If you are interested in SUVs, perhaps the best place to start looking for one is Honda, the Japanese carmaker that produces its high-quality and reliable SUVs. The choice is vast, and you have models such as the Honda HR-V and the Honda CR-V both of which were named the Best SUV for Families and the Best SUV for Money in their segments. But which one of these two vehicles is better?
Pricing
The starting price of the HR-V is $19,465, and it is available in the two upper trims with the range-topper being the EX-L Navi that costs $24,940. For this price, you can get leather details, HD Radio, Econ button, navigation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and satellite radio. On the other hand, the base price of the CR-V is $24,045 with the top-shelf model priced above $30,000.
Safety
When it comes to safety, the CR-V is a better choice, since it earned all Good scores and it was a Top Safety Pick named by the IIHS, whereas NHTSA rated it with five stars overall. Some of the features included in the package are forward collision warning, Driver Attention Monitor, lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking. The 2017 Honda HR-V earned Acceptable scores in Small Overlap Front Test and the Side Impact Test, but all the other scores were Good by IIHS. The NHTSA gave it five stars, and there are features like a rearview camera and Honda LaneWatch.
Comfort and Cabin Refinement
Both models have five seats inside with soft cloth upholstery and a luxurious feel. There is also a rearview camera, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, power adjustable and heated front seats, but the CR-V offers more legroom and headroom for the passengers.
Car Seats
2017 Honda HR-V and 2017 Honda CR-V come with a LATCH system, and you can secure two child seats in the HR-V, for example. Accessing the tether anchors can be difficult because some of them are surrounded by seat buckles. The CR-V’s back door can be wide open which makes everything easier. Three child seats with LATCH connectors can be accommodated, and this gives the CR-V the advantage.
Tech
An infotainment system with 5-inch color LCD screen is available in both cars, but you can also find a four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a USB port and a rearview camera. In upper trims, the touchscreen in the HR-V frustrates the reviewers and users, whereas CR-V uses knob controls and It generally comes with more features such as a nine-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, etc.
Cargo Space
The Honda HR-V offers 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space, but you can expand this to 58.8 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats, and it is one of the best cars in the segment. The CR-V is larger, and it comes to no surprise that there are 39.2 cubic feet of space in the trunk. This can be increased to 75.8 cubic feet by folding the rear seats, but what you can also do is lower the flat cargo floor.
Fuel Economy
In this aspect, these two are almost identical with the HR-V rated at 25/33 mpg and the CR-V at 26/32 mpg city and highway respectively. With the CVT transmission for the HR-V can be added for only $800 and it increases the fuel efficiency to 28/34 mpg city/highway. However, the CR-V EX model has the same numbers as the HR-V with the CVT, so this one is a tie.
Performance
The 2017 Honda CR-V is available with a 2.4-liter I4 that produces 184 hp in the base version. If you opt for the upper trims, you will get a turbocharged 1.5-liter I4 with the complete output of 190 hp. On the other hand, the 2017 Honda HR-V comes with a 1.8-liter I4 good for 141 hp that is connected to a six-speed manual gearbox. The driving experience is engaging, and AWD configuration comes as an option.
Reliability
The Honda CR-V and the HR-V are rated four out of five and three out of five respectively in terms of reliability by J.D. Power and Associates. Both models come with a three-year/36,000 miles warranty and a five-year/60,000 miles powertrain warranty.
When we look at these two quite interesting models side by side, we can conclude that the 2017 Honda CR-V is a better vehicle. Although more expensive, the CR-V offers more space in the cabin, better cargo room, and extra technology. The HR-V is also a great car, and whichever you choose, you will not regret.
