2022 Honda HR-V vs. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Comparison

Both the 2022 Honda HR-V and the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek are standouts in the subcompact SUV class, but for different reasons. Let’s compare them.

2022 Honda HR-V

2022 Honda HR-V Starting Price: $21,420 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Roomy interior; fuel-efficient; strong resale value; optional all-wheel drive; reliability.

Below Average: Just one engine choice; most desirable features come on upper trims.

Consensus: Among subcompact SUVs, the 2022 Honda HR-V has much to recommend, including good fuel economy, a roomy interior, and good resale value.

2022 Subaru Crosstrek

2022 Subaru Crosstrek Starting Price: $22,445 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Standard all-wheel drive; some off-road chops; optional plug-in hybrid; optional upgrade engine.

Below Average: Plain base engine; marginal fuel economy with manual transmission; cargo space.

Consensus: Defying categorization, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is somewhere between a hatchback and a crossover, with standard all-wheel drive, good ground clearance, and respectable off-road chops.

HR-V vs. Crosstrek: City vs. Country

Honda HR-V

A very practical choice among subcompact SUVs, the 2022 Honda HR-V offers ample passenger space, great fuel economy, and loads of practicality. Pair that with Honda’s reputation for reliability and solid resale value, and there’s much to like about the HR-V. It is not, however, the most exciting thing to drive, with a 141-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder that’s not particularly stout. Front-wheel drive is the default, although all-wheel drive can be optioned on any trim level.

The HR-V does handle well, and paddle shifters on the Sport trim make it a bit more engaging. A short wheelbase makes the crossover plenty agile for city streets, and small size means the HR-V is easy to park.

One of the highlights of the HR-V is its interior space. Despite being a subcompact, it’s quite roomy, owing at least in part to Honda’s placement of the fuel tank under the front seats. There’s ample room for two in the back, as well as useful cargo space. Another useful feature is Honda’s Magic Seat, which allows the second row to flip and fold in various ways to accommodate cargo or passengers.

One way in which the HR-V falls a bit short is in the standard equipment in the base LX trim. These include power windows, air-conditioning, and a 5-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth. And that’s about it as for highlights. It’s best to pop for a higher trim.

Sport models add a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Next up, the EX trim adds the Honda Sensing safety suite, with collision-mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Also included are a better audio system, heated front seats, and a moonroof. Higher trims bring such things as leather upholstery throughout.

Subaru Crosstrek

While it is classified as a subcompact SUV, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek blurs the line between a hatchback and an SUV. Further adding to its versatility, the Crosstrek has an optional upgrade engine as well as a plug-in hybrid variant. This is a good thing, because the base engine is a bit underpowered in our opinion, and can even make merging onto the freeway a challenge.

Driving manners are pretty decent, with the Crosstrek being comfortable and controlled. Standard all-wheel drive gives it all-weather practicality, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance makes it a good companion for snow and muddy roads.

Inside, the Crosstrek feels spacious, with good headroom front and rear and a cargo area that expands from 20.8 to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. Seat comfort is good, and visibility is excellent all around. Interior materials are high quality, with the dash being simple and uncluttered. The Sport model includes water-repellent upholstery.

Standard features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and automatic climate control. The base transmission is a 6-speed manual, but we recommend the CVT, not only because it improves fuel economy but also because it adds the EyeSight driver-assistance suite. Higher trims add a blind-spot monitor, a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, a moonroof, power driver’s seat, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and leather upholstery.

Similarities

All-wheel drive; NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings; good resale value.

2022 Honda HR-V Advantages

Fuel economy; reputation for reliability; rear legroom; cargo space.

2022 Subaru Crosstrek Advantages

Better standard features; base power; choice of engines, including a plug-in hybrid.

Which One is Right for Me?

The 2022 Honda HR-V is practical, very well built, has good fuel economy, and makes excellent use of its interior space. Its size and maneuverability make it a great choice for the city.

If you find yourself venturing off-pavement from time to time, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek makes sense. Its base engine isn’t anything to write home about, but the 2.5-liter upgrade engine and even the plug-in hybrid imbue it with some much-needed verve.

Ready to buy a Honda HR-V or Subaru Crosstrek? Shop for one on sale now near you.

Keyword: 2022 Honda HR-V vs. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Comparison