Honda’s brand new crossover HR-V has been getting a lot of attention in its debut year. Based on the Honda Fit platform, the HR-V looks to be an attractive and reliable smaller SUV. (Watch a Video Review.)
However, with the launch of a popular new model comes wait lists, compromises on colors and options, and dealerships who are unwilling to negotiate on price. With this in mind, we’ve compared the HR-V to its closest siblings, the Fit and the CR-V, so that you can weigh the benefits of each and decide which option is right for you.
HR-V vs. CR-V vs. Fit?
In this article, we’ve configured a sample vehicle for each car and then examined some of the key differentiating factors of each. We’ve based our sample models on popular choices among Cartelligent clients.
- 2015 Honda Fit EX: Our sample Fit is the EX model equipped with a continuously variable transmission. Standard features include power moon roof, rearview camera, and push button start. MSRP as configured is $19,180.
- 2016 Honda HR-V EX: We’ve chosen a 2016 Honda HR-V with the EX trim, two wheel drive (2WD), and a continuously variable transmission. Features include push button start, Eco Assist, rearview camera, and power moon roof. MSRP as configured is $22,845.
- 2015 Honda CR-V EX: We’ve equipped a sample 2015 Honda CR-V identically to the HR-V above, with the EX trim, 2WD, and a continuously variable transmission. Features include push button start, Eco Assist, rearview camera, and power moon roof. MSRP as configured is $26,425.
Vehicle Comparison
We’ll look at the features of each vehicle side-by-side.
| Fit | HR-V | CR-V | |
| Model Type | 2015 Fit EX | 2016 HR-V EX | 2015 CR-V EX |
| MSRP | $19,180 | $22,845 | $26,425 |
Engine and Fuel Economy
| Fit | HR-V | CR-V | |
| Engine | 1.5L In-Line 4-Cylinder | 1.8L In-Line 4-Cylinder | 2.4L In-Line 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 130 | 141 | 185 |
| City mpg | 29 | 28 | 27 |
| Highway mpg | 37 | 35 | 34 |
The Fit offers the best fuel economy, but the CR-V provides far greater horespower than either with only a small drop in fuel efficiency.
Capacities
| Fit | HR-V | CR-V | |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo volume (behind seats) | 16.6 ft3 | 24.3 ft3 | 35.2 ft3 |
| Cargo volume (rear seats folded) | 52.7 ft3 | 58.8 ft3 | 70.9 ft3 |
The Fit provides about 90% of the HR-V’s cargo volume when the rear seats are folded down. The CR-V offer 44% more cargo space than the HR-V with the seats up, and 20% more with the seats are folded.
Safety
| Fit | HR-V | CR-V | |
| IIHS rating | Top Safety Pick | n/a | Top Safety Pick+ |
| Rearview camera | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Crash prevention | n/a | n/a | Touring Model |
Both the Fit and the CR-V are IIHS Top Safety Picks (the CR-V is a Top Safety Pick+ when configured with optional front crash prevention). The HR-V has yet to be rated. All three vehicles come with a standard rear view camera, but only the CR-V has the option to upgrade to include front crash prevention.
Cost to purchase: HR-V vs. CR-V vs. Fit
First we’ll examine the cost of each when purchased. We’ve assumed an interest rate of 1.99%. All payments represent pricing based on market conditions at the time of writing.
| Fit | HR-V | CR-V | |
| MSRP | $19,180 | $22,845 | $26,425 |
| Down payment | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Monthly payment (inc. tax) | $320 | $410 | $440 |
| Total of payments over five years | $21,380 | $26,690 | $28,460 |
The Fit is around $90/month cheaper than the HR-V and saves over $5,000 in payments over the course of five years. The CR-V is about $30 more per month than the HR-V and only about $1,700 more over the course of the loan.
Cost to lease: HR-V vs. CR-V vs. Fit
Next we’ll compare the three vehicles on a three year, 12,000 mile/year lease.
| Fit | HR-V | CR-V | |
| MSRP | $19,180 | $22,845 | $26,425 |
| Down payment | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Monthly payment (inc. tax) | $195 | $270 | $280 |
| Lease disposition fee | $350 | $350 | $350 |
| Total of payments over three years | $9,675 | $12,300 | $12,660 |
The Fit is again the lowest cost option, saving about $75/month and $2,600 over the course of the lease. The CR-V is virtually identical to the HR-V, leasing for just $10 more per month, or a mere $360 over the three year lease.
Which to buy: HR-V, Fit or CR-V
If you absolutely love the look and feel of the HR-V, then it can be worth the potential wait or increased cost of getting one now. Cartelligent can help make the process of obtaining an HR-V as pain-free as possible and can help negotiate a fair price for your new car. If it’s not the perfect car for you, both the Fit and the CR-V can be strong alternatives. Other options include the Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-5, and Toyota RAV4.
Whether you want the new Honda HR-V or any other new car, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.