Ready to choose between the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR? Our comprehensive comparison guide covers everything from design and features to performance, fuel efficiency, and safety.
Design and Features
The design and features of the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR are where these two subcompact crossovers really start to showcase their unique personalities. In this section, we’ll dive into the exterior dimensions and style, interior space and comfort, and infotainment and tech features that set these vehicles apart.
Exterior Dimensions and Style
When it comes to exterior design, the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR take two distinct approaches. The HR-V boasts a more angular, rugged look, with sharp lines and a sloping roofline that gives it a sporty vibe. In contrast, the C-HR has a more futuristic, aerodynamic design, with a curved roofline and bold character lines that give it a more avant-garde feel. But which one is right for you? Well, that depends on your personal style. Do you prefer a more aggressive, attention-grabbing look, or a sleek, sophisticated design that turns heads for all the right reasons?
In terms of exterior dimensions, both vehicles are roughly the same size, with the HR-V measuring in at 169.1 inches long and 69.8 inches wide, while the C-HR comes in at 173.6 inches long and 70.9 inches wide. However, the C-HR has a slightly lower ground clearance, at 5.1 inches compared to the HR-V’s 6.7 inches. This could make a difference if you plan on taking your subcompact crossover off the beaten path.
Interior Space and Comfort
When it comes to interior space and comfort, both the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR deliver. The HR-V boasts a roomy cabin with plenty of legroom and cargo space, making it an excellent choice for road trips or daily driving. The C-HR, on the other hand, has a slightly more compact interior, but still offers plenty of room for passengers and gear. One notable difference is the seating configuration – the HR-V offers a more traditional 60/40 split-folding rear seat, while the C-HR has a more flexible 60/40 split-folding rear seat with a sliding and reclining function.
Infotainment and Tech Features
In terms of infotainment and tech features, both vehicles are equipped with the latest innovations. The HR-V comes standard with a 5-inch LCD screen, while the C-HR has a larger 8-inch touchscreen display. Both vehicles offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as a range of advanced safety features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning. However, the C-HR takes things to the next level with its available Entune Premium Audio system, which features 9 speakers and 800 watts of power. So, if you’re an audiophile, the C-HR might be the better choice. But if you prioritize simplicity and ease of use, the HR-V’s more intuitive interface might be the way to go.
Performance and Handling
When it comes to performance and handling, the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR are two of the most exciting vehicles in their class. But what sets them apart from their competitors, and how do they compare to each other?
Engine Options and Power Output
Both the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR offer a range of engine options to cater to different driving styles and preferences. The Honda HR-V comes with a 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, while the Toyota C-HR boasts a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine that churns out 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. But what do these numbers mean in real-world driving? In short, they translate to a more responsive and engaging driving experience, with the Toyota C-HR edging out the Honda HR-V in terms of raw power.
Transmission and Drive Modes
The transmission and drive modes of the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR are designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable driving experience. The Honda HR-V comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that simulates a traditional automatic transmission, while the Toyota C-HR features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that provides lightning-quick shifts. Both vehicles also offer a range of drive modes, including Sport, Normal, and Econ, which allow drivers to tailor their driving experience to their mood and surroundings. But which transmission and drive mode combination provides the most engaging drive?
Suspension and Steering
A vehicle’s suspension and steering system are critical components of its overall performance and handling. The Honda HR-V features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension, which provide a smooth and composed ride. The Toyota C-HR, on the other hand, boasts a more sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension, which deliver a more responsive and agile driving experience. But how do these suspension systems compare when it comes to handling twisty roads and tight corners? The answer lies in the subtleties of their design and tuning.
Fuel Efficiency and Safety
When it comes to fuel efficiency and safety, the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR are designed to provide you with peace of mind while keeping your wallet happy. But, how do they stack up in these critical areas?
