Honda HR-V vs. Honda CR-V: What's The Difference?


in Car Comparisons

We break down the differences between the Honda HR-V and CR-V: performance and handling, interior features and styling, exterior, price point, and more.

red honda hr-v
Source: Flickr

The Honda HR-V and CR-V are popular SUV selections, providing ample space for the family and features for everyone to enjoy. However, despite being excellent competitors in the small SUV market, they are not the same. It’s a real struggle to choose when looking at the Honda HR-V vs. CR-V, so we are here to help solve the problem.

Investing in a new or used vehicle is critical, especially when the competition is similar. The CR-V has been around for a long time, but the HR-V is newer and offers some exciting new details. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between the machines, from the performance to the infotainment and technology. 

Honda HR-V vs. Honda CR-V: What’s The Difference?

The most apparent difference between the Honda HR-V and CR-V is the size. Both are compact vehicles, but one is compact, and the other is subcompact. The HR-V is also newer, while the CR-V has been available longer. However, there are some more significant areas where the HR-V and CR-V depart. 

Performance and Handling: Honda CR-V

The first winner in the Honda HR-V vs. CR-V is in the performance category, and it’s the Honda CR-V. The Honda HR-V only has one engine selection, while the CR-V provides two. All come with standard front-wheel drive, continuously variable automatic transmission, and optional all-wheel drive. AWD is standard in the higher trim levels.

Here are the performance details available in the Honda CR-V:

  • Standard turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine
  • 190 horsepower
  • Optional hybrid powertrain
  • 60 mph in 8.3 seconds for the standard/7.9 for the optional
  • 30 mpg for standard/40 mpg for optional

There are some solid details available in the Honda CR-V.

Here are the performance details available in the Honda HR-V:

  • Standard 2.0-liter inline-four engine
  • 158 horsepower 
  • 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds

The Honda HR-V lags behind the CR-V competition. 

There’s a clear winner in the performance category. If you care more about speed or the ability to move forward quickly, the Honda CR-V is a much better selection. 


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Interior Features and Styling: Tie

There isn’t too much of a difference between the Honda CR-V and HR-V. They have all the same features and can be upgraded to create a more comforting design. Whether you invest in the Honda HR-V or the CR-V, there are ample comfortable features that will make your experience as a driver or a passenger a comfortable one.

Interior features and styling include the following as standard:

  • Cloth seats
  • Standard folding rear seats
  • Standard keyless ignition
  • Brown and black interior styles

These are all standards for interior features and styling.

There are also top-notch available features for the Honda HR-V or CR-V. You can access heated seats, a sunroof, satellite radio, and more depending on the trim level purchased with your Honda selection.

Exterior: Honda CR-V

We are judging the exterior of the Hondas based on the overall size and the customization options for each machine. When examining these selections, the Honda CR-V is the better option.

Here are the measurements for the Honda CR-V vs. HR-V:

  • Height: 66.2 inches/63.4 inches
  • Length: 184.8 inches/179.8 inches
  • Wheelbase: 106.3 inches/104.5 inches
  • Cargo space: 39.3 cubic feet/24.4 cubic feet

The CR-V is better equipped for more people and stuff.

The Honda CR-V is a more practical selection for most people, especially if you plan on commuting often and carrying people and their items. Exterior dimensions matter and the Honda CR-V is the clear winner. There are also more exterior colors to choose from. 

Price Point: Honda HR-V

The price also matters when checking out the Honda HR-V vs.CR-V, especially if you have a specific budget you want to stick to. Some might be willing to pay more for their car, but generally, most want an affordable selection for their vehicle. If you don’t want to pay too much for your Honda, the HR-V is the winner.

Here are the highest and lowest prices for the Honda CR-V:

  • Honda CR-V LX: $31,444
  • Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid: $41,606

Here are the highest and lowest prices for the Honda HR-V:

  • Honda HR-V LX: $26,598
  • Honda HR-V EX-L: $30,708

There are massive differences in the price point.

By saving money on the lower price point of the Honda HR-V, you will have more money left over to purchase optional features, pay for insurance, and upgrade the interior of your machine. However, it’s critical to note there is no hybrid selection available for the Honda HR-V. It’s cheaper, but there are fewer options. 


HOW LONG DO HONDA CR-Vs LAST?

It first came to life in 1995 and has remained in production ever since, offering a mix between a car and a minivan. It’s a sleek car, but it’s vital to consider lifespan. How long do Honda CR-Vs last?


Infotainment and Technology: Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is the winner in the infotainment and technology category, but not by too much. Both have excellent standard features. However, the Honda CR-V comes out on top with a few more pieces of technology anyone will enjoy.

According to caranddriver.com, here are the additional benefits of the Honda CR-V:

  • Wireless phone charger
  • Built-in navigation
  • Power passenger’s seats
  • Heated steering wheel

These are optional add-ons to trims of the CR-V and selections the HR-V does not possess. 

Many of the standard features are shared by the two, which makes the optional features the only way to tell the two selections apart. Investing in the base version of either vehicle allows access to details like 17-inch wheels, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Honda Sensing driver assist features, automatic climate control, and a push start.


THE HONDA HR-V YEARS TO AVOID

Although Honda is known for making vehicles with good long-term reliability and durability, some HR-V years are less reliable than others. We walk you through the worst Honda HR-V years to avoid.


Which Vehicle Is the Winner?

There are many benefits to either vehicle when considering the Honda HR-V vs. CR-V debate. However, our winner is the Honda CR-V. It offers more exterior colors and more room, better technology, higher performance, and more. The HR-V, however, provides a more affordable price point. 

Overall, the final choice is yours. The HR-V might be the winner on paper, but it could be the wrong choice for specific families. Always head to a dealership and consider your options before making a final choice for the next decade or so.



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