2026 Subaru Crosstrek Vs. Honda HR-V: Key Differences
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda HR-V at a Glance
- The Subaru Crosstrek offers five gas-powered trims and two hybrid trims, all of which have standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, while the Honda HR-V has three trims and comes standard with front-wheel drive.
- The Crosstrek achieves better fuel efficiency in nearly every trim level compared to the HR-V in its most-efficient FWD configuration.
- If you need to tow, the Subaru Crosstrek can haul up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Unfortunately, the Honda HR-V isn't rated for towing at all.
- The Crosstrek offers a larger interior space and more standard amenities than the Honda model.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2026 Honda HR-V
Despite the rise in popularity of larger SUVs, smaller crossovers remain highly coveted, which is why we put together a Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda HR-V guide that compares two of the most popular competitors in the segment. If you're in the market for a capable crossover that can traverse trails as easily as it navigates a city street, read on to see how the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek bests one of its would-be rivals, then book a test drive at Wallace Subaru of Bristol.
Honda HR-V vs. Subaru Crosstrek Specs
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| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek | 2026 Honda HR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cyl | 2.0L 4-cyl |
| Max. Horsepower | 194 | 158 |
| Max. Torque | 199 lb-ft | 138 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) |
|
26 / 322 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Max. Passenger Room | 100.5 cu ft | 98.7 cu ft |
| Max. Cargo Space | 54.9 cu ft | 55.1 cu ft |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs3 | Not rated for towing |
According to the specifications of each car in the chart above, the comparison between the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2026 Honda HR-V shows very different powertrain configurations. The Crosstrek is powered by a standard 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, which is far more potent than the Honda HR-V's engine. The engine is also paired with a CVT for optimal efficiency, and a standard Symmetrical AWD system puts it far ahead of the HR-V.
The Honda HR-V, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. It's also available with AWD, but it costs extra to add it to any one of its three trim levels, as FWD is standard.
Additionally, the Honda HR-V is not rated for towing, whereas the new Subaru Crosstrek for sale can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped in Wilderness guise. That's enough to haul a small camper, a small fishing boat, or a personal watercraft. All other trim levels can tow up to 1,500 pounds.3
2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2026 Honda HR-V: Trim Levels
Both of these crossovers offer value-packed trim levels that give you everything you want without paying for features a la carte. However, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek offers more trim levels, including hybrid options.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek trim levels:
- Base
- Premium
- Sport
- Sport Hybrid
- Limited
- Limited Hybrid
- Wilderness
2026 Honda HR-V trim levels:
- LX
- Sport
- EX-L
Having more trim levels means that you have the flexibility to choose your ideal 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, from the well-equipped Base trim to a fuel-saving hybrid to the trail-ready Wilderness edition. Browse our new Subaru Crosstrek deals to see which trim works best for your lifestyle.
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda HR-V: Features & Comfort
Key standard and available features for the various Crosstrek trims include the following:
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- Harman Kardon® premium audio system
- 11.6-inch touchscreen
- Power moonroof
- StarTex water-repellent upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Push-button start
- CVT paddle shifters
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability
- Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Rear-Vision Camera
Meanwhile, the Honda HR-V offerings are less impressive:
- 180-watt audio system
- 9-inch touchscreen display
- Cloth seats
- Wireless device compatibility
- Wireless charging
- Honda Sensing Safety and Driver-Assistive Technologies
- Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda HR-V: Fuel Economy
Although the Honda HR-V comes standard with front-wheel drive, its fuel economy still lags behind the Crosstrek. In FWD form, the HR-V earns up to an EPA-estimated 26/32/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2, while opting for AWD returns an EPA-estimated 25/30/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2.
The Subaru Crosstrek, which comes standard with AWD, returns an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) for its gas trims,1 which bests the values of the HR-V even in its thriftiest FWD form. And don't forget about the two hybrid options, making the Crosstrek an even better option when it comes to fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 36/36 MPG (City/Highway).1
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda HR-V Reliability
Both of these crossovers have high reliability ratings from J.D. Power. The Subaru Crosstrek has a "Great" Quality & Reliability rating of 85 out of 100,4 while the Honda HR-V earned an 83 out of 100 in the same category.5
Ready to learn more about the Subaru Crosstrek? Schedule a test drive online or contact Wallace Subaru of Bristol!
If you want to see how the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek stacks up against other crossovers in its segment, check out our Subaru Crosstrek vs. Chevy Trax comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek compare to the 2026 Honda HR-V in terms of all-wheel-drive capability?
The Subaru Crosstrek uses Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This allows for constant traction, improving overall stability. The Honda HR-V uses regular AWD, which usually means that traction control will kick in when needed, so your vehicle could still slip. AWD is also only available as an upgrade in the HR-V.
Which SUV, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek or the Honda HR-V, is better suited for off-road driving?
The Subaru Crosstrek will provide you with the best off-road capabilities, specifically the Wilderness trim. This trim offers 178 pound-feet of torque and Dual-Function X-MODE, so that you won't have any problems driving off-road to find the perfect back-country camping spot.
Which has better towing capacity: the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek or the Honda HR-V?
The Honda HR-V is not rated for towing, making the Subaru Crosstrek the easy winner. The first six trims of the Crosstrek provide a 1,500-pound towing capacity3, while the Wilderness trim can haul up to an incredible 3,500 pounds!3
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1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
2Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
3Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2026/subaru/crosstrek
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2026/honda/hr-v
