2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek: Compare Crossovers

If you want a compact utility car or truck with rugged cues, a tiny extra ride peak, and an affordable price—yet with a profile that is eventually far more carlike than trucklike—the Subaru Outback and Honda HR-V are two good contenders.

The Subaru Crosstrek arrived a ten years in the past, next the achievement of the Outback Activity. It shipped the very same formula, with even extra rugged cladding and an elevated ride peak compared to the associated Impreza compact hatchback. Honda’s crossover SUVs hold expanding in sizing, with the CR-V compact crossover expanding more substantial in just about every generation. That is still left area down below, for a developed-up 2023 Honda HR-V which is now appropriate-sized for little-household use, and about the size that the CR-V was prior to 2017. 

Our scores give the Honda HR-V an edge, and its TCC Ranking of 6.4 out of 10 could widen once it’s been crash-examined and rated for security. The Crosstrek trails it with a TCC Rating of 6. out of 10, but these two models have distinctive strengths and weaknesses that make a single or the other the greater selection relying on anticipations.

2023 Honda HR-V

2023 Honda HR-V

2022 Subaru Crosstrek

2022 Subaru Crosstrek

The HR-V stands at virtually the similar over-all peak as the Crosstrek, while it is about four inches extended, and an inch wider—although the Crosstrek rides on a somewhat for a longer period wheelbase. Even though the Crosstrek aces the ground-clearance check out at 8.7 inches, the HR-V has 7.3 inches of floor clearance in its Activity trim—0.3 a lot more than in other versions—as effectively as matte black trim that does not appear like it would scratch as effortlessly as what is employed in the relaxation of the lineup. The Crosstrek embodies Subaru-loved ones styling—think a lot of cladding and chunky hardware—while the HR-V has extra of a modern-day hatchback profile, and appears to be like much more nuanced and finely comprehensive. Inside of, the HR-V is a knockout, with a straightforward and uncluttered glance that sits minimal, with a honeycomb-mesh beltline bisecting an infotainment display screen and weather options. Subaru’s utilitarian inside feels like a mishmash in comparison to that of the HR-V. 

The outgoing HR-V was a subcompact crossover that aimed to in shape your life style greater than your pals. This edition follows more of a regular format to increase passenger house. You are going to possible uncover the HR-V’s new entrance seats extra comfy, when in again the HR-V has adequate head, knee, and leg room for six-footers to really feel comfy powering other 6-footers—not one thing we can say of the Crosstrek. The HR-V has a small far more cargo place with passengers in place—at 24.4 cubic ft with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic toes with them flipped down, vs . 20.8 and 55.3 cu ft in the Crosstrek. 

2023 Honda HR-V

2023 Honda HR-V

2022 Subaru Crosstrek

2022 Subaru Crosstrek

In performance, there is a obvious winner, albeit with a huge asterisk. The Crosstrek is run by a 2.-liter flat-4 engine earning 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, or in Sport and Minimal versions, a 2.5-liter flat-4 generating 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. There’s a 6-velocity guide accessible with the smaller engine—something the HR-V doesn’t offer you at all. The HR-V is powered by a 2.-liter inline-4 earning 158 hp and 138 lb-ft. Equally types have a CVT that plays “Who’s on initial?” with the engine and your have accelerator inputs. Subaru’s bigger 2.5-liter engine eases all those frustrations with additional offered torque. What is the asterisk? Noise, vibration, and harshness. Subaru’s engines are coarse and loud and, when pressed, seems fantastic only to die-challenging Subaru (or rally-racing) fans. 

All those who enterprise off-road a lot more typically are likely to value the Subaru’s X-Manner, which caters the all-wheel-push system’s torque distribution for the conditions. All-wheel drive is common on all Crosstreks but expenditures $1,500 extra in the HR-V, and there’s no these off-highway mode in the Honda (even though it does have Snow and Descent modes). 

Protection strategies in the Crosstrek’s favor—for now. It earns prime rankings from the IIHS and the NHTSA, and CVT-equipped autos all get an extraordinary set of active-safety capabilities. The HR-V has not been crash-tested still, but it is a new framework and, we suspect, probable engineered to do nicely in the hottest exams. A comprehensive established of active-basic safety goods are integrated in the HR-V, way too, but best EX-L variations incorporate blind-location screens.

2023 Honda HR-V

2023 Honda HR-V

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Activity

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport

In features and value, it’s virtually a draw. The two crossovers start out just under $25,000, but the HR-V’s AWD option fees $1,500 more, whilst the Crosstrek will come conventional with AWD. Both equally designs offer a sunroof, upgraded sound, and leather-based upholstery in their top versions (Minimal for the Crosstrek, EX-L for the HR-V), and Subaru sells a plug-in hybrid variation limited to zero emission states. The best-trim HR-V also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Vehicle and a much larger 9.-inch touchscreen we obtain just a little bit more intuitive. 

The Subaru gets superior gasoline mileage with its CVT at 29 mpg blended in most trims, which exceeds the HR-V’s 27 mpg merged with AWD. 

Which just one is most effective for you? The Crosstrek prioritizes path capacity and is at its greatest in Activity and Confined variations, with its much better, additional self-confident powertrain. The HR-V, in the meantime, is a wonderful on-a-spending budget choose for city varieties trying to find a large amount of functions, refinement, and passenger place for the cash.