The 2024 Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek are small SUVs that go above and beyond in passenger space, cargo volume, fuel efficiency, and refinement. Despite their affordable pricing, neither skimps on standard or available tech or safety touches.
Honda gave the HR-V a complete makeover last year. It moved from the Fit platform to that of the new Civic. The transition has greatly improved the HR-V’s ride without sacrificing its efficiency or excellent agility.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek gets its own revamp this model year. It features a stiffened chassis, which has allowed Subaru engineers to deliver a smoother and more composed ride. As you expect, all-wheel drive is standard (it’s a Subaru hallmark, after all), and the Crosstrek’s elevated ride height makes it surprisingly capable when venturing off-road.
Let’s see how the HR-V and Crosstrek compare.
2024 Honda HR-V
The 2024 Honda HR-V has a starting price of $24,600. It’s available in three trims: LX, Sport, and EX-L. Standard on the entry-level LX is a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, keyless entry, remote start, and the Honda Sensing bundle of active driver aids.
Every HR-V is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. Because it was so recently redesigned, the 2024 HR-V arrives basically unchanged.
Honda HR-V Highlights
Suspension refinement: Honda’s decision to move the HR-V to the Civic platform has paid off with a more compliant ride that’s less jittery than before. No matter the driving environment, the Honda HR-V remains composed but can zip around corners with enthusiasm.
Honda Sensing: Safety is a big priority with the 2024 HR-V. The standard Honda Sensing safety suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the HR-V a Top Safety Pick+ because of its excellent performance in crash tests and the effectiveness of its accident avoidance technology.
HondaLink: Using this standard smartphone app, HR-V owners can track their vehicle in case it’s stolen. They can also schedule service appointments or set geofencing limits when tossing the keys to someone else.
Active Noise Cancellation: To minimize engine drone and other unwelcome road noise, Honda engineers counteract it through the audio system with active noise cancellation technology.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the HR-V models for sale near you.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Starting at $25,195, the 2024 Crosstrek is available in five trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. Serving as the entry-level powertrain is a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with a CVT and standard AWD. Moving to the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims means a pokier 182-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is nestled under the hood.
With its recent redesign, Subaru worked hard to improve the overall ride quality of the Crosstrek while minimizing engine/road noise. The results are impressive. And we think Subaru loyalists will appreciate how the automaker did this without dramatically altering the basic formula of its current best-selling model.
Subaru Crosstrek Highlights
Standard AWD: There’s no need to check an option box to add AWD. It’s standard on every Crosstrek, making this pint-size Subaru extremely capable when roads turn slippery.
Wilderness trim: A new addition to the 2024 Crosstrek range, the Wilderness model comes with a front underbody skid plate, all-terrain tires, extra driver-selectable off-road driving modes, beefier suspension, redesigned front and rear bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, and black exterior body cladding.
Larger touchscreen: Standard in all but the Crosstrek Base, a portrait-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen takes pride of place in the center of the dashboard. It’s easy to see and use. Don’t worry; the Crosstrek cabin still has the same rugged charms people love. In other words, you won’t think you’re in some snooty luxury conveyance, even with that handy-dandy touchscreen.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Rejoice, smartphone fans! Every Crosstrek with an 11.6-inch screen comes standard with wireless smartphone connectivity. A wired connection is needed with the standard dual-screen infotainment system used in the base model.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Crosstrek models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek rank high in our list of Best Subcompact SUVs for 2024. As you’ve discovered, there are plenty of reasons to recommend either of these two small sport-utes, not least of which is how they blend refinement, affordability, interior space, and cargo-toting capability into one very enticing package.
Conclusion
The 2024 Honda HR-V and the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are smart picks in the increasingly competitive subcompact SUV market. They deliver the modern conveniences demanded by car shoppers, such as smartphone connectivity and excellent safety suites. They have identical warranties. They are also compact and quite maneuverable, which makes them great for cities and crowded parking lots.
We love the outdoorsy image of the Crosstrek and how the new model has become so much smoother and upscale without abandoning any of its quirky appeal. Similarly, the HR-V feels more grown-up than it once did, without having tossed aside the attributes that made this Honda such a popular and savvy choice.
In this remarkably close contest, the 2024 Honda HR-V — with its extra cargo space, better rear legroom, top-quality interior, and slightly higher KBB Expert Rating (4.7 versus 4.6) — shines a bit brighter than the 2024 Crosstrek, which will continue to impress the Subaru faithful.
| 2024 Honda HR-V | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | |
| Starting Price | $24,600 | $25,195 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Fuel economy MPG | 26 city/32 highway/28 combined | 27 city/34 highway/29 combined |
| Also Available | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cyl. |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 179.8 inches | 176.4 inches |
| Width | 72.4 inches | 71.7 inches |
| Height | 63.4 inches | 62.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.1 feet | 35.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.4 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 38.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.9 inches | 42.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.7 inches | 36.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.6 inches | 56.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.2 inches | 55.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 24.4 cubic feet | 19.9 cubic feet |
