Choosing the right vehicle can be a lot of work; we get it because this is a big decision, so the last thing you ever want is buyer's remorse after driving an SUV for a week or two. Honda makes things easier by providing you with an incredible selection of different models to choose from, so you can find just about anything you're looking for at your trusted Honda dealer near Mount Vernon. That being said, deciding on which of these impressive models is right for you can still get tricky, which is why we're here to help you figure it all out. Both the Honda CR-V and HR-V are excellent options that work well for tons of drivers, but there are some key differences between them. So let's have a look at both models, what they offer, and what you need to consider when figuring out which one is right for you.
Difference in Size and Room Inside
We're going to focus first on the major differences between these two vehicles since that gives you the best sense of which one is right for you (but we'll get into some common features, too, since that showcases so much of what the Honda lineup has to offer). Although there are numerous key differences between these two models, we'd argue that the most obvious and important is that they are two different sizes and classes. The 2026 Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that measures nearly 185 inches in total length, about 73 inches in width, and stands just over 66 inches in height. By comparison, the HR-V is a subcompact SUV, which means it's a bit smaller at just under 180 inches in length, about 72 inches in width, and sitting around 63 inches high.
You can see those differences aren't massive, but they're worth keeping in mind, especially if you have a garage you need to park in that might be a tight fit for the larger CR-V. These are both two-row models with room inside for five passengers, making them a great option for many different families. You can get about 40 inches of headroom up front and 38 inches of rear headroom in both models; they both have about 41 inches of legroom up front, although the CR-V has similar rear legroom, while the HR-V has about 37 inches of rear legroom. Notably, the compact CR-V gives you nearly 40 cu.ft. of rear cargo space and more than 76 cu.ft. of total cargo volume behind the front row, while the subcompact HR-V has just over 24 cu.ft. of rear cargo space and about 55 cu.ft. of total cargo room. Unlike their overall sizes, that's a fairly significant difference, so consider how much stuff you need to take with you each day.
Differences in Performance and Engine Options
Not only are these two SUVs of different sizes and classes, but they also provide you with noticeably different driving experiences, in large part due to the engines you'll find on them. Both of these models come with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), giving you great performance options, and you get a continuously variable transmission with either of them. The subcompact HR-V has a single engine available: a 2.0L I-4 engine that provides 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. You can get an estimated 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway with the HR-V and FWD; choosing an AWD model lowers those numbers by one or two MPG, but can help with rain and snow when driving around Mount Vernon.[a]
With the 2026 Honda CR-V, you have two different engines available, which is already a significant difference compared to the HR-V. The standard engine is a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 powertrain that offers 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, giving you a bit more power than the HR-V (this makes sense given its larger size). Notably, however, you can choose a 2.0L I-4 hybrid engine that delivers 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, ensuring you have a great time while driving around Mount Vernon each day. The standard engine gets an estimated 28 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, while the hybrid provides an estimated 43 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway with FWD.[b]
Starting Price and Your Budget
Along with what we've looked at so far, one of the final factors to consider when figuring out which of these vehicles is best for you is what your budget looks like. Since these are two quite different models from different classes, they also have starting prices that differ pretty significantly. The subcompact 2026 Honda HR-V starts at $26,200 MSRP, while the compact 2026 CR-V starts at $30,920 MSRP—if you're interested in a hybrid model, then you're looking at $35,630 MSRP to start.[c] That's a pretty sizable difference; they're both excellent prices for everything these two vehicles offer, but it's important that you choose something that fits your budget and works for you. It's vital that you drive away with monthly payments that won't cost you any sleep at night, so consider which model fits what you're looking to spend.
Comparable Gorgeous Interior Details
Now that we've looked at some key differences between these two vehicles, let's talk about a few things they have in common. Both models have been updated and revised for the 2026 model year, with excellent features and options inside and out. Looking at the CR-V, for example, standard features include a large nine-inch infotainment display, a seven-inch meter display for you while driving, and a wireless phone charger. You can get a larger 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and leather-trimmed seating with a 10-way power driver's seat, heated front seats (perfect for Mount Vernon winters), and much more. Similarly, the 2026 HR-V also comes with a beautiful nine-inch infotainment display, a seven-inch meter screen, and a wireless phone charger. Heated front seats, leather-trimmed seating, and dual-zone automatic climate control are all available to enhance your drive.
Comparable Excellent Safety Systems
Finally, we wanted to take a moment to point out some of the fantastic safety features that you get standard with both of these models. They both come with Honda Sensing technologies designed to protect you on the road, including a Collision Mitigation Braking System to warn you about potential crashes and help you avoid them. You get a Road Departure Mitigation System with both vehicles, along with Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, a Driver Attention Monitor, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Auto High-Beam Headlights are standard for both models, while available upgrades include things like a Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Monitor to detect vehicles passing behind you while you're in reverse, and Front and Rear Parking Sensors. All of this helps ensure you get home safely each day.
The Right Honda SUV for Getting Around Mount Vernon
So, you can see that you don't have to worry about missing out on great standard and available interior features or excellent driver assistance systems when deciding between these two models. Instead, focus on how much room you need inside your vehicle (especially when it comes to how much cargo space you want), the kind of engine and fuel efficiency you're looking for, and how much your budget allows. While the gas mileage and performance of the CR-V are hard to argue with, the HR-V is a better choice when shopping on a tighter budget. And if you're still not sure which model is the one to get you around Mount Vernon each day, then we're here at Klein Honda to help you figure it all out and make sure you drive away completely happy with no fear of buyer's remorse.