I’ve watched people agonize over the Honda HR-V and CR-V decision for weeks.
And here’s what I’ve learned: most comparisons online are rubbish.
They’re written by people who’ve never actually lived with these cars.
So let me cut through the noise and give you the real story.
“Should I buy the smaller HR-V or spend more on the CR-V?”
It’s not just about money.
It’s about whether you’ll regret your choice in two years.
I’ve seen both scenarios play out dozens of times.
The CR-V is bigger. Obviously.
But here’s what the brochures don’t tell you:
Boot space difference:
That’s one extra-large suitcase.
Or a week’s worth of Tesco shopping without playing Tetris.
Rear passenger space: The CR-V actually fits adults in the back.
The HR-V? Your mates will hate you on long trips.
I’m 6’2″. In the HR-V back seats, my knees touch my chin.
Here’s where it gets interesting.
The HR-V is only 160mm shorter than the CR-V.
That’s barely noticeable in a car park.
But the CR-V is 55mm taller.
Multi-story car parks become your enemy.
| Specification | Honda HR-V | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From £28,000 | From £35,000 |
| Length | 4,346 mm | 4,597 mm |
| Width | 1,790 mm | 1,855 mm |
| Height | 1,590 mm | 1,679 mm |
| Boot Capacity | 453 litres | 589 litres |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 53 litres |
| Petrol Engine | 1.5L (121 bhp) | 1.5L Turbo (193 bhp) |
| Hybrid Power | 131 bhp combined | 184 bhp combined |
| 0-62mph (Petrol) | 10.8 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| 0-62mph (Hybrid) | 10.6 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 124 mph |
| CO₂ Emissions (Hybrid) | 122 g/km | 128 g/km |
| Official Economy (Hybrid) | 52.3 mpg | 50.4 mpg |
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Ground Clearance | 185 mm | 198 mm |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 kg | 1,500 kg |
All figures based on the latest UK specifications—prices are subject to change
HR-V lineup:
CR-V lineup:
The CR-V turbo is genuinely quick.
The HR-V feels adequate until you need to overtake.
Forget the official figures.
Here’s what you’ll actually get:
HR-V hybrid: 45-50 mpg in mixed driving CR-V hybrid: 42-47 mpg in mixed driving
The difference? About £200 per year if you drive 12,000 miles.
Not life-changing money.
Starting prices (as of 2024):
That £7,000 difference is real money.
But here’s the thing: most people don’t buy the base model.
Once you spec them similarly, you’re looking at a £4,000-£5,000 gap.
Still significant, but not astronomical.
Both hold their value well.
But the CR-V historically depreciates more slowly.
After three years, that price difference narrows to about £2,000-£3,000.
| Feature | HR-V Base | HR-V Advance | CR-V Base | CR-V Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Sensing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 9″ Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Climate Control | Manual | Dual-zone | Manual | Dual-zone |
| Heated Seats | Front only | Front & Rear | Front only | Front & Rear |
| Leather Trim | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Panoramic Sunroof | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Premium Audio | 6 speakers | 8 speakers | 8 speakers | 10 speakers |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Power Tailgate | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alloy Wheels | 17″ | 18″ | 17″ | 18″ |
Feature availability may vary by trim level and market
Both come with:
The CR-V adds:
Nothing revolutionary.
But the little things add up over years of ownership.
Honda’s infotainment isn’t winning awards.
It’s the same basic system in both cars.
Clunky menus, slow responses, occasional glitches.
You’ll use CarPlay 90% of the time anyway.
The CR-V feels more planted.
Better motorway stability.
Less road noise.
Superior ride quality over poor surfaces.
The HR-V is perfectly fine around town.
But take it on a long journey, and you’ll notice the difference.
Neither is a sports car.
Both prioritize comfort over excitement.
The HR-V is marginally more nimble in tight spaces.
The CR-V feels more confident in corners.
If you’re buying either for “fun,” you’re shopping in the wrong segment.
For couples/young professionals: HR-V works brilliantly. For families with young children: CR-V makes more sense. For families with teenagers, the CR-V is essential
The CR-V’s extra boot space isn’t just numbers.
It’s the difference between one trip and two when moving house.
Airport runs with four people and luggage? CR-V every time.
The HR-V’s rear seats don’t fold completely flat either.
Small detail, big impact when you need maximum space.
The HR-V wins on maneuverability and parking ease.
But the CR-V’s better visibility and driving position often compensate.
The CR-V, historically.
Larger SUVs typically have stronger residual values.
In the HR-V: absolutely.
In the CR-V, it depends on your driving pattern.
High-mileage drivers should consider the turbo petrol.
Both use Honda’s proven hybrid system.
Reliability differences are negligible.
Both should easily manage 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Here’s my honest take:
Choose the HR-V if:
Choose the CR-V if:
Forget the spec sheets for a moment.
Ask yourself these questions:
Those answers matter more than horsepower figures or boot capacity measurements.
If you’re unsure, go CR-V.
Here’s why:
It’s easier to live with too much space than too little.
The comfort difference on long journeys is real.
The depreciation hit is smaller than you think.
You’re more likely to keep it longer.
But honestly? Both are solid choices.
Honda doesn’t make bad cars in this segment.
You won’t go dramatically wrong with either.
The Honda HR-V vs. Honda CR-V decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget—choose the one that fits your actual driving life, not the one that looks best on paper.
