How do these popular Honda SUVs compare for the 2025 model year?
The latest Honda lineup features two standout SUV options that cater to different needs while sharing the Honda reputation for reliability and quality. The subcompact HR-V and the compact CR-V represent two distinct size classes, with each offering unique advantages. This comparison examines equivalent trim levels across both models to help you determine which Honda SUV best suits your lifestyle requirements.
Dimensions and Design
The CR-V maintains its position as the larger sibling, measuring approximately 4,667 mm in length compared to the more compact 4,343 mm frame of the HR-V. The size difference is also evident in the wheelbase, offering 2,700 mm versus the 2,610 mm of the HR-V.
Both models showcase the current Honda design language, featuring sleek LED headlights and a prominent front grille. The HR-V presents a sportier, more youthful aesthetic with its coupe-like roofline, while the CR-V adopts a more traditional SUV silhouette with an upright stance and more pronounced body lines.
When comparing equivalent trim levels, both vehicles offer alloy wheels, but the CR-V typically features larger diameter options (18 inches on most trims, with 19 inches on higher variants) compared to the HR-V 17-inch and 18-inch offerings.
Powertrain and Performance
The HR-V comes equipped with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing approximately 158 horsepower and 187 Nm of torque across all trim levels. This engine pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and is available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.
The CR-V offers a more diverse powertrain lineup, with its standard option being a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 190 horsepower and 243 Nm of torque. Higher trims of the CR-V are available with a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors for a combined output of approximately 204 horsepower.
Both models feature the Honda Drive Mode Selector, allowing drivers to choose between Normal, Eco, and Snow settings. However, the CR-V system is more sophisticated, offering additional terrain management capabilities on all-wheel drive variants.
Interior Space and Comfort
The dimensional differences between these SUVs translate directly to interior space. The CR-V offers noticeably more passenger volume with approximately 2,999 litres compared to the 2,665 litres of the HR-V.
Second-row legroom is where the distinction becomes most apparent. The CR-V provides approximately 1,026 mm of rear legroom, while the HR-V offers a still-respectable 964 mm. Both vehicles feature comfortable and supportive seating, with higher trims offering heated front seats as standard.
The CR-V advantage extends to cargo capacity, providing approximately 1,113 litres behind the second row, expandable to 2,166 litres with seats folded. The HR-V offers 691 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,559 litres with the seats folded.
Technology and Features
Both models come equipped with the latest Honda infotainment system, with the base trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen and higher trims upgrading to a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard across all variants, with wireless connectivity available on mid- and higher-trim models.
The CR-V generally offers more premium features at equivalent trim levels, particularly in the audio department. While the HR-V LX and Sport trims come with a six-speaker system, the equivalent CR-V trims feature an eight-speaker setup, with top trims receiving a premium 12-speaker audio system.
Both models include Honda Sensing safety technologies as standard across all trim levels, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. The latest models incorporate improved driver attention monitoring and more sensitive pedestrian detection systems.
Efficiency and Fuel Economy
The smaller and lighter HR-V demonstrates better fuel efficiency in its non-hybrid form, with the front-wheel drive variants achieving approximately 7.7 L/100 km combined fuel consumption. The all-wheel drive HR-V achieves a combined fuel consumption of around 8.1 L/100 km.
The turbocharged CR-V achieves approximately 8.4 L/100 km combined fuel efficiency in its front-wheel drive configuration and 8.7 L/100 km with all-wheel drive. The hybrid CR-V significantly outperforms both with an impressive 6.0 L/100 km combined rating.
Driving Experience
The HR-V offers a more nimble driving experience suited to urban environments, with responsive steering and a tighter turning radius of approximately 5.4 meters compared to the 5.7 meters of the CR-V.
The CR-V delivers a more planted feel on highways and rough roads, thanks to its longer wheelbase, which provides enhanced stability. Its turbo engine also delivers more confident passing power, while the hybrid variant offers the best balance of performance and efficiency in the lineup.
Five Facts About the 2025 Honda HR-V and CR-V
1. The HR-V cargo floor can be configured in multiple positions, creating a "tall mode" that accommodates items up to 1.2 meters in height despite its compact exterior dimensions.
2. The CR-V hybrid uses an innovative fixed-gear transmission rather than a conventional CVT, providing more direct power delivery than typical hybrid systems.
3. Both models feature the Honda "Body Stabilizing Seats" that reduce fatigue during long drives by providing better support to the pelvis and lumbar regions.
4. The CR-V hybrid battery is now 25% smaller than previous generations while maintaining the same power output, freeing up additional cargo space.
5. The HR-V rear door handles are concealed in the C-pillars, creating a coupe-like appearance while maintaining the practicality of four doors.
Questions and Answers About the 2025 Honda HR-V and CR-V
Which Honda model offers more passenger space, the HR-V or CR-V?
The CR-V offers more passenger space with approximately 2,999 litres of passenger volume, providing noticeably more room for rear passengers.
Do both the HR-V and CR-V come with all-wheel drive options?
Yes, both offer all-wheel drive options across most trim levels, though the base LX trim of the HR-V comes in front-wheel drive only.
Which model has better fuel efficiency, the HR-V or CR-V?
The standard HR-V is more fuel-efficient, achieving approximately 7.7 L/100 km combined in front-wheel drive form. However, the CR-V hybrid is the most efficient of all variants at approximately 6.0 L/100 km combined.
What is the cargo capacity difference between the HR-V and CR-V?
The CR-V offers significantly more cargo space, with approximately 1,113 litres behind the second row and 2,166 litres with the seats folded.
Do both models come with Honda Sensing safety features as standard?
Yes, all trim levels come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, and lane keeping assist.
Which model offers more engine options?
The CR-V offers a more diverse powertrain lineup, featuring a standard 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and an available hybrid system. The HR-V comes with a single 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine option.
How do the infotainment systems compare between the two models?
Both feature similar infotainment systems with 7-inch touchscreens on base models and 9-inch displays on higher trims, though the CR-V typically offers more premium audio options at equivalent trim levels.
Which model is better suited for city driving?
The HR-V is better suited for city driving with its more compact dimensions, tighter turning radius of approximately 5.4 meters, and easier maneuverability in tight spaces compared to the larger CR-V.
Do both models offer heated seats as standard?
Heated front seats come standard on mid-level trims and above for both models, starting with the Sport trim on the HR-V and the EX trim on the CR-V. The top-tier Touring also offers heated rear seats, which aren't available on any HR-V trim.
Which model provides a smoother ride on highways?
The CR-V generally provides a smoother highway ride due to its longer wheelbase of 2,700 mm compared to the HR-V 2,610 mm, resulting in better stability and less sensitivity to road imperfections at higher speeds.
