On the face of it, the Honda HR-V and Honda CR-V might appear to do broadly the same job. After all, both are SUVs that wear the Honda badge, both are available as hybrids, and both aim to tempt buyers with a combination of space, comfort and longevity. However, there are key differences between these two models, so to help you decide which one might best fit your needs we've created this comparison across a range of criteria, complete with ratings from our team of expert reviewers.
Honda HR-V vs Honda CR-V
Practicality
Overall, CarGurus experts award the HR-V with 3 out of 5 stars for practicality, whereas the CR-V gets 4 our of 5 stars.
The Honda HR-V offers roomy front seats, and good legroom for all passengers. However, taller individuals may find rear headroom limited due to the sloping roofline, and the middle rear seat isn't as comfortable due to a raised cushion. What truly shine are the HR-V's "Magic Seats" – they fold down to expand luggage space, or can flip up to accommodate tall or bulky items in the rear footwells. The boot space, though on the small side at 319 litres, does at least boast a low load lip and some under-floor storage.
The CR-V is a larger SUV on the outside, which translates to more space on the inside, too. If you regularly plan to carry three passengers in the rear seats it's by far the better choice. The CR-V is also the only one of these contenders that's also available with seven seats as an option, although note that the rear-most seats are suitable for short journeys only, and the boot space is compromised due to their design. Stick with the five-seat model and there's an impressive 589 litres of boot space. This drops significantly if you opt for the seven-seater, and it's also worth nothing that you can't pair seven seats with the hybrid powertrain.
Driving Impressions
The HR-V earns 3 out of 5 stars from our experts for the way it drives. It delivers a comfortable ride, particularly on motorways, with good bump absorption. It offers adequate grip and responsive steering but lacks agility due to its hybrid setup and weight. The hybrid powertrain, while efficient, often feels underpowered, resulting in the need for heavy acceleration which results in excessive engine noise. The HR-V is also not designed for off-roading, and won't perform as well as an all-wheel-drive CR-V off the beaten track.
The Honda CR-V impresses with its heavier steering, making it feel reassuring and easy to control. Overall, it earns an identical rating of 3 out of 5 stars for its driving manners. It offers a smooth ride and capable suspension, providing a composed experience on twisty routes. Engine options are plentiful, with the more powerful variants being ideal for carrying heavier loads. The hybrid CR-V is a fuel-efficient choice. It can be a bit noisy under hard acceleration, but if you can avoid that you might join the happy bunch of CR-V hybrid owners who report achieving or exceeding claimed fuel economy figures.
Technology and Equipment
The HR-V comes well-equipped, earning it 4 out of 5 stars in this category. Even the entry-level Elegance trim offers climate control, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a user-friendly infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, navigation, and smartphone connectivity. Upgrading to Advance and Advance Style trims adds even more luxury and safety features.
The CR-V can't match its smaller sibling in this category, with a score of 3 out of 5 stars. That said, it's still not bad. Even the base model includes automatic LED headlights, DAB radio, Bluetooth, and a wide array of safety systems. Lane-keeping assistance and forward-collision warning are among its safety features. Arguably the biggest drawback is that the infotainment system feels outdated, although higher spec models do at least support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for improved functionality.
Running Costs
You'd hope the HR-V's hybrid drivetrain would help it to score well here, and it does, with a 4 out of 5 star rating from CarGurus experts for its running costs. The HR-V delivers a commendable official MPG of around 52mpg, making it a fuel-efficient choice compared to most petrol rivals. Purchase prices are competitive, and being a smaller car it'll set you back less than a CR-V of an equivalent age and mileage. As with the CR-V, Honda's solid reputation for reliability should help to minimise unplanned trips to the garage.
The CR-V offers a range of engine options, including a hybrid variant, and scores 4 out of 5 for its running costs. The 2WD hybrid model averages 40.9mpg on the official WLTP test cycle, making it the most frugal CR-V on paper for those who do a mixture of town and motorway driving. Petrol models are cheaper to buy but less fuel efficient, particular if you opt for all-wheel drive and/or an automatic gearbox. For both cars Honda provides fixed-price and tailored service plans to help manage ownership costs.
Reliability
While there's limited data on the latest HR-V's reliability, Honda has traditionally ranked well in reliability surveys. In the 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey, it secured 12th place among 32 manufacturers, and the previous HR-V also finished 12th out of the 22 models in the small SUV class. The CR-V hybrid meanwhile finished fifth out of the 32 models in the large SUV class.
Both cars are covered from new by a three-year, 90,000-mile warranty, which is shorter than you get with brands such as Hyundai (five years) and Kia (seven years). However, Honda's reputation for customer satisfaction and reliability is strong, with few major recalls reported.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, both the 2021- Honda HR-V and the 2017-2023 Honda CR-V score overall ratings of 3 out of 5 stars.
The HR-V impresses with its comfort, quality, and clever back seats, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a well-equipped compact SUV. However, limited performance and tighter-than-average rear headroom do dent its appeal somewhat.
The CR-V also offers a comfortable drive, but with some welcome added practicality that includes the option of seven seats, and four-wheel drive. It's a solid choice for those seeking a reliable SUV. However, its petrol model's efficiency and the outdated infotainment system may deter some buyers.
This one, then, really does depend on whether you need the CR-V's extra space and are prepared to pay a premium for it, or if you prefer the HR-V's smaller dimensions and lower cost.
Choose 2021- Honda HR-V if:
- You prefer a compact SUV with a hybrid powertrain for improved fuel efficiency.
- Flexible, flip-up rear seats sound like a useful feature.
- You value a well-equipped standard lineup, including advanced safety features.
Search for a Honda HR-V on CarGurus
Choose 2017-2023 Honda CR-V if:
- You need a spacious and versatile family SUV with options for hybrid and all-wheel drive.
- You value a comfortable and composed drive.
- You can overlook the slightly outdated infotainment system for the sake of practicality.
Search for a Honda CR-V on CarGurus