Fuel Economy and Emissions
Let’s face it, fuel efficiency is a top priority for most car buyers. With rising fuel costs and growing concerns about climate change, it’s no wonder. So, how do these subcompact crossovers fare? The Honda HR-V boasts an estimated EPA rating of up to 28 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined, depending on the trim level and drivetrain. The Toyota C-HR isn’t far behind, with estimated EPA ratings of up to 27 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined.
But what about emissions? Both vehicles are designed to minimize their environmental impact, with the Honda HR-V emitting 248-258 grams of CO2 per mile, and the Toyota C-HR emitting 244-254 grams of CO2 per mile. While these numbers may seem high, they’re actually quite respectable for vehicles in this class.
Crash Test Ratings and Safety Features
When it comes to safety, both the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR have impressive credentials. The Honda HR-V has earned a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Toyota C-HR has also received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and is a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.
But what makes these vehicles so safe? Both come equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including multi-angle rearview cameras, lane departure warning systems, and forward collision warning systems. The Honda HR-V also features a unique driver attention monitor, which alerts the driver if it detects signs of fatigue or distraction.
Advanced Safety Technologies
So, what sets these vehicles apart from the competition? For starters, the Honda HR-V offers an innovative Collision Mitigation Braking System, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop in emergency situations. The Toyota C-HR, on the other hand, features a sophisticated Adaptive Cruise Control system, which can adjust speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
But that’s not all. Both vehicles offer advanced features like blind-spot information systems, rear cross-traffic monitors, and lane-keeping assist systems. These advanced safety technologies work in harmony to provide an unparalleled level of safety and security on the road.
Price and Trim Levels
The age-old question: how much will it set me back? When it comes to the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR, the price you pay will depend on the trim level you choose. But what exactly do you get for your money? Let’s dive in and explore the trim options and pricing for both models.
Honda HR-V Trim Options and Pricing
The Honda HR-V is available in five trim levels: LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The base LX model starts at around $20,000, while the top-of-the-line Touring trim will set you back around $27,000. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each trim level:
- LX: The entry-level LX trim comes with a decent amount of standard features, including a 5-inch display screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a multi-angle rearview camera. However, you won’t find many frills at this price point.
- Sport: The Sport trim adds some visual flair with 18-inch alloy wheels and a sporty front bumper. You’ll also get a more advanced 7-inch display screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.
- EX: The EX trim is where things start to get interesting. You’ll get a more comfortable ride thanks to a power driver’s seat, as well as a more advanced safety feature set, including forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
- EX-L: The EX-L trim adds some luxury touches, including a leather-trimmed interior, a power moonroof, and a more advanced navigation system.
- Touring: The top-of-the-line Touring trim is the crème de la crème of HR-V trims. You’ll get all the features from the EX-L trim, plus a few extras, including a panoramic sunroof and a premium audio system.
Toyota C-HR Trim Options and Pricing
The Toyota C-HR is available in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. The base LE model starts at around $23,000, while the top-of-the-line Limited trim will set you back around $27,000. Here’s what you can expect from each trim level:
- LE: The base LE trim comes with a decent amount of standard features, including a 7-inch display screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and a Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite of safety features.
- XLE: The XLE trim adds some comfort features, including a power driver’s seat, as well as some visual flair with 18-inch alloy wheels and a unique exterior design treatment.
- Limited: The top-of-the-line Limited trim is where things get luxurious. You’ll get a more advanced navigation system, a premium audio system, and a more advanced suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane centering.
Feature Comparison by Trim Level
So, how do the trim levels of the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR stack up against each other? Here’s a comparison of some key features by trim level:
| Trim Level | HR-V | C-HR |
|---|---|---|
| Base | LX ($20,000) | LE ($23,000) |
| Mid-level | EX ($23,000) | XLE ($25,000) |
| Top-level | Touring ($27,000) | Limited ($27,000) |
As you can see, the pricing for both models is similar, but the feature set varies significantly. The Honda HR-V offers more trim levels and a more gradual increase in features and pricing, while the Toyota C-HR has fewer trim levels but more significant jumps in features and pricing. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your budget and what features are most important to you.
