Honda HR-V vs Suzuki Vitara
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 Suzuki Vitara opens at $38,490. That makes the Honda HR-V the more affordable entry point by $5,590.
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 $42,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda HR-V and Suzuki Vitara hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Honda HR-V and 77% for the Suzuki Vitara.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Suzuki Vitara packs more ADAS features with 6 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 6 in the Suzuki Vitara.
Feature Showdown
The Honda HR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Suzuki Vitara gets a 9-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 Suzuki Vitara. The Suzuki Vitara counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. 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 Suzuki Vitara responds with a Petrol making 95kW and 220Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Honda HR-V has the clear power advantage at 96kW vs 95kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda HR-V is 1.0s 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, 170mm longer than the Suzuki Vitara at 4,175mm (2,500mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda HR-V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 339L in the Honda HR-V and 375L in the Suzuki Vitara, giving the Suzuki Vitara a 36L advantage.
For towing, the Suzuki Vitara 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.
10.2m 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 10.2m 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 $1,653/year for the Suzuki Vitara. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Honda HR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Honda HR-V) vs $1,653 (Suzuki Vitara). The Honda HR-V saves you roughly $114 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 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Vitara). The Honda HR-V has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda HR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda HR-V if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Suzuki Vitara if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda HR-V takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda HR-V will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Suzuki Vitara has a clear edge. The Honda HR-V adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. 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 Suzuki Vitara?
The Honda HR-V is the cheapest at $32,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Suzuki Vitara by $5,590.
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 Suzuki Vitara all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Suzuki Vitara has the largest boot at 375L.
Which can tow the most?
The Suzuki Vitara has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Honda HR-V has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Honda HR-V makes the most power at 96kW. 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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