Honda HR-V vs. CR-V: The More Practical Choice Is Clear

Andrew Koole
· 3 min read
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If you’re in the market for an SUV,
Honda
is likely already on your radar. Comparing the Honda HR-V vs. CR-V is only natural. Both are Honda’s smallest SUV options. 
A closer look at each vehicle’s specs will show you that there’s more that separates them than initially meets the eye. Anyone familiar with the Honda CR-V will know it as an already petite SUV. Its sibling, the HR-V, might only appear a tad smaller but cargo space differs more than you think. On top of its added space, the CR-V’s longer list of standard features makes it the better choice of the two.
The Honda CR-V has been one of the most reliable SUVs on the road for years.

What makes the Honda CR-V more practical than the HR-V?

When comparing the HOnda HR-V vs. the CR-V, it’s important to remember that the HR-V isn’t a bad car by any means. Its highly configurable cabin allows for more cargo space than you’d expect from a vehicle this size.
Consumer Reports
says its 29-mpg fuel economy is nothing to scoff at. 
But compared to the CR-V, it just doesn’t measure up. For only about $4,000 more, the slightly bigger CR-V increases space up to 17 cubic feet more than the HR-V, includes driver-assist features that HR-V owners need to pay extra for, and pretty much matches the smaller car’s fuel economy.
On top of that, critics were much happier with the CR-V’s driving experience than the HR-V’s.
Car and Driver
says The CR-V’s turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, industry-leading automatic transmission, and fine-tuned suspension blow the HR-V’s wimpy 138 hp engine out of the water.
MORE: The Honda CR-V Packs a Surprising Amount of Room Into a Compact SUV
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Is the Honda CR-V the best compact SUV on the market?

In the world of Honda, the CR-V outshines most of its siblings. But it’s up against some stiff competition in the compact SUV market. Nearly every automaker offers a model in this segment, and some of them are true stars of the industry.
Take the Mazda CX-5, for example. Critics gush about this SUV every year, thanks to its luxurious yet affordable interior, bountiful engine options, and enjoyable driving experience. Its fuel efficiency and cargo space don’t match the CR-V, but it’s supposed to be a joy to drive.
Car and Driver also prefers the Volkswagen Tiguan to the Honda CR-V, though the magazine might be alone on this one. 
While it’s the only compact SUV with an available third row of seats, Consumer Reports rates the Tiguan’s reliability and owner satisfaction numbers much lower than the other two SUVs mentioned.

The cost of owning a Honda CR-V

MORE: These Two Hondas Just Earned Top Safety Scores
You might have to weigh the cost of insurance when comparing the Honda HR-V vs. CR-V. While smaller cars are typically cheaper to insure, the price for insuraing a CR-V is very fair. While the average compact SUV costs over $1,300 a year to insure, the average rate to cover a CR-V is only $1,200.
Matched with some of the best fuel economy numbers in the segment, a CR-V could be cheaper to own than any other vehicle in its class. On top of that, you can find even more savings by shopping for car insurance with
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