DecodedCarsSubaru Forester vs Toyota C-HR
2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Toyota C-HR — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $1,250 a year less in fuel for the Toyota C-HR (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Subaru Forester is the bigger car, about 6 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Toyota C-HR has had fewer recall campaigns (6 vs 39).
The two cars
The 2026 Subaru Forester is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,580 lb.
The 2026 Toyota C-HR is a small SUV powered by electricity and all-wheel drive. It measures about 178 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,409 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
Buying used? The 2024 Forester and the 2022 C-HR have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 Forester and the 2018 C-HR.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Subaru Forester if…
- You want more room (6 in longer)
Choose the Toyota C-HR if…
- You want an EV with more range (287 miles)
- You want something easier to park (6 in shorter)
- You put reliability history first (6 vs 39 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Subaru Forester
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
2026 Toyota C-HR
Full 2026 Subaru Forester specs →Full 2026 Toyota C-HR specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →