The 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Honda CR-V give Libertyville-area shoppers two compact SUVs with five-passenger seating, practical cargo areas, and available electrified powertrains. The Forester makes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard across the lineup, while the CR-V offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine or a 2.0-liter two-motor hybrid system, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. At Liberty Subaru, we help local drivers compare these SUVs by performance, efficiency, utility, technology, and everyday capability.
Key Highlights
| Feature | 2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder | 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Standard engine output | 180 hp / 178 lb-ft | 190 hp |
| Available hybrid | 2.5L hybrid system | 2.0L two-motor hybrid |
| Hybrid system output | 194 hp | 204 hp |
| Standard drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD | Front-wheel drive |
| Available AWD | Standard | Available on select trims, standard on TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid |
| Maximum towing | 3,500 lbs. Wilderness | 1,500 lbs. gas models |
| Maximum cargo | 74.4 cu. ft. | 76.5 cu. ft. gas models |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
2026 Subaru Forester Delivers Balanced Performance
The 2026 Forester uses a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. A Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive are standard. The Forester Hybrid increases system output to 194 horsepower, while Wilderness provides 9.3 inches of ground clearance and up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.
Forester performance highlights
- 2.5L SUBARU BOXER engine produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft.
- 194-hp hybrid powertrain is available.
- Symmetrical AWD is standard on every trim.
- Wilderness provides 9.3 inches of ground clearance.
- Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
- X-MODE is available for additional traction management.
CR-V performance highlights
- 1.5L turbocharged engine produces 190 horsepower.
- Available two-motor hybrid system produces 204 horsepower.
- Real Time AWD is available on selected configurations.
- TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid include AWD.
- Gas models can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
- Hybrid CR-V models are rated for 1,000 pounds of towing.
2026 Subaru Forester Provides Flexible Utility
The Forester seats five passengers and offers up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seatbacks folded on the Base model. Other Forester trims provide up to 69.1 cubic feet behind the first row. A wide rear gate opening and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks support everyday cargo needs.
Forester utility highlights
- Five-passenger seating is standard.
- Base models provide up to 74.4 cu. ft. of cargo space.
- Other trims provide up to 69.1 cu. ft.
- 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold for additional cargo room.
- Wilderness adds increased ground clearance and all-terrain equipment.
CR-V utility highlights
- Five-passenger seating is standard.
- Gas models provide 39.3 cu. ft. behind the second row.
- Gas CR-V models provide up to 76.5 cu. ft. behind the first row.
- Hybrid models provide 36.3 cu. ft. behind the second row.
- Hybrid models provide up to 71.8 cu. ft. behind the first row.
2026 Subaru Forester Integrates Connected Technology
Every 2026 Forester includes Subaru Multimedia, while Premium and higher trims receive an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard throughout the lineup. Available equipment includes wireless device charging, connected services, navigation, and a hands-free power rear gate.
Forester technology highlights
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard.
- Subaru Multimedia is standard.
- 11.6-inch touchscreen is standard on Premium and higher trims.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.
- Wireless charging is available.
- Navigation is available on Touring.
CR-V technology highlights
- 9-inch color touchscreen is standard for 2026.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.
- Wireless phone charging is available on select trims.
- Sport Touring Hybrid adds Google built-in.
- Honda Sensing driver-assistance technology is standard.
What Do Automotive Experts Say About the 2026 Subaru Forester?
MotorTrend's Alex Leanse tested the 2026 Forester Wilderness and wrote:
"Subaru began to catch up in the SUV space, with a focus on core attributes that make the Forester popular and an electrified engine to improve fuel economy and drivability."Source: MotorTrend 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness review
What Are 2026 Subaru Forester Owners Saying?
An Edmunds owner reviewing a 2026 Forester Limited wrote:
"I absolutely have no issues with getting on the interstate with this vehicle."Source: Edmunds 2026 Subaru Forester owner reviews
We Help Libertyville Drivers Compare the 2026 Forester
At Liberty Subaru, we help drivers throughout Libertyville and nearby Lake County communities compare the 2026 Forester with other compact SUVs. We can walk you through Forester trims, including the fuel-efficient Hybrid and adventure-focused Wilderness, review available features, and arrange a test drive. Our team can also help with financing, trade-ins, Subaru service, and genuine Subaru parts.
FAQs
Does the 2026 Subaru Forester have standard AWD?
Yes. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on every 2026 Forester, including the Hybrid and Wilderness.
How much can the 2026 Forester tow?
The standard Forester is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the Wilderness increases maximum towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.
Does the 2026 Honda CR-V have a hybrid option?
Yes. The 2026 CR-V offers a 2.0-liter two-motor hybrid powertrain producing 204 horsepower.
Which has more maximum cargo space, Forester or CR-V?
The gas CR-V provides up to 76.5 cubic feet, compared with up to 74.4 cubic feet for the Forester Base. Cargo capacity varies by Forester and CR-V configuration.
Where can I compare the 2026 Subaru Forester in Libertyville?
We are at 1000 E Park Ave in Libertyville, IL. At Liberty Subaru, we can help you compare Forester trims, features, powertrains, and available inventory.