HR-V vs C-HR
Honda brings the HR-V; Toyota answers with the C-HR. Both play in the subcompact suv class. Most of what matters is shared here; the differences are real but modest.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance C-HR wins
- Space & Practicality C-HR wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Space & Practicality5.9
- Space & Practicality7.0
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 C-HR has 180 hp more power
At 338 hp versus 158 hp, this is a decisive lead for the C-HR, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The C-HR has 8% more maximum cargo space
A narrow win for the C-HR. With 59.5 cu ft to 55.1 cu ft, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. The C-HR can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | HR-V | C-HR |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 177.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 63.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | 108.3 in |
Engine & Performance
C-HR leads
This section belongs to the C-HR. In engine & performance, it leads the HR-V by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The C-HR wins here with 180 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. On engine & performance alone, the C-HR gets the nod.
Total system output
HR-V: 158 hp C-HR: 338 hp The C-HR’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
C-HR leads
In the space & practicality category, the C-HR is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. Here the C-HR offers 8% more maximum cargo space. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number. In short, the C-HR is the better-equipped car for space & practicality.
Cargo (seats folded)
HR-V: 55.1 cu ft C-HR: 59.5 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the HR-V and the C-HR row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | HR-V | C-HR |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | Dual electric motors, 74.7 kWh battery |
| Total system output | 158 hp | 338 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | CVT | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | HR-V | C-HR |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 287 mi Shortest electric range |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | HR-V | C-HR |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 24.4 cu ft | 25.3 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 55.1 cu ft | 59.5 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | HR-V | C-HR |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | HR-V | C-HR |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | HR-V | C-HR |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 177.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 63.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | 108.3 in |
Price
| Spec | HR-V | C-HR |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $37,000 Priciest in class |
“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 C-HR if…
- you want more power (338 hp vs 158 hp)
- you move bulky items now and then (59.5 cu ft vs 55.1 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you’re loyal to Toyota and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the HR-V or the C-HR?
On the specs compared here, the C-HR makes more sense for most buyers; the HR-V doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Comparing the HR-V and the C-HR feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. It’s hard to argue with 180 hp more power, which is exactly what the C-HR brings. I’d also count 8% more maximum cargo space in the C-HR’s favor.
Think about your week. Heavy on the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The HR-V. More about engine & performance? The C-HR.
My pick: the C-HR.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.