Shop Honda’s lineup, and you’ll find that there’s plenty to choose from, especially if you’re on the hunt for a well-priced SUV. And if it’s a compact SUV that you’re after specifically? Not to worry. Honda’s got you covered with not one but two vehicles to choose from: the 2021 Honda HR-V and the 2021 Honda CR-V. But of the two, which Honda should you choose? Fortunately, we’re here to help you figure that out.

First things first, let’s talk about pricing

Buying a new SUV can get pretty expensive. Fortunately, Honda isn’t in the business of exorbitantly priced vehicles. So, whether you opt for the 2021 Honda CR-V or the 2021 Honda HR-V, you shouldn’t be expecting any sticker shock. 

However, of these two SUVs, it’s the 2021 Honda HR-V that boasts the cheaper price tag. With a base price of $21,020, the Honda HR-V won’t have you breaking the bank anytime soon. As for the Honda CR-V? Its base price sits at $25,350. Opt for the hybrid CR-V, and that base price jumps up to $30,560.

The 2021 Honda HR-V earned itself pretty good reliability ratings

Reliability is a big deal. No one wants to buy a new SUV only to find out that it isn’t actually a reliable one. Fortunately, both the 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2021 Honda HR-V fare pretty well when it comes to reliability ratings. 

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Honda HR-V earned itself a five out of five predicted reliability rating. J.D. Power, on the other hand, gave it a ‘Great’ quality and reliability rating. As for the 2021 Honda CR-V? J.D. Power gave last year’s model a ‘Great’ quality and reliability rating, which bodes well for this year’s model. Consumer Reports, however, gave it a four out of five predicted reliability rating.

The 2021 Honda CR-V has a better interior

When it comes to comparing the interior of these two SUVs, U.S. News & World Report says that it’s the 2021 Honda CR-V that has the better interior. Unlike the HR-V, the 2021 Honda CR-V boasts one of the most spacious interiors in its class. Not only does it offer plenty of head- and legroom in both rows of seats but U.S. News & World Report says that the seats are supportive and comfortable too.

Its interior is also a bit more upscale than that of the HR-V’s. The CR-V’s interior features high-quality materials throughout and offers a long list of places for you to store all of your personal items. Treat yourself to a more well-outfitted trim level and enjoy luxury upgrades like leather upholstery and wood inserts. As for the HR-V? U.S. News & World Report says that Honda clearly focused more on function over form when constructing its interior.

The 2021 Honda CR-V makes for a better daily driver too

At the heart of the 2021 Honda CR-V is a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that U.S. News & World Report says provides “peppy acceleration for city driving and ample power for freeway maneuvers.” Car and Driver agrees, too, adding that drivers will be sure to appreciate the CR-V’s “refined ride, enthusiastic steering, and strong brakes.”

The 2021 Honda HR-V, on the other hand, isn’t quite as pleasing to drive. Driven by a 141-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, U.S. News & World Report says that the HR-V is underpowered both during highway driving and when it’s loaded with passengers and cargo. Car and Driver added that the HR-V is “slow, noisy, and unrefined.”

Which Honda SUV should you choose?

It’s clear that when comparing these two Honda SUVs, the CR-V is the clear winner. While it may be a tad more expensive than the HR-V, it boasts a better interior and offers a more satisfying ride quality. But does that make it the right choice for you? We suggest taking one out for a test drive to find out.