[SIZE=3]Head to Head: Honda CRV 2.0S AT VS Subaru Forester 2.0X AT[/SIZE]



[SIZE=3]This car comparison, brought out the “OC” in me. You see, prior to my “car shopping” dilemma, I had absolutely very limited patience and attention to detail. I tend to look at “the big picture” and overlook the minute details when it comes to decision making. As long as the end results are achieved and the manner it was obtained was morally and legally correct, I had no qualms about any of the options to take when decisions had to be made. This all changed when I had to select my next new car. When it was time to replace our cars, I got very excited because of the many different options available in the market today. Little did I know that the task at hand would soon turn out to be a dilemma that would consume my mind and heart for over a year![/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]This comparison is a narration of my personal car-buying experience. It is based solely on my opinion and is meant to provide information to those who find themselves in a similar dilemma. The information presented here are from my driving experience and personal research. My only objective is to share my experience and observations. I am not connected with any of the car manufacturers and do not endorse any of their products. I am also aware that some people will not agree with this comparison. Having said this, let’s get on with the show![/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]In the past year or so, I have considered many cars and waited for many new model introductions. The latest Honda CRV 2.0S AT as well as the new Subaru Forester 2.0X represents, in my opinion, two of the most versatile, practical, and value for money vehicles in the country today outside of the AUV segment. My household is your typical wife, 2 kids, and pet shi tzu family. Like some of you, I was looking for space, fuel-economy, functionality, and performance. The car should be efficient enough to drive to work on weekdays, rugged enough to take out of town family trips on weekends, and big enough to do everything else in between – grocery shopping, football practice, airsoft games, and occasional mall or airport duty. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]FUNCTIONALITY[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]I believe one of the strongest reasons for the popularity of the CUV is its ability to meet most urban family’s requirements. Both the Honda CRV and Subaru Forester provide the same level of functionality. They have the same profile and their dimensions are within inches of each other. The Forester measures Length (mm) 4560, Width (mm) 1780, Height (mm) 1700 with a Wheelbase of 2615 (mm). On the other hand, the CRV measures Length (mm) 4530, Width (mm) 1820, and Height (mm) 1675, with a Wheelbase of 2630 (mm). Inside, the difference in passenger space between the two are negligible and can comfortably fit 5 adults and their luggage equally well. The CRV provides a flat floor rear foot well which helps free up additional foot space for the rear passengers but the Forester provides more leg room for the front driver/passenger. Rear cargo space is about the same with access via similar rear lift-up gate.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]One of the most obvious differences (advantage?) between the CRV and the Forester is the Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system found in the Subaru. Die hard fans argue that this is a safety feature that allows all Subaru vehicles to enjoy excellent traction and balance regardless of road condition. On the other hand, other people claim that AWD is unnecessary in CUVs that spend 90% of the time in the city and just add weight and increase fuel consumption.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]For me, the AWD system is a welcome safety feature. I may not be off-road or driving through rain most of the time but I am glad that it is available when I need it. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]CITY DRIVING PERFORMANCE[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]The Honda CRV is a tried and tested performer. The SOHC 2.0 iVTEC engine is smooth and responsive enough for my city driving needs. Traffic light starts and weaving through Metro Manila traffic is easy and getting up to speed is adequate in most cases. It is easy to drive hard as the engine seems to respond to driver input with linear power delivery. Gear changes are quick ensuring power and momentum is maintained. Only when the CRV is heavily loaded with 5 passengers do I feel that the engine is strained and struggling to keep pace. Otherwise, the CRV 2.0 is a very capable daily driver.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]The Subaru Forester 2.0X on the other hand is sluggish compared to the CRV. Acceleration is slow and not at all inspiring. On paper, the Forester 2.0 boxer engine churns out the same 148HP rating but fails to provide the same “take off” rush of the CRV. I am not exactly sure if it’s because of the AWD or the 4 speed AT but the feeling is definitely slower compared to the CRV when it comes to acceleration performance. It simply does not have the “oomph” of the CRV. The Forester engine may be enough for most Metro Manila traffic but compared to the CRV, I believe it is a step slower. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]It is also interesting to note that the Honda CRV’s SOHC iVTEC engine on idle is smooth and is very quiet from inside the car. I always find myself checking the RPM gauge just to confirm that the engine is running. The same cannot be said about the Subaru Forester.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]HI-WAY PERFORMANCE[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]On the open road, on a recent trip to Subic via the new SCTEX, the Subaru Forester proved to be an entirely different animal. Overtaking was effortless with speeds ranging from 120 to 140kph. The engine responded smoothly and instantly to every downshift and stretched its legs comfortably. Although I did not push it, the claimed 185kph top speed would have been a breeze. Aside from the engine performance, the Symmetrical AWD system provided smooth lane changes with very minimal body roll. I felt comfortable switching lanes knowing that traction was never a problem and the Forester responding predictably to my input. With my confidence rising, I was inspired to drive more aggressively but had to limit myself within “break-in” limits.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]The CRV on the hi-way behaves pretty much the same way it does in the city. The reliable 2.0 iVTEC engine coupled with the smooth shifting 5 speed automatic provides quick acceleration all the way to 150kph. There is enough power on tap at cruising speeds to easily pass slower moving traffic but the CRV is not as inspiring to drive aggressively as the Forester. Because of the taller platform, the driver sits higher and there is more tilt felt when shifting lanes. Overall, the CRV performance on the hi-way is good but not as comfortable as the Forester.[/SIZE]

END OF PART 1