Honda HR-V vs Subaru Crosstrek
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Honda HR-V starts from $32,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Crosstrek opens at $36,490. That makes the Honda HR-V the more affordable entry point by $3,590.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $36,190 and $40,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda HR-V by roughly $3,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Honda HR-V and 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Crosstrek packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Honda HR-V.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Honda HR-V and 7 in the Subaru Crosstrek.
Feature Showdown
The Honda HR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Crosstrek gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda HR-V stands out with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru Crosstrek counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda HR-V uses a Petrol producing 96kW and 172Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda HR-V is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda HR-V measures 4,345mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 150mm shorter than the Subaru Crosstrek at 4,495mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Crosstrek generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 339L in the Honda HR-V and 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 220L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Crosstrek leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Honda HR-V and $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek. That is a $656 annual difference in favour of the Honda HR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Honda HR-V) vs $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek). The Honda HR-V saves you roughly $656 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda HR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda HR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda HR-V if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Honda HR-V will save you roughly $656 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek?
The Honda HR-V is the cheapest at $32,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Crosstrek by $3,590.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda HR-V uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Crosstrek makes the most power at 115kW. The Honda HR-V is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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