2022 Honda HR-V vs Toyota C-HR

Honda's HR-V and Toyota's C-HR are two excellent compact SUVs with features tailor made for the modern household. With renowned durability, agility, fuel efficiency, and affordability all packed into one vehicle - plus a variety of enjoyable extras - these small SUVs offer an amazing range of advantages that make them an obvious choice when it comes to reliable family travel.

Investing in a car is no small decision - that's why it can be difficult to choose between the tempting HR-V and C-HR. Both provide plenty of attractive features, but don't let their similarities hide some important distinctions! This article will break down all the differences so you're confident when making your next purchase.

The Powertrain

With a slight edge in power, the C-HR's formidable 2.0-liter engine offers just enough extra kick to elevate your driving experience while still operating within an economical range - but don't be fooled by its size! The HR-V isn't far behind with its 1.8 four cylinder powerhouse that delivers consistent performance you can count on time and again.

An area in which the Honda HR-V shines is its capability. It's functional with an all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system can adjust if the wheels are in trouble with slippery conditions. Sad, the Toyota C-HR doesn't offer this option. All of its models have front-wheel drive, which is the standard configuration for the HR-V.

Toyota has given the C-HR a continuously variable transmission. It has a manual shift mode in case anyone wants to be in control over shifting. There are a few drive modes that C-HR drivers can choose from. Normal would be the default mode, obviously, and then there are Sport and Eco modes. Sport mode can make the engine a bit more responsive, and Eco mode would optimize efficiency over performance.

Both the Toyota and the HR-V share comparable transmissions. The Honda SUV features an Eco Assist feature and a Sport mode that increases efficiency. Three of the HR-four V's trim levels have paddle shifters, allowing drivers to swap gear whilst keeping their hands on the wheel.

There isn't any significant discrepancy regarding fuel efficiency between these two compact SUVs. An HR-V with front-wheel drive can earn an estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. If it has all-wheel drive, those numbers decrease to 27 and 31 miles per gallon, respectively, and that's the same estimated fuel economy of the C-HR.

Drivability

It's a tight fit out there, but Toyota and Honda have the perfect solution. The sleek designs of these vehicles make them ideal for navigating small spaces - you won't even be able to tell they are different when parked side by side! Despite having slightly varied measurements in length, width and height (with only two inches separating the competition), both cars provide an exceptional driving experience so space is no object.

It's an entirely different story in terms of interior space. Despite its longer body, the Toyota has much less second-row legroom than the Honda. The C-HR only has 31.7 inches of legroom in its back row. This is reasonable, and it may concern anyone who plans to have taller children or adults riding with them for extended periods. Even children riding in car seats might find this area to be cramped. At least the Toyota C-HR's front row is comfortable, with up to 43.5 inches of legroom.

There is a pleasantly large amount of passenger room in the HR-V. Legroom varies from 41.2 inches in the front row to 39.3 inches in the back. Honda was able to create a small SUV with a lot of room for people in the rear seat, which will undoubtedly help it stand out.

The Honda model also has more cargo space than its Toyota rival. The HR-V has about 24 cubic feet of space behind its rear seat, and when those seats have been folded down, cargo capacity expands to nearly 59 cubic feet. Note that there is slightly less space if the vehicle has all-wheel drive.

Behind the C-HR's rear seats, there's a cargo hold that has a volume of 19.1 cubic feet. Lowering the rear seats down does expand the amount of space available to accommodate gear, but it only increases the volume to 37 cubic feet. While a few inches here or there might not add up to a lot, the contrast between having 37 and 59 cubic feet of cargo capacity is pretty striking.

However, the HR-interior V's feature something unique. If not in use, the center row, known as a "Magic Seat," may either fold down or flip up to make additional room. The portion of the cushion that people would typically sit on is turned so that it is upright and up against the seatback. This provides an area of about four feet where you can put furniture, tall boxes, plants, or other similarly shaped things.

