[wolf29]

Graf did a nice writeup. This is from the Honda site:

CR-V LX

2WD:

• 185-hp (SAE Net), 2.4-Liter, 16-Valve, DOHC i-VTEC® 4-Cylinder Engine
• Eco Assist™ System
• Hill Start Assist
• Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control[2]
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure
• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines
• Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®[3]
• Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Cruise, Audio, Phone and i-MID Controls
• Map Lights
• Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat
• 160-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 4 Speakers
• Pandora® Compatibility[4]
• USB Audio Interface[5]
• MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack
• Remote Entry System
• Folding Power Side Mirrors, Including Expanded View Driver's Mirror

AWD:
Adding to or replacing features on the 2WD LX:

Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™

CR-V EX

2WD:
Adding to or replacing features on the 2WD LX:

• 160-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 6 Speakers
• One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
• Security System
• Fog Lights
• Rear Privacy Glass

AWD:
Adding to or replacing features on the 2WD EX:

Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™

CR-V EX-L

2WD:
Adding to or replacing features on the 2WD EX:

• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Air-Filtration System
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Driver's Seat with 10-Way Power Adjustment, Including Power Lumbar Support
• Leather-Trimmed Interior
• Heated Front Seats
• 328-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 7 Speakers, Including Subwoofer
• XM® Radio
• Roof Rails

AWD:
Adding to or replacing features on the 2WD EX-L:

Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™

Then there's the EX-L with navigation or rear entertainment system.

 

[MikeUtah]

This video makes some good real world comparisons:

 

[square85]

I was in the same position in March. I drove a CRV, CX5, and Forester. I was interested in the base model for all 3. I had owned 2 Subarus in the past so my initial instinct was to go to Subaru.

Mazda was out immediately after the test drive was over.

Drove the Honda twice but something told me the Subaru. Drove the Subaru, put the deposit down and was never able to have a vehicle located in the 2-3 weeks I was waiting. While waiting for a Forester to show up, my wife convinced me to drive the Honda a second time.

Drove the Honda in a different area (Old Bridge, NJ vs Brooklyn, NY) and the CRV was much better in Brooklyn than in Old Bridge. Called the dealer near my house that we had recently bought a Fit from and made the appointment.

Had the CRV in the color I want in 3 days. Got a great price and I don't regret it at all.

Yes, the Subarus with the new 2.5L do have an oil consumption issue and as a result, Subaru has now made oil changes required every 6,000 miles in 2015 as opposed to 7,500 miles in 2014.

I find the CRV gets more realistic mileage when comparing to the actual numbers; my Legacy always got 2-3 mpg less than what was stated.

It was meant to be to get the Honda, I am paying less interest over the term of my loan compared to the Subaru, I won't have the oil consumption issue, I have the maintenance minder, and I have a more comfortable drivers seat.

 

[canyon]

This video makes some good real world comparisons:

In sand pit: "CR-V's 4WD system fails due to overheating (according to alarm), without even engaging" (and indeed, you see no rear wheel movement!) = That is indeed a MAJOR FAILURE for the CR-V!, with the same results expected in difficult snow conditions. Software must be really bad - rear wheels are supposed to help when front wheels spin - why does not rear wheel drive engage?. However, the Subaru did not perform much better in this particular condition ...

 

[Grafarian]

Actually it is known that almost all part time AWD systems tend to overheat when pushed to the limit. I do question the statement "system fail and overheat without ever engaging"

With part time AWD systems if the rear wheels end up freewheeling as shown in dirt, sand or snow the sustain high speed of the rear wheel spinning will cause the fluid inside the rear differential to get hot causing it to revert to front wheel drive mode. Remember all AWD system today uses open differential with traction control and abs to control wheel spinning. If the system is working as it is suppose to, the traction control should be able to prevent the wheels from spinning to fast and generating so much heat. You might end up stopping or slowing down instead but the system should not have overheated so quickly.

I remember seeing a youtube video about a year ago, this was in russian. They took the CRV off in a snow pack slush road, it did ok until they got to some semi deep stuff and lost momentum. The guy try rocking the CRV out by going back and forth with the CRV and hope momentum will push it out. Instead I think partway through the system did overheat, and got stuck in front wheel drive and they ended up being pulled out.

