Whats cheaper, Honda CRV or HR-V?
The Honda HR-V is generally cheaper to buy upfront than the Honda CR-V, with lower starting prices across its trims. The CR-V, however, offers more space, power, and features at higher trims, which can affect total ownership costs over time.
Pricing snapshot
The following price ranges reflect current MSRPs for the latest model year and can vary by region, destination charges, and current incentives.
- HR-V LX: starting around $23,900–$24,700
- HR-V EX: starting around $26,000–$28,000
- HR-V Sport: starting around $28,000–$29,500
- CR-V LX: starting around $29,000–$30,500
- CR-V EX: starting around $33,000–$34,000
- CR-V Touring: starting around $39,000–$40,000
Bottom line: the HR-V’s entry points are appreciably lower than the CR-V’s, especially if you’re starting from the base trims. As you move up trims, the price gap narrows but remains noticeable due to added features and space in the CR-V.
What drives the price gap
Size and capabilities
The HR-V sits in Honda’s subcompact SUV segment, while the CR-V is a compact SUV. The CR-V offers more interior room, bigger cargo space, and greater overall practicality, which justifies its higher starting price for many buyers.
Equipment and technology
Higher CR-V trims typically include more standard advanced driver-assistance features, larger touchscreens, and premium materials. The HR-V covers essential safety tech and conveniences, but buyers often reach for CR-V upgrades when they want more luxury or tech at a similar price point.
Powertrains and performance
The CR-V generally provides more power and a broader range of engine options, including turbocharged variants in several trims. The HR-V emphasizes efficiency and city-friendly driving, with fewer engine choices at the lower end. This difference in performance and drivetrain options helps explain the upfront price gap.
Cost of ownership considerations
Upfront price is only part of the story. Ongoing costs—fuel, maintenance, depreciation, insurance, and financing terms—shape the total cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle.
- Fuel economy and driving costs: Both models typically deliver competitive mpg in the high-20s to low-30s range, depending on drivetrain and trim. The CR-V’s turbocharged engines in higher trims can affect efficiency differently than the HR-V’s powertrain.
- Maintenance and repairs: Routine maintenance on both Hondas is generally affordable relative to rivals, with Honda’s reputation for reliability helping to keep long-term costs predictable.
- Depreciation and resale value: The CR-V often holds its value well due to its desirability as a larger family SUV, while the HR-V’s value proposition centers on lower initial cost and practicality in tighter spaces.
- Insurance and financing: Higher MSRP trims of the CR-V can lead to higher insurance quotes and potentially larger down payments or monthly payments compared with entry-level HR-V trims.
In effect, choosing the cheaper model upfront (the HR-V) can come with trade-offs in space and power. If you expect to keep the vehicle for many years, or you frequently transport passengers and cargo, the CR-V's advantages might offset its higher price tag. If budget and urban maneuverability are prioritized, the HR-V often provides better initial value.
Summary
For buyers prioritizing initial cost, the Honda HR-V is the cheaper option across its trims compared with the Honda CR-V. For those who need more interior space, stronger engine options, and additional features at higher trims, the CR-V represents a stronger value despite its higher starting price. Prospective buyers should consider not only the sticker price but also total ownership costs, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and how long they plan to keep the vehicle. Test drives and a careful comparison of trims that fit your needs are essential to determining which model offers the best overall value.
Is the CR-V or HR-V safer?
Both SUVs prioritize safety. However, the Honda HR-V shines just a little brighter, as it was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner for 2025;4 we foresee that it will achieve the same once the announcements for 2026 come out.
What is the cheapest Honda SUV to buy?
The cheapest Honda SUV is the HR-V, with a starting MSRP of around $26,200 to $26,750 depending on the model year. This subcompact SUV is followed by the larger CR-V, which has a starting price just above $30,900.
- Honda HR-V: The most affordable option in the lineup, it's a subcompact SUV that offers a comfortable ride and practical features like the 60/40 Split Magic Seat.
- Honda CR-V: The next cheapest is the compact CR-V, which has a starting MSRP of around $30,920 and comes with a standard turbocharged engine.
- Honda Passport and Pilot: The larger, three-row Passport and Pilot models have higher starting prices, with the Pilot starting around $40,200 and the Passport around $44,750.
What is bigger, an HR-V or CR-V?
The Honda CR-V is bigger than the HR-V, with the CR-V being a compact SUV and the HR-V being a subcompact SUV. The CR-V is longer, wider, and taller, providing more interior space and cargo capacity.
This video compares the exterior dimensions of the Honda CR-V and HR-V: 1mVagabond BuildsYouTube · Oct 4, 2025
Key differences in size and space
- Exterior dimensions: The CR-V is longer, wider, and taller than the HR-V.
- Cargo space: The CR-V has significantly more cargo room, especially with the rear seats folded down.
- Passenger space: The CR-V offers more headroom, legroom, and overall passenger comfort, particularly for rear-seat passengers.
- Intended use: The larger CR-V is better for families or those who need extra space, while the smaller HR-V is more suited for city driving and easier parking.
Is the HR-V cheaper than the CR-V?
Price: The Honda HR-V is generally priced lower than the CR-V, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious shoppers. However, this varies depending on the specific model, trim level, and features. For 2023 Models, the CR-V has a starting MSRP of $28,410 and the HR-V has a starting MSRP of $23,800.
