What’s The Difference Between A Honda CRV And HRV? (Explained!)

If you are looking for a reliable crossover vehicle, Honda is the way to go! But with both the CR-V and HR-V options, which one is best for you, and what are the differences between the two?

Both the Honda CR-V and HR-V are great cars, but you will want to know the specifics about the designs, engine performances, sizes, features, and price of each car to know which one is best for you. Here are the main differences from each category:

History of Honda HR-V and CR-V

The Honda CR-V was first introduced in 1995 as a compact crossover SUV that offered a spacious cabin and a comfortable ride. Since then, it has undergone several redesigns and updates, and today it is one of the most popular SUVs in the market.

The Honda HR-V was first introduced in 2016 as a subcompact crossover SUV that offered a smaller and more affordable alternative to the CR-V. Despite being a relatively new model, it has gained popularity due to its fuel efficiency, practicality, and versatility.

Comparison of Honda HR-V and CR-V

When it comes to comparing the Honda HR-V and CR-V, there are several factors to consider. The CR-V is more spacious and powerful than the HR-V and offers more advanced safety features. However, the HR-V is more fuel-efficient and affordable, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize practicality and affordability.

In terms of rankings, both the HR-V and CR-V have received high scores in reliability, safety, and overall performance. The CR-V has consistently ranked higher than the HR-V in most categories, but the HR-V has gained popularity due to its affordability and fuel economy.

When it comes to specs, the CR-V is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, while the HR-V comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive as an option. Both models offer a range of features such as touchscreen infotainment systems, rearview cameras, and advanced safety features.

In conclusion, the Honda HR-V and CR-V are two popular SUVs from Honda that offer practicality, reliability, and affordability. While the CR-V is more spacious and powerful, the HR-V is more fuel-efficient and affordable. Ultimately, the choice between these two models depends on your personal preferences and needs.

Exterior Design

Both of these crossovers have a sporty design that comes in a variety of colors. As far as looks and design go, one of the biggest differences is that the HR-V has a feature called the Magic Seat. This is a seat that can maneuver to fold backward or upwards to accommodate your travel needs.

The CR-V is compact, which makes it look a little bit longer and slimmer than the HR-V. Because of the HR-V’s subcompact style, it is shorter, yet both cars are sleek and attractive on the road.

The Honda CR-V is significantly larger than the HR-V in its exterior dimensions. The CR-V has a length of 182.1 inches, a width of 73.0 inches, and a height of 66.5 inches, while the HR-V has a length of 170.4 inches, a width of 69.8 inches, and a height of 63.2 inches. The wheelbase of the CR-V is also longer at 104.7 inches compared to the HR-V’s 102.8 inches.

The HR-V has a more traditional Honda look and has paddle shifters, while the CR-V is slightly more sporty and modern.

Both models come with LED headlights, but the CR-V has a more prominent and aggressive grille compared to the HR-V’s sleek and modern design. The HR-V also has an available one-touch power moonroof, while the CR-V has an available panoramic moonroof.

Interior Design

The interior of both the HR-V and CR-V is spacious and comfortable, but the CR-V offers significantly more passenger and cargo space. The CR-V has a passenger volume of 105.9 cubic feet, while the HR-V has a passenger volume of 100.1 cubic feet. The cargo space in the CR-V is also larger, with a cargo capacity of 39.2 cubic feet compared to the HR-V’s 24.3 cubic feet.

Both models come with a range of features, including a touchscreen display audio system, automatic climate control, and available leather-trimmed seats. The CR-V also has an available wireless phone charger, while the HR-V has an available heated steering wheel.

In conclusion, while both the HR-V and CR-V have stylish and functional designs, the CR-V offers more space and features compared to the HR-V. However, the HR-V may be a better option for those who prioritize a smaller and more agile vehicle.

Engine/Performance

Whether you are looking for an everyday day car that takes you to work in the city, long road trips on the highway, or into the mountains for recreation, these cars are sure to perform. Here are the slight differences and some similarities for the HR-V and CR-V:

The 190-horsepower of the CR-V comes from a 1.5 four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This makes for faster acceleration and more power. This is good for getting efficiently on and off of highway ramps and provides extra power for towing. The CR-V also has all-wheel drive.

The HR-V has a 141-horsepower engine that comes from a 1.8 four-cylinder that produces 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. While still powerful, it does not have as much power as the CR-V and has a slower acceleration rate.

The Honda HR-V is the more fuel-efficient of the two, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The CR-V, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Both the Honda CR-V and HR-V offer a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT) as standard. However, the CR-V has an additional option for a 6-speed manual transmission on the base LX trim.

Despite having a less powerful engine, the HR-V is easier to maneuver. It is a better car for city driving where it is needed for smaller places and many stops and starts at traffic lights. This car may have a harder time on the highway than the CR-V, especially when loaded with cargo and passengers.

Size/Dimensions

While both cars are known for being very comfortable, the Honda HR-V tends to be more compact than the CR-V. The CR-V has more space and is a larger car in general. The dimensions of the two cars are shown in the chart below.

