The compact crossover is quickly becoming one of the most popular vehicles for active families and people looking for more versatility than a sedan. Honda recently added an all-new vehicle to its lineup, the 2016 Honda HR-V, but how does it differ from one of America’s best-selling SUVs, the Honda CR-V?
Exterior
The most noticeable exterior difference between these vehicles is their size. The HR-V is built on the same frame as the Honda Fit, which gives it great flexibility for city drivers. Another notable difference is the HR-V’s slightly hidden passenger door handles that are blended into the C-pillar. The CR-V’s larger size is great for families and for people looking to feel a little higher off the road.
2016 HR-V colors:

Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Deep Ocean Pearl, Milanno Red, Misty Green Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Mulberry Metallic, White Orchid Pearl
2016 CR-V colors:

Alabaster Silver Metallic, Basque Red Pearl II, Copper Sunset Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Kona Coffee Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Mountain Air Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Urban Titanium Metallic, White Diamond Pearl
Interior
Both vehicles have similar high-quality interiors with a shared steering wheel, switchgear, and other buttons. The HR-V has a unique passenger-side climate control vents, but only the CR-V offers a dual-screen setup. Cargo space varies as well, with the AWD HR-V offering 23.2 cubic feet of space with the seats up and up to 57.6 cubic feet of space with the seats down. The CR-V has 37.2 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, and an impressive 70.9 cubic feet of space with the seats down.
Engine Choice and Fuel Efficiency
You can choose between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive for either vehicle, although only the HR-V comes with optional 6-speed manual transmission. The engine option for each (a 138-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinde for the HR-V, and a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder for the CR-V) offer impressive fuel economy (28/35/31 MPG for CVT 2WD HR-V, 27/32/29 MPG for CVT AWD HR-V and 25/31/27 MPG for AWD CR-V, 26/33/29 MPG for 2WD CR-V*).
Features and Technology
Honda offers great standard features on all their vehicles, and these two crossovers are no exception.
HR-V Standard Features
- Multi-angle rearview camera
- 60/40 second-row Magic Seat
- 5-inch color LCD screen
- Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and steaming audio
- USB audio interface
- Remote entry
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HR-V Available Features
- 7-inch display audio touch-screen
- Honda satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition
- HondaLink Next Generation
- Honda LaneWatch
- Pandora Compatbility
- Push button start
- Heated front seats
- SiriuxXM and HD Radio
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CR-V Standard Features
- 60/40 Split rear seat
- Multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines
- Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and streaming audio
- Eco Assist and ECON Button
- USB audio interface
- Pandora Compatibility
- SMS Text Message Function
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CR-V Available Features
- 7-inch display audio touch screen
- Smarty entry
- Push button start
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Automatic-dimming rearview mirror
- SiriuxXM Radio
- Honda satellite-linked navigation system
- Honda Sensing Feature Suite
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Conclusion
The answer to which vehicle best fits your or your family's needs comes down to size and a few high-end features. If you're hoping a smaller crossover,
AutoGuide.com chose the HR-V over the Mazda CX-3 for hauling around young families for its affordability, practicality and surprisingly spacious interior with adjustable Magic Seats. If you need something a little more spacious with Honda Sensing Suite
, Edmunds.com notes that the CR-V is a "supremely practical, sensible, well-rounded, and one of our top-rated SUVs."
[1] Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.