The HR-V produces much less power with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
The Honda HR-V is the brand’s subcompact SUV, serving as the gateway to its SUV lineup.
It’s nicely put together, handles well and prioritizes passenger space and comfort relative to some of its competitors, which is a good reason to drive one. Most importantly, it has that trusted Honda badge.
But there are two problems: It’s underpowered and the Civic Hatchback, which costs about the same, is a much better buy.
The Civic Hatchback is proof of what the same engine is capable of in a lighter and more aerodynamic package.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
The Civic hatchback has a similar amount of room inside but isn’t saddled with the extra weight of a typical crossover, so it’s more efficient. As a bonus, it’s also much more fun to drive and I think it looks better, too.
The HR-V is equipped with a two-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower, which isn’t too bad. However, it’s the torque figure of 138 lb-ft that hinders its acceleration when passing or trying to get up to highway speeds.
The problem isn’t the engine; it’s that the HR-V weighs 1,494 kilograms (more than 100 kilograms more than the Civic) and can be equipped with all-wheel drive, making it even heavier. Moving all that weight takes a lot of energy.
Fuel efficiency suffers because the engine is always working hard, and the CVT transmission compensates by keeping the revs higher for longer. While the HR-V could certainly use about 30 to 50 lb-ft more torque, the Civic Hatchback already proves what the same engine is capable of in a lighter and more aerodynamic package.
Natural Resources Canada rates the HR-V with all-wheel drive at 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres and the Civic Hatchback with the same engine at seven litres – a big difference. If you think all-wheel drive is the biggest culprit here, it isn’t because the front-wheel-drive HR-V doesn’t fare much better at 8.3 litres.
The front seats and dash of the HR-V.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
The front seats and dash of the Civic.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
I’m biased. I prefer driving cars over SUVs because I enjoy driving. Sedans have a lower centre of gravity and better handling. They are easier to park, more efficient and generally better looking, in my view. My opinion may be irrelevant for those who want a higher seating position and the security blanket all-wheel drive provides.
The Civic doesn’t offer an all-wheel-drive option, but even in our Canadian winters, all-wheel drive in a Civic isn’t necessary. A good set of winter tires is all you really need for confident traction.
For me, there’s just too much compromise with a crossover and the HR-V is the perfect example. It’s based on the Civic, so there are many similarities, especially inside. If anything, the Civic is slightly roomier, or at least it feels that way, with more head and shoulder room for passengers in the back and a similar amount of legroom. The Civic also has a couple of litres of extra cargo space, but the HR-V is a bit easier to load with a higher floor.
The rear seats on the HR-V has slightly less space than the Civic.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
The rear seats on the Civic feels roomier in the rear seats with more head and shoulder room.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
The HR-V has more ground clearance, a bonus for some, but it’s still a subcompact vehicle and doesn’t feel that much taller than a Civic. The CR-V feels massive in comparison.
Then there’s the driving feel, which isn’t bad but can’t compare to the Civic, which is a joy to drive with its nicely balanced chassis, excellent steering and great ride. I also think the Civic looks good. I’d much rather turn around and stare at it after parking it than I would an HR-V.
Even better, for $38,971, which is less than the price of a mid-tier HR-V Sport, you can get into the Hybrid version of the Civic Hatchback, which is in the running for the best car I’ve driven this year. It’s equipped with the same hybrid engine as the new Prelude, which is powerful enough to put a smile on your face with its nearly 100 lb-ft of extra torque, yet it’s rated to consume only five litres of fuel every 100 kilometres.
The HR-V doesn’t have this hybrid system as an option here in North America, but it should. Honda sells one in its home market of Japan. There, the HR-V is called the ZR-V and comes with a choice of a turbocharged 1.5-litre or the two-litre hybrid, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility to bring it here.
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If we did get the HR-V equipped with the hybrid in Canada, my biggest complaint about it would vanish, and I feel it would instantly make it one of the best subcompact options in Canada. I would still take the Civic, though.
The HR-V has a higher floor so it is easier to load cargo.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
The Civic has more cargo space than the HR-V.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
Tech specs
2026 Honda HR-V EX-L
- Price: $38,700 plus $2,000 for freight and pre-delivery inspection plus tax
- Engine: Two-litre inline four-cylinder
- Horsepower / torque (lb-ft): 158 / 138
- Transmission / drive: CVT / all-wheel drive
- Curb weight: 1,510 kg
- Fuel consumption (litres per 100 kilometres): 9.5 city; 7.8 highway; 8.7 combined
- Alternatives: Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mitsubishi RVR, Nissan Kicks, Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona
2025 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring Hybrid
- Price: $39,000 plus $1,830 for freight and pre-delivery inspection plus tax
- Engine: Two-litre inline four cylinder plus an electric motor
- Horsepower / torque (lb-ft): 200 / 232
- Transmission / drive: CVT / front-wheel drive
- Curb weight: 1,492 kilograms
- Fuel consumption (litres per 100 kilometres): 4.8 city; 5.4 highway; 5.0 combined
- Alternatives: Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, Kia K4, Nissan Sentra
Not only is the Civic more fun to drive, but Kunal D'souza thinks it is better looking.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
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