both are classed as SUV on this site. On its most efficient configuration the Honda HR-V averages about 36 mpg (UK) against 35 mpg for the Subaru Forester. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Subaru Forester (1.6 against 3.4), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2016–2026
| Measure | Honda HR-V | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 36 | 35 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 185 | 195 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,277 | $2,336 |
| Average passenger volume (cu ft, EPA) | 100 | 108 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 10 of 10 | 11 of 11 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 3.4 | 1.6 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 141 | 463 |
| Engine options across these years | 2 | 2 |
Year by Year
| Year | Honda HR-V MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Subaru Forester MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 37 | 5★ | 2 | 239 | 32 | 5★ | 3 | 415 |
| 2017 | 37 | 5★ | 0 | 123 | 34 | 5★ | 1 | 586 |
| 2018 | 37 | 5★ | 3 | 158 | 34 | 5★ | 3 | 498 |
| 2019 | 36 | 5★ | 7 | 235 | 35 | 5★ | 3 | 833 |
| 2020 | 36 | 5★ | 5 | 84 | 35 | 5★ | 0 | 600 |
| 2021 | 36 | 5★ | 4 | 63 | 35 | 5★ | 0 | 208 |
| 2022 | 36 | 5★ | 3 | 88 | 35 | 5★ | 1 | 98 |
| 2023 | 34 | — | 3 | 686 | 35 | 5★ | 1 | 74 |
| 2024 | 34 | 5★ | 4 | 109 | 35 | 5★ | 2 | 29 |
| 2025 | 34 | 5★ | 1 | 45 | 35 | 5★ | 3 | 95 |
| 2026 | 34 | 5★ | 0 | 17 | 35 | 5★ | 0 | 24 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Honda HR-V · Subaru Forester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Honda HR-V or the Subaru Forester?
On its most efficient configuration the Honda HR-V averages about 36 mpg (UK) against 35 mpg for the Subaru Forester. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Honda HR-V has 10 of 10 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Subaru Forester has 11 of 11. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Honda HR-V averages 3.4 recall campaigns and 141 owner complaints; the Subaru Forester averages 1.6 and 463. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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