Interior and Cargo Space
When it comes to interior and cargo space, the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR are designed to provide a comfortable and practical driving experience. Whether you’re running errands, road-tripping, or just need a reliable daily driver, these subcompact SUVs have got you covered.
Seating Capacity and Legroom
One of the most important considerations for any vehicle is seating capacity and legroom. After all, you want to make sure you and your passengers have enough space to stretch out and enjoy the ride. The Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR both offer seating for five passengers, with the HR-V providing slightly more front legroom (41.2 inches vs. 40.6 inches in the C-HR). However, the C-HR makes up for it with more rear legroom (31.7 inches vs. 29.3 inches in the HR-V). So, whether you’re chauffeuring friends or family around, both vehicles have got you covered.
Cargo Capacity and Storage Options
Now, let’s talk about cargo capacity. Whether you’re hauling groceries, luggage, or sports equipment, you want to make sure your vehicle can handle it. The Honda HR-V boasts an impressive 23.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with the Toyota C-HR coming in at 19.1 cubic feet. However, both vehicles offer 60/40 split-folding rear seats, which means you can configure the space to fit your needs. Need to haul long items? Fold down one side of the rear seat. Need more cargo space? Fold down both sides. The possibilities are endless!
Rear Seat Fold-Down and 60/40 Split
Speaking of flexibility, the rear seats in both the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR are designed to fold down in a 60/40 split. This means you can fold down one side of the seat to create more cargo space, while still leaving room for a passenger on the other side. Or, if you need to haul larger items, you can fold down both sides of the seat to create a flat, cargo-friendly surface. The HR-V takes it a step further with a clever feature called “Magic Seat,” which allows the rear seats to fold up against the wall of the cargo area, creating even more space. So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a sports enthusiast, or just a busy bee, these vehicles have got the flexibility to keep up with your active lifestyle.
Off-Road and Towing Capabilities
For many, the ultimate test of a vehicle’s mettle lies in its ability to handle the great outdoors. Whether you’re an avid off-roader or a casual weekend explorer, you’ll want to know how the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR stack up when the pavement ends.
Ground Clearance and Approach Angles
Ground clearance is critical when venturing off the beaten path. A higher clearance means you can tackle steeper inclines and navigate rocky terrain with confidence. The Honda HR-V boasts an impressive 7.3 inches of ground clearance, while the Toyota C-HR offers a slightly lower 6.8 inches. But clearance is only half the story – approach angles also play a vital role. The HR-V’s 20-degree approach angle allows it to tackle steeper inclines than the C-HR’s 17-degree angle. Imagine cresting a steep hill, wheels scrambling for traction as you ascend – every degree counts in this scenario.
Towing Capacity and Hitch Options
Towing capacity is another crucial aspect of off-road capability. While neither the HR-V nor C-HR are designed for heavy-duty hauling, they can still handle smaller trailers and camping gear. The HR-V offers a maximum towing capacity of 1,100 lbs, while the C-HR has a slightly higher 1,500 lbs capacity. However, it’s essential to note that both models require the correct hitch equipment, which may be an additional cost. Imagine loading up your trailer with gear for a weekend camping trip – every pound of towing capacity counts when you’re embarking on an adventure.
AWD System and Traction Control
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems are the unsung heroes of off-road capability. They work behind the scenes to distribute power to the wheels that need it most, ensuring maximum traction and stability. Both the HR-V and C-HR offer advanced AWD systems, but with a key difference: the HR-V’s Real Time AWD system can send up to 50% of engine power to the rear wheels, while the C-HR’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system can send up to 60% to the rear wheels. This means the C-HR can potentially handle more slippery or uneven terrain, but the HR-V’s system is no slouch either. Imagine feeling the rush of adrenaline as you crest a slippery hill, the AWD system working in tandem with traction control to keep you on course – it’s a feeling unlike any other.