HR-V vs Crosstrek
For subcompact suv shoppers, the HR-V from Honda and the Crosstrek from Subaru are two of the obvious candidates. Spec for spec, there isn’t much daylight between them, so small details and personal priorities will decide it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Crosstrek wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Crosstrek wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range1.8
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Crosstrek has 7 lb-ft more torque
Close, but not identical: the Crosstrek lists 145 lb-ft and the HR-V lists 138 lb-ft. The Crosstrek’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Crosstrek has better highway fuel economy
The gap on fuel economy (highway) is slim (34 mpg against 32 mpg), yet it tips toward the Crosstrek. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | HR-V | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Crosstrek leads
The HR-V comes close on engine & performance, but the Crosstrek does just enough to lead. Here the Crosstrek offers 7 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. For engine & performance, the Crosstrek is the one to beat.
Torque
HR-V: 138 lb-ft Crosstrek: 145 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Crosstrek leads
A modest lead on fuel economy & range belongs to the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek scores with better highway fuel economy. The Crosstrek uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the Crosstrek.
Fuel economy (highway)
HR-V: 32 mpg Crosstrek: 34 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. So space & practicality is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The HR-V and the Crosstrek list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | HR-V | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.0L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 158 hp | 152 hp |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | HR-V | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | HR-V | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 24.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 55.1 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | HR-V | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in Highest ground clearance |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | HR-V | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | HR-V | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Crosstrek if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (145 lb-ft vs 138 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better highway fuel economy (34 mpg vs 32 mpg)
- you trust Subaru and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the HR-V or the Crosstrek?
On the specs compared here, the Crosstrek makes more sense for most buyers; the HR-V doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the HR-V and the Crosstrek. Start with the headline difference (the Crosstrek has 7 lb-ft more torque), and a lot of the decision falls into place. A second reason: the Crosstrek comes with better highway fuel economy.
I’d match them like this: the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the HR-V, engine & performance to the Crosstrek.
My pick: the Crosstrek.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.