2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2026 Honda HR-V Comparability

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Honda HR-V showcase large personalities within the small SUV phase. Vital adjustments outline the 2026 mannequin yr for each prime sellers within the phase.

The refreshed 2026 Honda HR-V arrives with extra customary options this yr, together with a bigger 9-inch touchscreen, that befit the mannequin’s massive measurement relative to rivals.

Subaru not differentiates the Crosstrek solely with its customary all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and chunky black plastic cladding that rings the decrease physique like the only real of a climbing boot. The primary-ever 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid boasts a 36-mpg mixed score, positioning Subaru as a rival to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and the Kia Niro, to a lesser extent. Honda hasn’t utilized its standard two-motor hybrid system the the HR-V. But.

Final redesigned for 2023, the Honda HR-V grew into close to CR-V proportions from the technology earlier than. It’s roomier for cargo than the Crosstrek or actually every other mannequin on this phase.

Subaru redesigned the Crosstrek for 2024, giving it two years to simmer earlier than introducing the hybrid. The stiffer chassis allows a smoother and extra composed experience, in addition to a quieter cabin. Think about that criticism of the Crosstrek addressed. The elevated experience top and customary all-wheel drive give it real off-road functionality, even in fashions not outfitted in Wilderness trims. There’s no equal TrailSport mannequin on the extra one-dimensional HR-V.

Right here’s a deeper have a look at how the Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek examine.

2026 Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is offered in three trims: LX, Sport, and EX-L. Customary options embrace a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, automated local weather management, keyless entry, distant begin, and the Honda Sensing bundle of driver-assist methods that features adaptive cruise management.

Each HR-V is supplied with a 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched to a constantly variable automated transmission (CVT). Entrance-wheel drive (FWD) is customary; all-wheel drive is non-obligatory for $1,500.

Honda HR-V Highlights

Suspension refinement: Honda’s determination in 2023 to maneuver the HR-V to the Civic platform has paid off with a extra compliant, refined experience. Regardless of the driving setting, the Honda HR-V stays composed, but it could actually zip round corners with enthusiasm. It’s a calmer, quieter experience than the Crosstrek. 

Massive cargo area: There may be 24.4 cubic toes of area behind the rear seats, in comparison with 19.9 cubic toes within the Crosstrek. These numbers may not imply a lot however with greater than 20% extra cargo area, you possibly can match no less than an additional suitcase again there. 

Honda Sensing:  Security is a significant HR-V precedence. The usual Honda Sensing security suite consists of automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, ahead collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise management with low-speed observe. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) has named the HR-V a High Security Choose+ and the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) gave it 5 stars due to its wonderful efficiency in crash exams.  

HondaLink:  Utilizing this customary smartphone app, house owners can work together with their HR-V in numerous methods, equivalent to monitoring it if stolen. They will additionally schedule service appointments or set geofencing limits when tossing the keys to another person. 

Lively Noise Cancellation: To attenuate engine drone and different unwelcome street noise, Honda engineers the audio system with energetic noise cancellation know-how to counteract it.  

Verify this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the HR-V fashions on the market close to you. 

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is offered in 5 trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Restricted, and Wilderness. Serving because the entry-level powertrain is a 152-hp 4-cylinder engine paired with a CVT and customary all-wheel drive. Shifting to the Premium, Sport, Restricted, or Wilderness trims features a extra spirited 182-hp 4-cylinder. The 194-hp hybrid marries a 2.5-liter boxer engine, electrical motors, and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery.

With its current redesignSubaru labored laborious to enhance the general experience high quality of the Crosstrek whereas minimizing engine and street noise. The outcomes are spectacular. And we predict Subaru loyalists will admire how the automaker achieved this with out dramatically altering the essential method of its present best-selling mannequin. The Crosstrek Hybrid takes this a step additional because the quieter, strongest, and best Crosstrek choice. It’s our really helpful decide, even at about $3,000 greater than a equally outfitted Crosstrek Sport.

Subaru Crosstrek Highlights

Customary AWD: There’s no must verify an choice field so as to add all-wheel drive. It’s customary on each Crosstrek, making this pint-sized Subaru extraordinarily succesful when roads flip slippery. 

Wilderness trim: The Wilderness mannequin comes with a entrance underbody skid plate, all-terrain tires, additional driver-selectable off-road driving modes, a beefier suspension, redesigned entrance and rear bumpers for improved method and departure angles, and black exterior physique cladding. 

Crosstrek Hybrid: 36 mpg mixed with all-wheel drive? Optimum.

Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Rejoice, smartphone followers! Each Crosstrek with an 11.6-inch display comes customary with wi-fi smartphone connectivity. A wired connection is required with the usual dual-screen infotainment system used within the base mannequin.  

Verify this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Crosstrek fashions on the market close to you. 

Similarities

The Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek rank excessive in our checklist of Greatest Subcompact SUVs for 2026. As we revealed right here, there are many causes to suggest both of those two small sport-utes, not least of which is how they mix refinement, affordability, inside area, and cargo-toting functionality into one very attractive package deal. 

The Kelley Blue Guide Honest Buy Worth for any particular person used automobile can fluctuate vastly in keeping with mileage, situation, location, and different components.
The costs right here mirror what patrons are at present paying for New 2026 Honda HR-V automobiles and New 2026 Subaru Crosstrek automobiles in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s urged retail value (MSRP) quoted consists of the vacation spot charge, however doesn’t embrace tax, license, doc charges, and choices.

Conclusion

The Honda HR-V and the Subaru Crosstrek are good picks within the more and more aggressive subcompact SUV market. They ship the trendy conveniences demanded by customers, equivalent to smartphone connectivity and wonderful security suites. They’ve similar 3-year/36,000-mile warranties. They’re additionally compact and fairly maneuverable, which makes them nice for cities and crowded parking heaps. 

The Crosstrek extends that out of the town and off-road, the place it could actually aptly take you down the trail much less traveled. The Crosstrek Hybrid has the identical functionality however rides cleaner and quieter on the street. The HR-V sizes as much as be a bit roomier, no less than for gear and rear-seat passengers, and it doesn’t power you into all-wheel drive for those who don’t want it.

On this remarkably shut contest, the Crosstrek narrowly eclipses the Honda HR-V due to its decrease all-wheel-drive value and its vary of personalities, from the Sport to the Wilderness to the Hybrid. 

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