Honda is one of the most reliable and enjoyable brands on the market today and they happen to offer a pair of crossover SUVs that you have some difficulty deciding between.
Whether you want the popular Honda CR-V or the smaller and active HR-V, you can’t go wrong, but we’re going to discuss these two different packages that have what you’re looking for. As similar as they are, there are a few big differences that will sway most drivers one way or the other.

Body Styles and Design

Both of these SUVs offer you the youthful look you want with a front end that’s the same. The CR-V has LED headlights offered, the rear gives you L-shaped taillights, and there’s an integrated spoiler for the hatch that gives this vehicle a finished appearance. Looking at the HR-V, you’ll see proportions that are more upright with the smaller package. This smaller models does feature pointed taillights and also has a rear hatch spoiler to give it the sporty look that you’re sure to admire when you take it for a drive.

Space and Practicality

The Honda CR-V is the larger of the two as a midsize crossover, which means it has more space for cargo and passengers. There are 39.2 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 75.8 cubic feet when the sears are down. There’s plenty of room for five people to be comfortable inside the CR-V. If you choose the Honda HR-V, you’re going to have 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space that expands to 58.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. The legroom for passengers is only slightly smaller than in the CR-V.

Powertrains and Fuel Mileage

There are two engines offered for the CR-V which are a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 1.5-liter turbo. The 2.4-liter engine gives you 184 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque while reaching 32 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine offers 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque while reaching as much as 34 mpg on the highway. If you choose the HR-V, you’re only going to have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower and 127 lb.-ft. of torque that can give you up to 34 mpg on the highway to give you the drive and the efficiency you desire.

Driving Dynamics

Handling has always been one of the most impressive features of a Honda vehicle. The CR-V and HR-V both handle extremely well and offer you a nimble experience when you find a curvy road. The CR-V, being larger, does drove a bit more rigid, but it also offers you the confidence you want when you get behind the wheel and head out on the road. You won’t set any lap times in either vehicle, but you will have an easy and enjoyable drive with the dynamics you want from the steering and suspension layouts.

Technology

Honda gives you the ability to enjoy a suite of active safety technology called Honda Sensing in the CR-V. This suite includes collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. You also have a seven-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two fast-charging USB ports in the rear. The HR-V isn’t far behind the CR-V in terms of technology. The Honda Sensing suite is available for the 2019 model year and the seven-inch screen is an upgrade option for the HR-V. Both of these SUVs offer you the technology you’re looking for when you drive.

The Verdict

Both of the Honda SUVs offer you excellent value for the price you’re going to pay. If you want a smaller model, the right choice will be the HR-V, but it does have less space, fewer powertrains, and less standard technology. The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular models on the market and it has become a family SUV that gives you the qualities and features you’ve been looking for. You can’t go wrong with either of these models; visit your nearby Honda dealer and take a drive in both models to make the choice that’s right for you.