2022 Honda HR-V Vs. 2021 Toyota C-HR: Which SUV Is Better?

The subcompact SUV segment has seen its popularity explode over the past few years. Two relative newcomers on the block are the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR, both are backed by a manufacturer that is known for making well priced and reliable vehicles that stand up to the test of time. This comparison article will take a look at who wins the Honda vs Toyota rivalry in the subcompact SUV category.

Comparison Chart

(The 2022 HR-V has not undergone any redesign from the 2021 HR-V)

The 2022 HR-V and 2021 C-HR are very comparable in many aspects. For one, they have similar 4 cylinder engines that output roughly the same horsepower. Pricing does give a slight edge to the Toyota C-HR but with one very important difference, the C-HR does not offer All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on any of its trim levels. Winter driving in Calgary can be very difficult, and in inclement or snowy road conditions AWD is the clear winner for keeping you and your loved ones safe. Whether it's being able to get out of your snow-packed driveway, or making your ski trip to the mountains more comfortable, AWD is a must for our harsh winters.

Beyond having more customization with the drivetrain options, the HR-V boasts a perfect 5/5 stars on its NHTSA overall safety rating. The C-HR posts a respectable 4 star safety rating but is definitively 2nd in this safety comparison.

Similar to safety rating the HR-V slightly bests the C-HR in overall fuel efficiency. While a difference of 1 mile per gallon might not seem drastic, over time it adds up and will save you hundreds in fuel costs.

Anyone planning on using the rear seats for adults or older children should consider the vast difference in legroom and shoulder room, as the HR-V offers a much more comfortable ride for all 5 passengers.

Whether it's a large grocery store run, packing the trunk full of hockeybags or picking up a cabinet from Ikea, the HR-V’s smart design means you have much more space for whatever you're hauling. The difference in cargo capacity is amplified even further with the rear seats folded down, where the HR-V offers over 20 more cubic feet of capacity which is roughly the size of a new refrigerator!

The Verdict

Both the HR-V and C-HR are well made subcompact SUVs that offer all of the basics you’d expect from vehicles in this segment.  Where the HR-V sets itself apart from the competition is its incredible versatility. Offering more legroom, headroom, shoulder room, passenger and cargo volume despite being a few inches shorter compared to the CHR. This can be attributed to the HR-V’s incredibly efficient design that utilizes every inch of space. Beyond its efficient design the HR-V has a perfect safety rating, better fuel economy while giving you the option of AWD for the poor winter road conditions in our long Calgary winters.

Looking for more information on the HR-V? Check out our research page to get all the nitty-gritty details on the HR-V, or if you're ready to see it in person stop by our showroom or contact our sales department to schedule your test drive today!