I suspect they must have at least been spinning the rear tires in the loose dirt for a few minutes before the system overheated and didn't just over heat as they just climb the sand, What I am curious about is that at ( 11:14 ) into the video you see the cluster and it shows 4wd overheat warning message, also it shows traction control to be disabled. Normally traction control disabled is suppose to be a yellow light but the light is red. So I am wondering, if the system does revert to FWD mode, if it actually disables traction control also? US the light is yellow, other countries its red? Sure you won't be able to send power to the rear but traction control should be able to brake the front wheels to prevent it from spinning. I wonder if they turned it off to take a run at it because traction control slowed them down to much to climb? Without traction control you can see the front wheels spinning like crazy and kicking up all that sand.

The forester on the other hand look like it did have traction control on, you notice when it got stuck it didn't throw as much sand as the CRV, also when they were showing X-mode you notice the tires surrounded in red flashing, meaning the brakes were being applied.

In the end full time systems are better at running full time. (Subaru as an example)The threshold limit is much higher. The CRV a long with other part time AWD systems are not meant to run full time above its recommended threshold then the system will overheat and you will be reverted to front wheel drive. The CRV might be able to run full time 90% front and 10% rear, but I doubt if the CRV can run a constant full time 50:50

Subaru CVT are a constant 60:40 with an option of going 50:50 if need be.. I think the subaru might be able to run 50:50 full time.

 

[Epona]

I am sure Jim is gone now but I just want to say something about this thread and Jim's many questions. I don't know Jim but he is an older man apparently.....what did he say....70 something and this would be his first CR-V. Let me just say that I have not bought a car since November 1977 and I still have that car in my garage. So, when my current CR-V came up for sale from a neighbor one street over last October, I went over and took the CR-V for a test drive. Let me tell you, I was totally overwhelmed with this EX-L with Nav. My Chevy Nova that I bought brand new in 1977 has all of the basic standard features like heating, AC, wipers, a radio, etc. And that's about it. So, after I test drove the CR-V from my neighbor, I thanked him profusely and I went home, called my brother and told him I didn't think I could handle a vehicle with every bell and whistle. I was totally overwhelmed. He assured me that I would gradually get use to all of the many features the CR-V has and I would end up loving it. I mean I am from another time and world with my Nova, I am in the dark about newer vehicles. So, long story short, with my brother's encouragement, I bought the CR-V and he was right, I have just fallen in love with this vehicle! And after I bought the CR-V I luckily found this site. And I know I will end up asking some questions that seem like they are standard. I have just learned about AWD, FWD, AWD. My Chevy Nova has backwheel drive. That is all I know about a vehicle until I got on this site. I am also learning that there are also two other designs of CR-V's besides the EX-L with Nav.

I know I will ask questions that seem so simple but this is all new to me. I think Jim is in the dark like myself and was just trying to be sure about the CR-V. It is a huge investment and anyone who is buying a car needs as much information as possible.

I am just telling my personal story because this is also new to me and I too will be asking questions that seem perhaps standard.

 

[13CRVEXLKC]

In sand pit: "CR-V's 4WD system fails due to overheating (according to alarm), without even engaging" (and indeed, you see no rear wheel movement!) = That is indeed a MAJOR FAILURE for the CR-V!, with the same results expected in difficult snow conditions. Software must be really bad - rear wheels are supposed to help when front wheels spin - why does not rear wheel drive engage?. However, the Subaru did not perform much better in this particular condition ...

At least the Subaru spun the rear tires.

 

[stinky]

If I was living in Houston and didn't need AWD then it is a no-brainer as Subarus don't come in FWD. Also, being as both of em are not off-road vehicles, the clearance is a non-issue.

My CR-V has 196 on it and it doesn't burn ANY oil.

 

[klem]

Same exact decisions I went through just this weekend. Was interested in the Forester. Already have a 2007 CR-V so I know what I had. The Subaru dealers in my area had limited vehicle availability so when I started talking about incentives, they said "availability is your incentive." That didn't look good for negotiating and it was kind of arrogant.

On our 2007 CR-V, my spouse had some issues with the features - cheap interior plastic, loud sometimes, lack of refined feeling inside the vehicle. We went to a Honda dealer just b/c we were passing one by on our dealer hunt this weekend. Saw the 2014 CR-V and found all our complaints were fixed in this version. I know the reliability and ease of maintenance of this SUV so we talked money. The price was much better than I thought so we bought. Totally unexpected but it was a logical decision. I wanted to give the Foretser a chance, but my perception of what I'd have to pay, my lack of experience with a Boxer engine and full-time AWD and CVT presented risks. IK had expereince with the CR-V, and it has a 5-speed conventional trans, has easy, low-cost maintenance, and is top rated (just like the Forester). I knew I couldn't go wrong.

