501 Broad St
New London, CT 06320
Less Than Five Minutes Off Of I-95!
Shoppers across southeastern Connecticut have more hybrid SUV options than ever, but not all are created equal. At Secor Subaru, the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid distinguishes itself from the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 hybrid SUVs by making the biggest difference inclement weather and challenging road conditions. Here is a direct look at how these SUVs stack up and which is the better choice.
The new Subaru Forester Hybrid features a modern exterior that retains its iconic silhouette. The new grille is larger and directly adjacent to the light clusters, and the fenders now carry a semi-octagonal shape that communicates rugged capability for adventure seekers around Groton, CT. The nearly vertical rear is retained to maximize cargo volume. Inside, StarTex seating surfaces on select trims are exceptionally durable, and the cabin offers comfortable space for up to five passengers.
The CR-V Hybrid has a functional interior, though its dashboard feels busy around the infotainment area. The RAV4 Hybrid adopts a more squared-off, angular design for 2026, which is an improvement, but interior materials at lower trims still rely heavily on hard plastics.
Drivers from East Lyme, CT, who regularly haul gear will appreciate that the Forester Hybrid offers a maximum cargo space of 69.1 cubic feet. The CR-V Hybrid provides 71.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, though that figure comes with a larger, heavier footprint. The RAV4 Hybrid lands at approximately 69.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
The Subaru Forester Hybrid delivers 8.7 inches of ground clearance - a clear advantage for navigating the uneven terrain, snow-covered back roads, and flood-prone areas each winter around Waterford, CT.
The CR-V Hybrid AWD trims reach 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The standard RAV4 Hybrid has 8.1 inches, and the Woodland trim offers up to 8.5 inches. Both trail behind the Subaru Forester Hybrid on standard configurations, and neither pairs that clearance with Subaru's full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which continuously distributes power to all four wheels, without waiting until it is required.
The Subaru Forester Hybrid is available in four trims: Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. All include the 194-horsepower hybrid powertrain, Symmetrical AWD, EyeSight Driver Assist, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Car buyers around Old Saybrook, CT, get more value with the Subaru Forester, which offers so many more standard features across the lineup.
The CR-V Hybrid spans Sport, Sport-L, TrailSport, and Sport Touring trims. AWD is standard on the TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid, and only available on other trims, so it is not guaranteed across the lineup. The RAV4 Hybrid offers six trim levels, which add decision fatigue for buyers who simply want a capable, well-equipped hybrid without having to navigate a complex lineup.
Every trim in the 2026 Forester Hybrid lineup includes Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard equipment. Pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance are all active from the moment you leave the lot, no upgrades required. For growing families around New London and Groton, CT, who prioritize safety above everything else, that consistency across the lineup is a meaningful advantage.
The CR-V Hybrid includes Honda Sensing as standard, which covers a similar set of driver-assistance features. The RAV4 Hybrid includes the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 for 2026, which adds updated Lane Tracing Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Safe Exit Assist. Both are capable systems, but feature availability varies by trim, unlike the Subaru.
Every 2026 Forester Hybrid trim comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and the Subaru STARLINK Multimedia system. Wireless device charging and an organized dashboard round out a cabin that feels genuinely current. Drivers in Norwich and East Lyme who spend time commuting will notice the difference a well-designed infotainment setup makes on daily drives.
The CR-V Hybrid has a 9-inch display, which is noticeably smaller and one of the more modest screens in the segment at this price point. The RAV4 Hybrid offers a 10.5-inch touchscreen on base trims, with a 12.9-inch display available only on higher configurations. Buyers who want the larger screen have to pay for it. With the Forester Hybrid, the full technology package is simply part of the deal, no trim-climbing required.
Secor Subaru is conveniently located in New London, CT, and proudly serves Connecticut drivers from East Lyme to Old Saybrook. Call or visit us to learn more about the Subaru Forester Hybrid and schedule a test drive today.
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501 Broad St
New London, CT 06320
