What Is the Smallest Honda SUV?
While it may often be overshadowed by its more popular larger sibling, the CR-V, the Honda HR-V is Honda’s smallest SUV.
Written by Cameron Thiessen
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Completely redesigned for 2023, the Honda HR-V is the smallest Honda SUV that you can purchase on the new car market, with a length of 179.8 inches. Its older sibling, the CR-V, is also redesigned for this coming year. It’s only about 3 inches longer and a lot more popular.
Compact and subcompact SUVs have taken the automotive world by storm, leading many manufacturers to abandon the production of traditional sedans entirely. In fact, the HR-V is built on the same platform as the Civic sedan, one of the most popular car models of all time. But as favorites like the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, and Mazda CX-30 establish their dominance in the subcompact SUV segment, the shine may be starting to fade from Honda’s smaller SUV offerings.
If you’re on the hunt for a Honda that has more off-road prowess and sturdy build than a regular small car, the subcompact HR-V is the smallest SUV available. That being said, it may not offer the same level of quality as its older sibling. Either way, the top-rated car insurance app Jerry is here with all the key facts on the matter. In addition, our super app can save you money on your
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.What is the smallest SUV Honda makes?
It’s undeniable that the smallest Honda SUV is the
Honda HR-V
. The HR-V is a subcompact crossover-SUV built to rival small traditional car models as well as the exceedingly popular small SUVs of Honda’s manufacturing rivals.It stands only 63.8 inches tall in its tallest form and stretches to a length of 179.8 inches, noticeably longer than the subcompact Toyota C-HR. It’s not quite as fun as its competitors, in more ways than one—the CVT transmission is emotionless and the four-cylinder engine is less than exciting. On the bright side, it’s extremely comfortable and offers plenty of cargo space.
In fact, with the HR-V’s Magic Seat second row, you can flip the rear seating bench into the floor to allow for 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard safety features are more than acceptable—the most basic model comes with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and Honda’s Traffic Jam Assist. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking also come standard with the hopes of improving accident prevention.
And the starting price—around $25,000 for a base model—is nothing to complain about either!
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Other small Honda SUVs
While the HR-V is certainly the smallest Honda SUV, there are other still-small options available to you in Honda’s lineup.
Smallest: 2023 Honda HR-V
Starting price: $24,895
Wheelbase: 104.5 inches
Seating capacity: Five
If small is your top priority, the subcompact HR-V is the Honda SUV for you—but it doesn’t quite offer the same gumption and utility as its older, more established siblings.
Small: 2022 Honda CR-V
Starting price: $28,045
Wheelbase: 104.7 inches
Seating capacity: Five
The
Honda CR-V
is the more popular choice among SUV buyers, a longer-running model with a more established track record. It’s still not all that fun to drive, especially compared to older versions from decades gone by, but it offers a bit more space than the HR-V thanks to its increased length and width.In particular, the cargo volume is much improved—a maximum of 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and even 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row.
Small-ish: 2022 Honda Passport
Starting price: $39.665
Wheelbase: 110.9 inches
Seating capacity: Five
The
Honda Passport
is a two-row midsize SUV that prioritizes utility and cargo capacity. When moving up by size, it's not until you get to the Passport that the drivetrain becomes exciting among Honda’s list of SUVs. It may not be as efficient as the previously mentioned models, but it sure is fast, able to do zero to 60 in just 6 seconds flat.Towing capacity gets up to 3500 pounds, coming a long way from the HR-V’s blatant inability to tow anything with its 158-horsepower engine and subcompact size.
The best alternatives to Honda’s smallest SUV
If you’re not quite sure that Honda’s HR-V is the best small SUV for you, don’t fret! There are plenty of fantastic options in this category, but the Hyundai Kona, the
Mazda CX-30
, and Kia Seltos really stand out.Peppy and perky: 2022 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona has a great starting price compared to Honda’s elevated prices—just $22,595—and it has much more personality than the HR-V.
There’s no boredom here, especially when you upgrade to the 195-hp turbocharged I-4 of the N Line and Limited trims. Available with a fantastic all-wheel drive system, the Kona is richly equipped with standard driver assistance and safety tech. And there’s really no doubt about it—it’s super fun to drive.
High class at a low price: 2022 Mazda CX-30
Mazda has long excelled at offering the feeling of luxury at an affordable price. The 2022 Mazda CX-30 starts at a price of $23,725, but it also has an exciting turbocharged engine that makes the HR-V seem like a child’s toy.
It’s also an absolute joy to drive, with agile, responsive handling that makes you feel like you’re in control—rather than the robot brain that helps prevent you from crashing into things. Standard trims are well equipped with generous safety technology, but the true excitement of the CX-30 is the 250 horsepower available from the 2.5 Turbo engine when fueled with 93-octane gasoline.
The common sense compact: Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the top-selling compact SUVs the world over. This model’s been on the streets for nearly three decades, constantly re-establishing its place as the premier small SUV/crossover on the market.
It performs well off-road, it drives like a dream, offers 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
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