HTH.

 

[Grumpypants]

In case anyone runs across this thread while doing research:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money...8/subaru-oil-burner-lawsuit/12859865/?siteID=je6NUbpObpQ-X42x5VuWaX3soE7uWFdUjQ


Sent from AutoGuide.com App

 

[4e11]

2. Headrest leans to far forward

This is one of my biggest complaints on any recent car. I don't know if Hondas are worse in this regard, but the recent ones I've sat in seem to have this problem.

I tend to adjust seatback angle in it's most upright (not reclined at all) position, and in this position, the forward/downward tilt of the headrest becomes most noticeable.

The Forester is one of the few cars out there that allows you to adjust the angle of tilt on the headrest. But I personally have not tried or sat in a Forester.

 

[columnshift]

My issue
No power lift gate
Full time awd vs crv partial
iPhone integration
From what have read Subaru fixed the oil consumption issue
Crv poor outward vision blind spots
I'm looking at the 2015 crv exl vs 15 forester touring
Subaru very easy to get in and out front and rear
Rear seat in Forster wonderful
Driver position forester wonderful
Great view of the road
Cvt is awesome love it great mileage
But
Crv better iPhone integration I can always buy a new carplay unit from alpine et al

Can't wait to see 2015 crv hope it has power liftgate
Crv has auto lock and unlock all doors in park not Subaru

I was very impressed driving the forester many awards

Incline test http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0_MXK2nzt2Y

http://www.torquenews.com/1084/usac-tests-awd-capabilities-most-popular-mid-size-suvs-video

If I am willing to put carplay aftermarket iPhone integration shouldn't be an issue

Forester past ALL safety tests

Looking forward to long term tests of both
And
My wife's test drive

I change oil every 5000 miles regardless

My job find the subtle differences of both show to wife
It will be HER choice HER CAR

She does like the idea of Subaru not everywhere you look

 

[Grafarian]

I already have the CRV and we are looking to try something new ourselves..

Right now our 2 choices are the Forester 2.5i base with alloy wheel package or Nissan Rogue S. We aren't technology craze people.. less things to go wrong and don't spend to much on a car because they depreciate quite a bit and most of the stuff you see in the upper trim will be standard on the base(hopefully) by the time we get rid of it.

The only thing that isn't making a Subaru a deal breaker at the moment is: 1. The base omits the rear passenger arm rest and cupholders... (wtf) and the seats don't recline. The next trim up premium has those. It requires an additional $1,000+ for just the premium base and it comes with a sunroof that lowers headroom.. I did not want the CRV with a sunroof either so I got the LX.. and what you know no front passenger arm rest... at least I looked into this time...

We don't need excessive ground clearance and any good awd with good tires should get to anywhere we drive. No dirt roads only unplowed side streets, which the CRV 6.7" of ground clearance did scrape this winter storm but it was high enough so that it really wasn't close to touching the lower part of the bumper.

Yes, I admit the Subaru forester is pretty easy to drive and the handling is nice, with great around view. (Btw the vents are under the seat for the back passengers like the CRV)

By the way.. I would recommend the EyeSight package.. it really isn't that expensive.. MSRP of $1,000+ dollars but the dealer said it is $890 + cost of the next trim up on the premium with no options.. (No exact price for anything because he is afraid I might go price match...) It is hard to find though and was tempting me to special order one since you can get it on the next trim up from the base model surprisingly.... No love for the base model. I think forward collision is actually useful vs X-Mode which according the Subaru UK video is just aggressive traction control trying to imitate a LSD. I guess the fancy screen and big letters of X-Mode make the car somehow that much better?

By the way.. funny story, while test driving(Subaru forester) I wanted to see how it does on the highway in terms of CVT performance.. the salesman got us lost trying to find the highway and instead of a 5 mile or 10-15 minute test drive it ended up almost an hour with 35 miles... Lets just say we were too tired to actually go looking at the next model up and comparing options and pricing.. Mileage on Forester when we test drove... 50.. after we got back to the dealership 85 miles with the low gas light on.. It came on after 20 miles or so



As for the Nissan Rogue... In our area it is a PITA to find one with Almond cloth interior with the S trim.. They are all Charcoal black, we prefer a light color interior vs the dark color interior and unfortunately using a 30 mile radius search... So far only 1 came up, going to call them up tomorrow to see if it is on the lot so we can actually take a better look at the inside and see if we can live with black or probably find one in the light color. The rogue must be getting popular because dealer selection is low and horrible, that or Nissan is allocating the vehicles in strange ways.

