Honda redesigned the compact CR-V and subcompact HR-V SUVs. The HR-V is finally competitive after years of falling short because of its lack of power and design. How does the new CR-V compare to the final HR-V trim level, the HR-V EX-L? Time for 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L.

The 2023 Honda CR-V just leveled up

The Honda CR-V has been a heavyweight in its vehicle segment for decades. The CR-V regularly competes with the Toyota RAV4 for the most popular compact SUV position. That being said, the CR-V has plenty of competition from newer nameplates that are making waves in the compact SUV segment.

The Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson are both considered some of the best models in their segment. Both models offer plenty of value for the money and are great CR-V alternatives. Honda decided to reinvigorate the nameplate to create some separation between the CR-V and its rivals.

The 2023 Honda CR-V is a complete redesign. It features a bold new exterior and an interior that focuses on comfort and tech updates. The new CR-V features a larger standard infotainment system screen. Since the infotainment system is such a huge part of a vehicle’s overall user experience, the CR-V’s size increase of 2.0-inches is a huge win for drivers.

The new CR-V also features standard Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. It comes standard with Honda Sensing. Honda Sensing is a suite of safety and driver assistance features that make driving both safer and easier. It includes features like a driver monitoring system and blind-spot warning. It may be the safest Honda CR-V yet.

The 2023 Honda HR-V is the subcompact SUV that Honda needed

The Honda HR-V desperately needed a redesign after years of being dominated by rivals. Subcompact SUVs like the Hyundai Kona have led their vehicle segments. The 2023 HR-V is the first competitive model year in years.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, like the CR-V, is a complete redesign. The Japanese automaker went back to the drawing board after an underwhelming response to the last several HR-V models. Previous HR-Vs were underpowered, and several publications found the subcompact SUV to be unsafe as well.

Honda has breathed new life into the HR-V nameplate by giving it an exterior redesign, power boost, and better standard tech. The 2023 HR-V comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower. It gets 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

The HR-V EX-L comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats, and ambient LED lighting. It also includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a wireless phone charger, and an eight-speaker audio system.

2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L

According to Car and Driver, the 2023 Honda CR-V could start at around $29,000. The CR-V makes 190 horsepower. It’s naturally more spacious than the subcompact HR-V.

The CR-V vs. the HR-V EX-L seems like an apples to oranges comparison, but many consumers with small families could pit both models against each other. The EX-L comes with better standard tech as a higher trim level, and it will be more affordable than the CR-V.

The 2023 Honda CR-V is 184 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 66 inches tall. The HR-V is 180 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 63 inches tall. Ultimately, there isn’t a huge size difference between the two Japanese SUVs. The CR-V has about 12 more cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

The two SUVs have similar fuel economy. The HR-V EX-L is the better SUV for the money for drivers who don’t need lots of cargo space because of its standard tech. The CR-V is the better choice for drivers who want more horses and need more cargo space.

Read more about the Honda HR-V in the next article below.