	Honda CR-V	Honda HR-V
Ground Clearance	8.2 inches	7.3 inches
Length	189 inches	169 inches
Width	73 inches	69.7 inches
Height	66.5 inches	63.2 inches
Wheel-Base	104.7 inches	102.8 inches

The Honda CR-V is bigger in all of the categories for dimensions. This car has more space on the inside for cargo and has a larger trunk. This is something to consider when picking your car and the main use that you will have for it. The ground clearance is slightly higher for the CR-V, it is longer, taller, only sighter wider, and has a bigger wheelbase.

These cars look very similar at first glance, but those small differences change the dynamics of the car and what its best uses are. They make a big enough difference for some to notice, while others are content with either set of dimensions.

Technology

Technology makes driving safer and more enjoyable. These cars differ in technology features. Here are what each car is equipped with and what it can do:

CR-V:

• Push start button
• Electric parking brake
• Heated seats
• Electronic seat adjustment
• 7-inch touch screen
• Six-speaker sound system
• Navigation
• Bluetooth
• Blind spot information system
• Cross-traffic monitor
• Rearview camera

These features offer many different options for entertainment and comfort when driving, while not sacrificing style and space. The safety features on this car will help you when backing in and out of parking lots and will keep you safe when changing lanes and waiting for through traffic.

HR-V:

• Push start button
• Electric parking brake
• Heated front seats
• Climate control
• Magic seat
• Illuminated trim
• Advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) body structure
• Bluetooth
• 4 speaker stereo
• 5 inch LCD screen
• Rearview camera
• Lane watch

This car is very safe, especially with its ACE body structure. It enhances passenger safety and crashes compatibility in frontal collisions. It has lane protection and is also very comfortable with features to keep you warm and entertained. This car does not have the same screen features as the CR-V, but is more simplistic.

The CR-V typically has higher-technology features, but both are designed to make driving and exploring more enjoyable and provide safety when on the road.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety features, both the Honda HR-V and CR-V are packed with advanced technologies to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Standard Safety Features

Both the HR-V and CR-V come with a suite of standard safety features, including front, side, and side curtain airbags, traction control, stability control, and a rearview camera. Additionally, Honda Sensing is standard on all models, which includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Optional Safety Features

The CR-V offers a few optional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a surround-view camera system. The HR-V, on the other hand, does not offer these features as options.

Both models have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2023 CR-V has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the 2023 HR-V has not yet been rated. The CR-V has also been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, while the HR-V has been named a Top Safety Pick.

In terms of city and highway safety, both models perform well. The CR-V has a 4-star rating for city driving and a 5-star rating for highway driving, while the HR-V has a 5-star rating for city driving and a 4-star rating for highway driving.

Overall, both the Honda HR-V and CR-V are equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, making them great options for anyone looking for a safe and reliable vehicle.

Trim Levels of HR-V and CR-V

The HR-V comes in four trim levels: LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L. The LX is the base model and comes standard with features such as a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and a 5-inch display screen. The Sport trim adds a few extra features, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sport pedals, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The EX trim includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a moonroof. The top-of-the-line EX-L adds leather-trimmed seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The CR-V, on the other hand, offers five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Hybrid. The LX is the base model and comes standard with features such as a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and a 5-inch display screen. The EX adds a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a moonroof.

The EX-L includes leather-trimmed seats, a power tailgate, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Touring trim adds a hands-free power tailgate, a navigation system, and a 9-speaker premium audio system. The Hybrid model includes all the features of the EX, but with a hybrid powertrain.

Price

When it comes to price, the Honda HR-V definitely takes first place. This car is cheaper than the Honda CR-V. Depending on the year and condition, prices may vary.

Below are estimations for the cost of each car. These differences are due to the features and size differences between the cars. If price is a determining factor in which car you are looking to drive, the Honda HR-V is the most suited to your budget.

Honda CR-V: $25,000-$28,000

Honda HR-V: $21,000-$24,000

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Honda HR-V and CR-V are great options for those in the market for a reliable and versatile SUV. While the HR-V is a subcompact SUV and the CR-V is a compact SUV, they both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.

When it comes to specs, the CR-V has more interior space and a higher towing capacity than the HR-V. However, the HR-V has a hybrid version available for those seeking better fuel efficiency. Both models offer front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, as well as continuously variable transmission.

In terms of reliability, both the HR-V and CR-V have a solid reputation for dependability and longevity. Honda has a strong track record for producing reliable vehicles, and both models consistently rank high in reliability ratings.

While the HR-V has not undergone a recent redesign, the 2023 model year does offer some updates such as power windows and power door locks as standard features. The CR-V, on the other hand, has undergone a recent redesign and offers a sleeker and more modern exterior design.

When it comes to market rankings, both the HR-V and CR-V consistently rank high in their respective categories. The CR-V is often ranked as the top compact SUV, while the HR-V is a top contender in the subcompact SUV category.

Overall, the HR-V and CR-V are both excellent options for anyone seeking a reliable and versatile SUV. Whether you prioritize interior space and towing capacity or fuel efficiency and a smaller footprint, there is a Honda SUV that will fit your needs.