If it gets sold, well I guess we will see what we want to do about that.. not in a mood to order and looks like Nissan is having a shortage of some models... especially since I found a dealer or 2 with 0 Nissan rogues in inventory... you know it is bad when a dealership has none of a particular model in inventory.. I guess price negotiations will be harder since its a "high demand". vs the Subaru forester at least the dealer I looked at had a great plentiful amount and most of the default colors had tan interior also vs the black interior of the one we test drove.. I can get any base with alloy wheel package in any color combination since the dealers in the area have 20-30 of various versions in inventory, vs the Rogue which only seem to come in Blue, Black, Silver with Black interiors..


/End thread hijack

 

[columnshift]

what about storage compartments center console glove box door sides on both
hard to find pictures of those items i like the crv center console but doesn't have one front of the shifter like the forester. both have pouches behind the front seats i can tell from some interior pics

your thoughts

if 2015 crv doesn't have a power lift gate .....well its forester for us

will try to get wife to test one this weekend

 

[4e11]

if 2015 crv doesn't have a power lift gate .....well its forester for us

I like the Forester, but the power lift gate is said to be problematic and best avoided - even the Subaru fans say this. So probably not the best reason to choose a Forester.

 

[Grumpypants]

I like the Forester, but the power lift gate is said to be problematic and best avoided - even the Subaru fans say this. So probably not the best reason to choose a Forester.

From the Forester forum:

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=220170

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=167633

 

[columnshift]

those links are great. and a solution and better yet an understanding of the system subaru uses

but from what i read this is NOT a major issue
system issue engineering issue
little glitch but not a DEAL BREAKER

also perhaps subaru has a chance to rework things for 2015

but need to get my wife in both

 

[Grumpypants]

but need to get my wife in both

This is the key. The Forester is a good SUV. My 2011 had an oil consumption problem, one of the reasons I moved on. I tried a 2014 XT and found the driver's seat a total deal breaker. Very uncomfortable for me. And the one thing a lot of people like - the view from the cockpit - is one thing I didn't like. That's why a good test drive is important.

FWIW, there are also a good number of complaints about the heat and AC. Forums tend to exaggerate problems but you may want to take a look at the Forester forum to see if there is anything else that could sway your decision.

 

[Grafarian]

I can only say for the base models as I those are the only ones I care about and want to buy.


The forester only gives you passanger rear pockets for both premium and 2.5i. Upper trims give you both, also I think you have to get to the very top trim in order to get what the CRV has, which the the trunk pull down rear seats.

Are you asking for more info on the Subaru?

Let me see if I can remember off the top of my head while it is sort of fresh, The center storage is more like a small semi deep box. The arm rest did move, but I don't remember if it came with a small tray on top. I think there was a power outlet in there and that was it. As for storage for the CRV where the center storage bin they give you side pockets to put... I have no idea, I guess if you want to hide something?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcHRm3x6dU8 some guy at the autoshow at least you can pause in the video to look at the glove box and center console and maybe glimpse at the door.

Also the dealer I went to don't have brochures anymore. You have to go to the Subaru website and get it yourself...


Also for the screen in the center... in which Honda calls the i-Mid. You control that in the spot where the telephone controls would be on the CRV: Here is someone scrolling through the menus.. Looks like just as hard to customize.. just like setting the clock on your VCR.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftFqtB7O6fE .. In the base model where it shows auto and temp, I believe it is just a blank plastic there.

Passenger airbag light does actually illuminate and does stay on if the passenger is in the seat.. It will just say ON meaning it will deploy or OFF, which means it won't deploy.. The orange light will throw me off because I am use to the CRV not turning it on unless it is off when it shouldn't be off.

Also even on the base model, the dash and door are soft touch instead of CRV "utilitarian" hard plastic.


For some reason the base seats of the 2014 are better then the 2012?

Also neither the Subaru or CRV can fold flat the front passenger seat, I do know however if you were to push the CRV front seats all the way forward(passenger and driver).. And they do go all the way forward you can see, I won't say spider legs.. but where the air goes to the passengers.

Also if you were to lift the front passenger side carpet up you should see a box underneath that says Frame Number, which is basically your vehicles VIN etched onto the body.

 

[nickndfl]

I would never consider the Subaru. Not enough dealer network and if you are out of town who knows what mechanic ever worked on a Subaru. All the kids coming up today and old school mechanics know about Hondas. I would also consider the RAV4 or Escape.