Differences between the 2016 Honda HR-V and the 2015 Honda CR-V

With the Honda HR-V release date coming up quickly, many people are wondering where the 2016 Honda HR-V fits in with the rest of the Honda models already available. Honda already has many reliable vehicles available to drivers, with the 2015 Honda Civic providing a popular choice for individuals and families and the 2015 Honda Fit providing a smart solution for a compact vehicle. In the crossover SUV segment, the 2015 Honda CR-V a hit for its cargo capacity and stylish design. So with this new model looking like a smaller version, what are the differences between the 2016 Honda HR-V and the 2015 Honda CR-V? 

First things first, the dreaded pocket-book impact. Both vehicles are competitively priced for the market, but if all equipment is equal (or as close as possible), the CR-V will still cost roughly $3,000 more. Which isn’t particularly surprising, considering it is a bump up in size. Since the CR-V is already one of the best-selling crossovers in the U.S., we think it’s safe to say many people feel it’s well worth the money. The question, then, is will the HR-V provide the same worth for less money? So far the predictions say yes. It’s build on the smaller Honda Fit frame for a more compact option, but with a Honda Civic engine under the hood for more power than the Fit could ever achieve.  

The base model 2016 Honda HR-V LX will come standard with FWD and a 6-speed manual transmission. This gets an estimated 25 city/ 34 highway mpg rating*. The 2015 Honda CR-V comes standard with a CTV and is also a FWD, this combination earns it an estimated fuel economy of 27 city/34 highway mpg**.  As far as engine options go, the HR-V will be equipped with the 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, which will provide 141hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V on the other hand has a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine which delivers 185hp and 181 lb-fit of torque.  

So to quickly spell out the difference between the 2016 HR-V and the 2015 CR-V, it’s quite simply an issue of size. The CR-V is a crossover that’s leaning more toward the SUV side, while the HR-V leans more toward the car side. The driver who wants an HR-V will choose it because it’s bigger and possibly more stylish than the Honda Fit, while still driving like a car. The driver who chooses the CR-V is looking for more cargo capacity and power.