Honda offers two small crossover SUVs: the subcompact HR-V and the compact CR-V — and they both received a redesign for the 2023 model year. Find out the differences between the two crossover SUVs in this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Honda HR-V comparison.

2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Honda HR-V: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Honda HR-V crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

CR-V vs. HR-V: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Honda CR-V offers two engine options: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 horsepower) and a hybrid (204 horsepower). While the 2023 Honda HR-V offers a hybrid version in the European market, in the United States, all models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 158 horsepower. 

The CR-V tops the HR-V for power, but with its smaller size and tighter turning circle, the HR-V is more maneuverable. This makes it a good choice for driving on crowded and narrow city streets. The HR-V is also easier to park.

For efficiency, the 2023 HR-V has an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg. The estimated gas mileage for the 2023 CR-V is not yet available, but it’s expected to be either equal to or higher than the 2022 CR-V. The fully gas-powered 2022 CR-V has a fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the 2022 CR-V Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 38 combined mpg.

CR-V vs. HR-V: Towing

If you have towing needs, then the CR-V is the better choice for you. It can tow up to 1,500 pounds, but the HR-V is not rated for towing.

CR-V vs. HR-V: Off-road capabilities

While both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the CR-V is better for off-road use. This is because, compared to the HR-V, it has higher ground clearance for driving over rugged terrain (up to 8.2 vs. 7.3 inches).

CR-V vs. HR-V: Safety

Both the 2023 CR-V and 2023 HR-V offer a solid roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a blind spot information system, lane-keeping assist, electronic stability control, brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. 

CR-V vs. HR-V: Passenger and cargo space

The CR-V is bigger than the HR-V, which results in more interior space. For storage, the CR-V has a maximum cargo capacity of 76.5 cu-ft, compared to 66.8 cu-ft for the HR-V. Also, the CR-V provides considerably more space for the rear seat passengers. It has up to 41.0 inches of rear legroom, compared to 37.7 inches for the HR-V. However, the HR-V has slightly more front legroom than the CR-V (41.9 vs. 41.3 inches).

CR-V vs. HR-V: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the CR-V and HR-V are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, both crossover SUVs have a free maintenance plan, with two years or 24,000 miles of coverage.

CR-V vs. HR-V: Price

Which Honda crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 CR-V or the 2023 HR-V? The starting price of the 2023 CR-V ranges from $31,110 MSRP for the EX trim up to $38,600 MSRP for the Sport Touring Hybrid trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 HR-V ranges from $23,650 MSRP for the LX trim up to $27,450 MSRP for the EX-L trim. 

2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Honda HR-V: Which crossover SUV is better?

While the 2023 CR-V has most of the advantages in this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Honda HR-V crossover SUV comparison, the 2023 HR-V has some advantages as well. Advantages for the CR-V include engine output, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, rear legroom, and cargo space. Conversely, advantages for the HR-V include maneuverability, front legroom, and a lower price.