Honda: Civic & CR-V & HR-V
Best for: Space, value, long-term ownership, and the calmest daily-driving feel in the segment.
Photo: Honda Canada. CR-V Hybrid is the model most Markham buyers walk into a Honda dealership asking about.
The honest read — Honda vs Subaru
Subaru: Impreza & Crosstrek & Forester
Best for: Buyers who value Subaru-specific strengths (design, equipment, segment specialization).
Where Subaru wins, where Honda wins
Subaru’s edge
- Subaru Symmetrical AWD is standard on every model — Honda CR-V and HR-V typically require stepping up a trim to get AWD.
- Subaru Forester and Outback are serious snow and gravel-road machines — best-in-class ground clearance on most trims.
- Subaru EyeSight safety suite is well-rated for pedestrian and cyclist detection.
- Subaru's enthusiast community is one of the strongest in the industry — valuable for resale and aftermarket support.
- Subaru's WRX and BRZ are enthusiast favorites that have no direct Honda equivalent (Si is closest).
Honda’s edge
- Honda long-term reliability is consistently rated at or above Subaru in Consumer Reports.
- Honda HR-V and CR-V cabin materials feel more premium at comparable price points.
- Honda CR-V Hybrid delivers 6.4 L/100 km combined — better than the Subaru Forester at about 8.0 L/100 km combined.
- Honda Civic and gas CR-V are built at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario.
- Honda HR-V Magic Seat gives the most flexible rear-seat and cargo configuration in the subcompact-SUV segment.
Maple Honda Reviews — what buyers say about Henry
Maple Honda holds a 4.8-star Google average across 3,993 reviews. A few recent ones from Henry’s customers:
- Jun · 2025 Pilot · ★★★★★
"The purchase of my 2025 Pilot was seamless, thanks entirely to Henry. He was polite, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable, ensuring all my questions were answered with care and attention from start to finish."
- Naila Aaijaz · Civic lease renewal · ★★★★★
"Loyal to Honda for over a decade and truly thankful to Henry Chen at Maple Honda for the exceptional service. Henry is proactive and sends timely reminders. He helped me renew my car lease that fits into my budget perfectly."
- Rhonda Parente · CR-V · ★★★★★
"Bought my CR-V with Henry's assistance. From the get-go Henry always showed up — really caring about the experience and ensuring I got the right vehicle for my needs."
Talk to Henry directly: (647) 523-6878 · WhatsApp
Markham buyer questions
Is the Honda CR-V more reliable than the Subaru Forester?
Honda CR-V has consistently ranked at or above the Subaru Forester in Consumer Reports reliability surveys. For a Markham buyer planning to keep the vehicle past year 6, the CR-V is the stronger long-term bet.
Does Subaru hold its value better than Honda?
Subaru resale is competitive with Honda in the wagon and SUV segments. Forester and Outback are particularly strong on resale. The Honda CR-V typically edges Subaru by a small margin in the compact-SUV segment.
Is Subaru AWD really better than Honda AWD?
Subaru's Symmetrical AWD is standard on every model and is well-rated for snow and gravel-road performance. Honda's Real Time AWD is available on most trims (standard on every hybrid) and uses a rear-axle clutch that responds quickly. For typical GTA winter use with proper winter tires, both are excellent.
Which has better fuel economy: Forester or CR-V Hybrid?
Honda Canada lists the CR-V Hybrid at as low as 6.4 L/100 km combined. Subaru Canada lists the Forester at about 8.0 L/100 km combined. The CR-V Hybrid wins by about 1.6 L/100 km — about $400/year saved at current Ontario fuel prices for a typical commuter.
Is the Honda HR-V a real competitor to the Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes — the HR-V and Crosstrek are direct competitors in the subcompact SUV segment. The HR-V has a more flexible rear seat (Magic Seat) and better fuel economy. The Crosstrek has standard AWD on every trim and more off-road capability.
Which has the better dealer service in Markham?
Both Honda and Subaru have strong service networks in the GTA. Maple Honda is a short drive from most Markham addresses via the 404. Subaru's service experience varies by store.
How to make the comparison fair
- Same trim level, same options.. Required to make the numbers comparable.
- Same drive type (FWD / AWD / 4WD).. Required to make the numbers comparable.
- Same term and same down payment.. Required to make the numbers comparable.
- Same trade-in math.. Required to make the numbers comparable.
- Same delivery date.. Required to make the numbers comparable.
Bring the 27-question Honda buyer checklist to the dealer — it is the line-item tool that makes the comparison honest. Send the quote to Henry by text or email.
Henry’s recommendation for a Markham buyer
Short answer: For most Markham buyers cross-shopping Subaru and Honda, the decision usually comes down to standard AWD vs Honda fuel economy and cabin refinement.
If standard AWD on every model matters more to you than fuel economy, the Subaru wins. If fuel economy and cabin refinement matter more, the Honda wins. Send Henry a Subaru quote and he will build a same-trim, same-term, same-trade-in Honda number on the same day.