Honda's SUV lineup offers two hybrid options that cater to different family needs and budgets. The HR-V Mk3, which went on sale in 2021 and received a light facelift in 2024, positions itself as a small SUV that straddles two classes, competing with everything from the Ford Puma to the Nissan Qashqai. Meanwhile, the larger CR-V, launched in its sixth generation in 2023, has grown significantly to challenge premium alternatives like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Both models are available exclusively with hybrid powertrains, reflecting Honda's commitment to electrification.
The choice between these two Honda SUVs essentially comes down to size, space requirements, and budget considerations. The HR-V offers Honda's renowned build quality and clever packaging in a more compact, affordable package, whilst the CR-V provides significantly more space and a more premium feel at a higher price point. Both feature Honda's latest hybrid technology, comprehensive equipment levels, and practical design touches that make them worthy contenders in their respective segments.
Honda HR-V Mk3 vs Honda CR-V
Practicality
The CR-V clearly takes the lead in this category, offering significantly more space in virtually every dimension. Rear passengers benefit from exceptional legroom that accommodates even taller adults comfortably, whilst headroom remains generous despite the standard panoramic sunroof. The rear seats can recline for added comfort and slide fore and aft by up to 19cm, allowing you to prioritise passenger space or boot capacity as needed. The 60:40 split-folding rear bench is wide enough for three adults to sit side-by-side without feeling cramped. Boot space is equally impressive, with the standard hybrid offering 587 litres and the plug-in hybrid providing an even more generous 617 litres thanks to its adjustable height boot floor.
The HR-V's practicality story is more nuanced, with some brilliant touches alongside notable limitations. Rear legroom is actually generous, rivalling larger SUVs, but headroom is considerably more restricted due to the low-slung roofline - passengers over six feet tall will find their heads brushing the ceiling. The middle rear seat is particularly compromised, being raised, hard, and narrow. However, the HR-V's party piece is its ingenious 'Magic Seats' borrowed from the Jazz supermini. These fold in a 60:40 split with bases that cantilever underneath the backrests, creating a perfectly flat, low loadfloor. More impressively, the seat bases can flip upwards against the backrests, allowing you to carry tall items in the rear footwells. Unfortunately, the boot itself is rather small at just 319 litres, falling further in higher-spec versions due to the subwoofer.
The CR-V has a clear advantage in overall practicality, offering significantly more space for passengers and luggage, making it the obvious choice for larger families or those needing maximum luggage capacity.
Driving Impressions
Both models use Honda's hybrid technology, but with different approaches and outcomes. The HR-V employs a petrol-electric self-charging hybrid system that, whilst efficient, feels notably underpowered in everyday driving. Performance is genuinely limited, often requiring you to bury the throttle pedal just to keep pace with traffic, at which point the engine revs soar to the redline with a harsh, unrefined sound and noticeable vibrations. Even then, acceleration remains modest, and the engine drones noisily at motorway speeds, accompanied by significant road noise. The suspension, however, is well-tuned, absorbing bigger bumps effectively whilst feeling settled on the motorway, though the car's weight means it's not keen on quick direction changes.
The CR-V uses a more sophisticated version of Honda's hybrid system, combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors. The system primarily uses the petrol engine to power a generator motor, which can send power to the wheels or battery, giving it more of an electric car feel. At higher speeds, the petrol engine can provide direct drive for efficiency, whilst both power sources can combine for maximum performance, enabling 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds. The system is notably smoother than the HR-V's, with the petrol engine being quite noisy when cold but settling down once warmed. The plug-in hybrid version offers up to 50 miles of electric range, spending much more time in silent EV mode. However, the e:PHEV's extra 100kg of battery weight compromises ride quality despite adaptive dampers, making it feel less composed than the standard hybrid on undulating roads.
The CR-V offers a more refined and capable driving experience, with better performance and a more sophisticated hybrid system, though the plug-in version's extra weight slightly compromises its ride quality compared to the standard hybrid.
Technology and Equipment
Both models are impressively well-equipped, though the CR-V's higher positioning means it starts from a more luxurious baseline. The HR-V's entry-level Elegance trim includes climate control, heated front seats, alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, and a 9.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bluetooth, DAB, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Advance trim adds part-leather upholstery, heated leather steering wheel, powered tailgate, and LED front foglights, whilst Advance Style brings a premium audio system with subwoofer, wireless phone charging, roof rails, and two-tone roof. The 2024 facelift introduced Advance Plus trim with additional styling upgrades.
The CR-V takes equipment levels significantly higher, with even the base Elegance trim featuring electrically adjustable heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and wireless phone charging as standard. Advance trim adds heated rear seats, head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system, whilst Advance Tech (plug-in hybrid only) includes body-coloured wheel arches and lower bumpers. Both models use the same 9.0-inch infotainment system with wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, which is a vast improvement over Honda's previous generation setup, though it still lags slightly behind the best in class with some menu complexity and response delays.
The CR-V has a slight edge in equipment levels, offering more premium features as standard, though both models provide comprehensive kit that should satisfy most buyers' needs.
Running Costs
The running cost comparison reveals different strengths for each model. The HR-V's hybrid system delivers an official fuel economy figure of around 52mpg, which is competitive with rivals like the Toyota C-HR and significantly better than most petrol-powered alternatives, though diesel rivals will still go further on a gallon. The hybrid drivetrain provides modest tax advantages over purely petrol-powered cars, though these incentives are less compelling than they once were. Purchase prices are reasonably competitive within the small SUV segment, though the hybrid-only approach means there's no cheaper entry point compared to rivals offering conventional engines.
The CR-V's running costs vary significantly depending on which version you choose. The plug-in hybrid e:PHEV offers better value for company car drivers, with CO2 emissions of just 18g/km resulting in significant benefit-in-kind tax savings. Its official fuel economy figure of 353mpg is achievable in theory, but only for those who can regularly plug in and make use of the 50-mile electric range. The standard hybrid e:HEV delivers 42.2mpg with CO2 emissions of 151g/km, which is respectable for the class, though motorway-focused drivers might find diesel rivals more economical. Both CR-V models command premium pricing compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson, though the generous equipment levels help justify the higher cost.
The HR-V offers more affordable running costs overall, whilst the CR-V's plug-in hybrid provides good value for company car drivers, making the choice dependent on your specific usage patterns and tax situation.
Verdict
The choice between these two Honda SUVs ultimately depends on your priorities, family size, and budget. The HR-V Mk3 offers Honda's renowned build quality, clever packaging solutions, and comprehensive equipment in a more compact, affordable package. Its ingenious Magic Seats are genuinely useful, and the hybrid drivetrain delivers decent fuel economy. However, it's hampered by limited performance, poor refinement, restricted rear headroom, and a small boot that may frustrate larger families.
The CR-V represents a more premium proposition, offering significantly more space, better refinement, superior performance, and more luxurious equipment levels. The plug-in hybrid version is particularly compelling for company car drivers, whilst the standard hybrid provides a good balance of efficiency and capability. The main drawbacks are the higher purchase price and the plug-in hybrid's compromised ride quality due to the additional battery weight.
For smaller families or those prioritising affordability, the HR-V remains a solid choice with its clever interior solutions and reasonable running costs. However, for most buyers seeking a family SUV, the CR-V's superior space, refinement, and overall capability make it worth the extra investment.