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Honda Element vs Subaru Forester

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Honda logo

2011 Honda Element

Subaru logo

2027 Subaru Forester

Overview

SpecHonda ElementLXSubaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Selected trimLX4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Body styleSUVSUV
Drivetrainfront wheel driveall wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission5-speed automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20112027

Pricing & market

SpecHonda ElementLXSubaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
MSRP$20,825 (best)$29,995
For sale now00

Fuel economy & range

SpecHonda ElementLXSubaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Combined MPG22 MPG29 MPG (best)
City MPG20 MPG26 MPG (best)
Highway MPG25 MPG33 MPG (best)
Fuel tank15.9 gal16.6 gal (best)

Performance

SpecHonda ElementLXSubaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Horsepower166 hp180 hp (best)
Torque161 lb-ft178 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2.4 L2.5 L (best)
CylindersI4flat 4

Size & capability

SpecHonda ElementLXSubaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Seating4 seats5 seats (best)
Doors5 (best)4
Cargo volume74.6 cu ft (best)74.4 cu ft
Towing capacity1,500 lbs (best)—
Curb weight3,515 lbs3,510 lbs (best)
Ground clearance6.9 in8.7 in (best)
Wheelbase101.4 in105.1 in (best)
Length169.9 in183.3 in (best)
Width71.6 in72 in (best)
Height70.4 in (best)68.1 in

Safety & recalls

SpecHonda ElementLXSubaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
NHTSA overallNot Rated—
Frontal crash (driver)Not Rated—
Frontal crash (passenger)Not Rated—
Side crash (driver)Not Rated—
Side crash (passenger)Not Rated—
Side poleNot Rated—
Rollover3 / 5 ★ (best)—
Open recalls (YMM scope)10None reported (best)

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimHonda ElementSubaru Forester
1

LX

$20,825 MSRP(Currently comparing)

4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

$29,995 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

LX

$22,075 MSRP

Premium

$31,995 MSRP

3

EX

$22,935 MSRP

Premium

$33,195 MSRP

4

EX

$24,185 MSRP

Premium Hybrid

$34,730 MSRP

5—

Limited

$37,595 MSRP

6—

Sport Hybrid

$37,930 MSRP

7—

Limited Hybrid

$38,995 MSRP

8—

Wilderness

$39,495 MSRP

9—

Wilderness Hybrid

$40,495 MSRP

10—

Touring Hybrid

$41,545 MSRP

Honda Element vs Subaru Forester FAQ

Which is better: 2011 Honda Element or 2027 Subaru Forester?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2011 Honda Element vs 2027 Subaru Forester on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2011 Honda Element or 2027 Subaru Forester?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2011 Honda Element starts lower at $20,825.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2011 Honda Element or 2027 Subaru Forester?
The 2011 Honda Element leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (20,825).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2011 Honda Element or 2027 Subaru Forester?
The 2027 Subaru Forester leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
Which has better horsepower: 2011 Honda Element or 2027 Subaru Forester?
The 2027 Subaru Forester leads on horsepower in this comparison (194).
Which has better seats: 2011 Honda Element or 2027 Subaru Forester?
The 2027 Subaru Forester leads on seats in this comparison (5).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2011 Honda Element or 2027 Subaru Forester?
The 2027 Subaru Forester leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (3,000).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2011 Honda Element vs 2027 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Honda Element (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).