Honda CR-V vs HR-V SUV Features and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
In this car comparison, we pit two close siblings against each other. The Honda CR-V takes on the HR-V from the same company.
Amongst the competition from other players in the subcompact SUV class, these two stand out owing to their funky and quirky aesthetic – more pronounced in the HR-V.
These have more to offer other than their looks. They have commendable drivability, with a capable engine at the center of it all. Let’s take a peek into the work of Honda, peering closely at the exterior and interior design as well as the under-hood activity.
Honda CR-V Overview
This reliable compact sports utility vehicle has been turning heads in the automotive world since its introduction in 1996. It boasted an all-wheel drive system that seemed to fit in with all those who were yearning for it.
Browse Used Honda CR-V Listings
The car has seen numerous face lifts over the years, with the notable alterations including the provision of 2 wheel drive for a lower cost at the close of the millennium. Power-wise, there was an upgrade from a run of the mill 4 cylinder engine to an improved i-VTEC engine in 2002. In a seemingly giving mood, the manufacturer also increased the cargo space that year.
2005 saw the look redesigned to provide a fresher aesthetic. The headlights on this model received particular attention from the design team. The redesign continued on in 2007 alongside the introduction of the automatic transmission.
Honda HR-V Overview
This mini SUV is a smaller relative of the CR-V and was introduced to the world in 1997. Based off the earlier Honda Logo platform, the HR-V – Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle – was one of the first cars to boast really low emissions.
Browse Used Honda HR-V Listings
The Honda HR-V had a very distinctive look about it – a funky and boxy aesthetic that made it stand out from all the offerings in the same weight class. Due to the aesthetic design and very low running costs, the HR-V was marketed to the very young demographic that was looking for halfway point between the off-road perks of an SUV and the low upkeep of a hatchback.
The result was the Honda HR-V that went on to be one of the best-selling mini SUVs in the world.
Honda CR-V and HR-V Exterior comparison
When you line up these two offerings from Honda, the CR-V manages to just about dwarf the HR-V. The CR-V has a length of 4597mm whereas the HR-V measures 4010mm.
What the latter has going for it is the funky and extra boxy design that is a pull for those of free spirit. The three door model was prevalent before the initial facelift; now only the 5 door model is around. At the head of the HR-V, the front intake grille is small opening just off the lip of the hood. The rest of the grille comes in at the bottom, flanked on either side by a round fog light.
The headlight cluster starts off a body moulding indented into the bodywork and runs along the side of the car all the way to the rear. The roof of the car sports roof railings that should come in hand if you want to strap down some extra luggage.
The rear has a thick bumper that gives the appearance of propping up the rear door. The brake lights run vertically along either side of this door. At the front of the CR-V, the grille is different. It is prominent and made of a pair of horizontal chrome slats. The headlight cluster gives the impression of a pair of big, gaping eyes.
At the side of the car, a black body moulding runs down the side. The B pillar is blacked out and as you proceed to the back, you notice the slanted C pillar and the extra D pillar closing out the luggage compartment.
The eye-catching feature in the rear is the spare tire enclosed in a Honda branded case.
CR-V vs HR-V Interior Comparison
Both the CR-V and HR-V have roomy interiors. In the former, the driver’s seat is in a high position which enables him to have a commanding view over the road surface ahead of him. It also goes without saying that the seats are comfortable.
Both cars also have plenty of infotainment going for them. The central console is taken up by knobs and buttons for controlling the AM/FM stereo radio. This also includes a CD and cassette player.Honda also equips these two cars with an effective air conditioning system which is bound to come in handy in the African climate.
When it comes to the issue of storage, the CR-V is superior owing to its large cabin space. It offers 527 liters of cargo volume space compared to its compatriot’s 283 liters.
Engine and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
As far as compact SUVs go, these two from Honda have made a name for themselves as being quite efficient in consuming fuel. Before we get into that, let’s see the kind of engines they’re working with.
The Honda CR-V runs under the power of a 2.4 liter i-VTEC engine with 4 cylinders connected to a 5 speed manual transmission with an option for a 4 speed automatic. This is able to churn out a maximum horsepower of 156hp at 6000 revs per minute. This power enables the car to reach a top speed of 177kph.
On the other hand, the HR-V has a 1.6 liter engine with 4 cylinders. This is also married to a 5 speed manual transmission. This engine gives 105 horsepower at 6200 revs per minute. The HR-V achieves a top speed of 165kph.
The CR-V utilizes 11.5 liters of petrol for every 100 kilometers that it covers whereas the HR-V burns 9.9 liters in the same distance.
Final Verdict
When you pit the Honda CR-V against the Honda HR-V, you only gain winners. This because they both have so many points you can put in the plus column.
The CR-V offers a more conventional mini SUV aesthetic that appeals to those who want to keep that look. The HR-V offers something a little bit different and rightly so. It’s funkier and appeals to the younger and more hip crowd.
Inside the respective cabins, you find the necessary electronics to make the ride more enjoyable as well as air conditioning for more comfort. The biggest advantage of both cars is the ample luggage area. If you want to pack more luggage, the CR-V offers more room.
Considering the competition in their respective classes, the CR-V and HR-V offer ideal fuel consumption.
