BMW i4 vs Honda HR-V

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the BMW i4 and Honda HR-V hold a 4-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2022. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the BMW i4 and 82% for the Honda HR-V.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW i4, against 5 on the Honda HR-V.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW i4 and 6 in the Honda HR-V.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW i4 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Honda HR-V gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW i4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Honda HR-V. The Honda HR-V counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW i4 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Honda HR-V offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW i4 and 1-zone in the Honda HR-V.

Drivetrain

The BMW i4 uses a Electric producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.

The Honda HR-V responds with a Petrol making 89kW and 145Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels.

The BMW i4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 89kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW i4 measures 4,783mm long on a 2,856mm wheelbase, 438mm longer than the Honda HR-V at 4,345mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i4 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 470L in the BMW i4 and 304L in the Honda HR-V, giving the BMW i4 a 166L advantage.

For towing, the BMW i4 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Honda HR-V's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 11.0 m against 11.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BMW i4 costs about $778 a year (16.2 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Honda HR-V about $1,767 a year (6.2 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW i4) and 5 years / Unlimited (Honda HR-V). Capped-price servicing: no data (BMW i4), 5 years (Honda HR-V).

Where each one leads

The BMW i4: more power (210kW against 89kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (470L against 304L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,600kg against 1,000kg).

The Honda HR-V: nothing in the figures we hold puts it ahead of the BMW i4.

The Verdict

Honda HR-V scores higher, 74 vs 73

The Honda HR-V scores 74 to the BMW i4's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 0 of the 3 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: performance (BMW i4 ahead by 31 points), value (Honda HR-V ahead by 18 points), practicality (BMW i4 ahead by 7 points). Boot space with the seats up: 470L in the BMW i4, 304L in the Honda HR-V.

Common questions