2021 HR-V vs. 2021 Crosstrek: Which wins the best SUV medal?
2021 HR-V vs. 2021 Crosstrek: Which wins the best SUV medal?
Posted on February 17, 2021
Subcompact SUVs are gaining in popularity, and our competitors in this comparison are two very popular ones. Without further ado, here's a 2021 Honda HR-V vs. 2021 Subaru Crosstrek review. Every year, The Car Guide's automotive journalists publish a Best Buy article across all categories, and this year, in the subcompact SUV segment, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek takes first place. The Crosstrek was named Best Subcompact SUV for several reasons, here they are in no particular order:
- Driving enjoyment
- Ride comfort
- Remarkably efficient AWD
- Spacious interior and cargo space
- Exceptional level of finish
Spoilt for choice
Available in 8 trim levels, namely Convenience, Convenience with EyeSight, Touring, Touring with EyeSight, Outdoor, Sport, Sport with EyeSight and Limited, the Subaru SUV starts at just over $25,000 and goes up to slightly more than $36,000 at Subaru Montréal. As for the 2021 Honda HR-V, it is available in 4 variants, the LX-2WD, LX-AWD, Sport and Touring, with a starting price of a little over $25,000 to just under $36,000. There won’t be any arguments over price, that’s for sure.
The same goes for their respective cargo capacities, since the Honda HR-V vs. Subaru Crosstrek are almost identical, with a maximum cargo volume of 1,665 litres for the former and 1,565 litres for the latter, once the rear seats are folded down. However, the interior of the 2021 Crosstrek is a bit larger, with 2,857 litres compared to 2,835 for the Honda SUV.
Powertrains
Under the hood of the Honda HR-V is a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine with 141 horsepower and a torque of 127 lb-ft, mated to a continuously variable transmission on all models. The Subaru Crosstrek houses either of the following two engines: a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER with an output of 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. An automatic Lineartronic CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission are available. The Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive system is available on all trims, unlike on the 2021 HR-V.
Not as well equipped
Not only is the Honda HR-V less powerful vs. the Subaru Crosstrek, but you will have to pay extra to get all-wheel drive on LX models. If we look at entry-range versions, they both feature automatic climate control, cruise control, a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, among others.
Safety first
Now, what about safety aboard the 2021 Honda HR-V versus the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek? With safety standards becoming increasingly stringent, manufacturers like Subaru Canada have no choice but to equip their vehicles with driver assistance systems and other safety technologies. In this sense, both our participants are very well equipped. In the Crosstrek, you will be well protected thanks to the EyeSight system especially, which includes Pre-collision Braking, Pre-collision Brake Assist, Pre-collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert and Lane Keep Assist.
Honda doesn't skimp on safety either, offering a standard Hill Start Assist, Brake Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist System.
Best in class
Another clear advantage of the Crosstrek is its ability to tow up to 680 kg, or 1,500 lb, compared to the HR-V, for which towing is not recommended at all. Also, automotive journalists from The Car Guide awarded the Subaru SUV with a top-of-the-class rating of 86%, as opposed to only 73% for the HR-V.
In short, if you're looking for the best value for money in a subcompact SUV, the Crosstrek is a big step up, not just for its extremely capable all-wheel drive system that leaves the others far behind, but also for its downright remarkable driving dynamics. We’re waiting for you today at your Subaru Montréal dealer in the West Island, not far from downtown and Laval.
