The Honda CR-V is a larger compact SUV, and the HR-V is a smaller subcompact SUV with less cargo and passenger space.
Honda CR-V
- Compact SUV.
- Cargo space: about 36 cu ft behind the rear seat.
- Starts near $30,000.
- Hybrid available.
Honda HR-V
- Subcompact SUV.
- Cargo space: about 24 cu ft behind the rear seat.
- Starts near $26,000.
Which
The CR-V is for families and road trips. The HR-V is cheaper and easier to park.
Fuel
The HR-V gets about 26 mpg city/32 highway. The CR-V is similar, with a hybrid at 40+ mpg.
Size
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV, about 184 inches long. The HR-V is a subcompact SUV, about 179 inches long. The CR-V has more cargo space, around 36 cubic feet behind the rear seats versus about 24 cubic feet in the HR-V.
Passenger room
The CR-V has more rear legroom (about 40 inches) and a larger interior volume than the HR-V (about 38 inches of legroom).
Engines
- CR-V: 1.5 liter turbo four cylinder with about 190 horsepower in many model years, with a hybrid option rated about 204 horsepower combined.
- HR-V: a 2.0 liter four cylinder making about 158 horsepower.
Fuel economy
EPA estimates for recent models are about 28 city and 34 highway mpg for the CR-V and about 26 city and 32 highway for the HR-V, though the CR-V Hybrid reaches about 40 mpg combined.
Price
HR-V base prices begin around 24,000 to 25,000 dollars, while the CR-V starts around 30,000 dollars, depending on model year and trim.
Safety
Both come with Honda Sensing as standard, which includes collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Check ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the model year.
Reliability
Both generally score well in reliability surveys by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, though check the year.
All wheel drive
Both offer optional all wheel drive.
Who should choose which
The HR-V suits city drivers and singles or couples wanting a lower price and easy parking. The CR-V suits families who need more space.
Tip
Test drive both and compare current prices and incentives.
Size and capability
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV with a length of about 185 inches and about 39 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while the HR-V is a subcompact SUV about 180 inches long with about 24 cubic feet of cargo space. The CR-V offers more rear legroom and a standard 1.5 liter turbo engine with about 190 horsepower, or a hybrid option with about 204 horsepower. The HR-V uses a 2.0 liter engine with about 158 horsepower. All wheel drive is optional on both models.
Cost and choosing between them
The HR-V typically starts around 25,000 USD, and the CR-V around 30,000 USD, with prices rising by trim. Fuel economy is about 26 to 32 mpg for the HR-V and 28 to 34 mpg for the gas CR-V, with the CR-V hybrid reaching up to about 40 mpg combined. Both come with Honda Sensing safety features as standard in recent years, and both earn high marks for reliability in Consumer Reports surveys. Choose the HR-V for city driving, easier parking and lower price, and the CR-V for family use, longer trips and cargo. Test drive both and compare current offers.
Based on data from Honda and the EPA fueleconomy.gov