Toyota C-HR offers a unique driving experience with its lower ground clearance, similar to that of many sedans. Perfect for those who prefer being closer to the road surface while travelling and navigating obstacles or terrain irregularities. In comparison, Honda HR-V has increased ground clearance depending on drive type - ranging from 6.7 inches up 7.3 inches off the floor – offering drivers more range in determining their preferred ride height when out exploring.

The Honda has a few extra features. It has a hill start assist, which applies pressure to the brakes to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward after it's been stopped on a high hill. The Honda also has active noise cancellation to make the cabin peaceful. The Toyota SUV has a hill start assist but doesn't have a noise cancellation program.

With technology playing an increasingly important role in our lives, the Toyota C-HR and Honda HR-V equip their models with features that keep modern consumers connected. Not only do both vehicles feature a touchscreen display to access apps like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa or SiriusXM but they also include advanced voice recognition along Bluetooth & Wi-Fi connectivity over six speakers. It truly is a comprehensive package.

The entry-level Honda HR-V offers a basic five-inch color LCD with four speakers, Bluetooth connectivity included. Stepping up to the next model expands your tech options: seven inch touchscreen, phone capability and Pandora compatibility come standard alongside the upgraded six speaker audio system & SiriusXM access. For those seeking Apple CarPlay or Android Auto activation - available on higher trims – then you'll be making an investment that is sure to pay dividends.

Safety

Toyota stands out in the safety category with its comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including Pre-Collision Warning, Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Alert as well as advanced technology such as Steering Assist to detect road signs, Adaptive Cruise Control for differing speeds and High Beam lights that adjust automatically. All these come standard on every trim via their innovative Safety Sense 2.5 offering - a benchmark feature among car manufacturers today.

The Toyota C-HR also offers rear cross-traffic warning and blind spot monitoring. Significant customers will take note of this as these amenities are only seldom offered with entry-level trims. All of these safety features can improve a driver's sense of security by making them more aware of their surroundings.

Only the top two have driver-assist features out of the four HR-V trims. They have many systems, including road departure mitigations, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation braking. However, they don't have road sign assistance like Toyota does. They don't have a rear cross-traffic alert either, but they have a program called Honda Lane Watch, which shows a live video feed of the passenger's side blind spot.

The first two HR-V trims don't have any advanced sensing and mitigation systems described above, but they have anti-lock brakes, traction control, and tire pressure monitoring systems. As consumers have come to expect, they have three-point seat belts in every position, a LATCH system that can be used to secure child seats, and a complete set of airbags.

Which Has the Best Value?

The Honda HR-V is an excellent choice for those who are looking to purchase a car without breaking the bank. With prices starting at less than 22,000 dollars and going up to just over $27,000 with premium features included, it has something for everyone's needs and budget! For comparison purposes Toyota also offers similar options within this price range - the base trim priced up until 24K while its pricier option will cost you no more than 27.1k USD.

It could be clearer cut when comparing among the higher trims. The Honda HR-V's top trim is the EX-L, and the Toyota's is the Limited. Both the EX-L and Limited have heated front seats and leather upholstery. They both have a good amount of advanced equipment, heated side mirrors, and smart key entries. Whilst the C-HR has LED lights; the HR-V has a moonroof.

Which is Better?

These SUVs all have distinctive styling. A concealed rear door handle and a reduced ground clearance give the C-HR an edgy, distinctive look. Despite being on the smaller side, the HR-V appears more like a conventional SUV owing to its upright posture. Additionally, all-wheel drive is an option, which may be significant to some drivers.

But more crucially, the layout of their cabins differs. There is plenty of room inside the HR-V for both people and freight. When compared to the C-HR, it provides significantly greater space, making it stand out to passengers who want to fill their cabins with people, luggage, or both. The HR-V is comparatively a better choice than the C-HR if one can afford one of the top two trims.

If you're considering a Honda HR-V but don't want to miss out on up to date features such as driver assist, the base models may not be your ideal choice. A better option for entry level buyers is the C-HR with its amenity packed selection of tech and convenience options.