Honda HR-V vs. Mazda CX-3 vs. Subaru Crosstrek
Performance Comparison
- Honda HR-V: The HR-V offers a simpler yet reliable performance package. It is powered by a 2.0L inline-4 engine producing 158 hp, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The HR-V is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations.
- Mazda CX-3: The Mazda CX-3 is equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 engine producing 148 hp, also paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It offers both FWD and AWD options. The CX-3 is known for its sporty handling and responsive driving dynamics, making it more engaging to drive than the HR-V.
- Subaru Crosstrek: The Subaru Crosstrek comes with a standard 2.0L flat-four engine producing 152 hp, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT. The Crosstrek stands out with its standard AWD, providing better traction and off-road capability compared to the HR-V and CX-3.
Interior and Comfort
- Honda HR-V: The HR-V's interior is designed for comfort and convenience, featuring a standard 7-inch touchscreen display with an option to upgrade to a 9-inch touchscreen. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard cloth upholstery, with available leather upholstery and heated front seats, enhances comfort.
- Mazda CX-3: The CX-3's interior is upscale, with high-quality materials and a sporty design. It features a 7-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional leather-trimmed seats. The cabin is more compact, which may feel less spacious compared to the HR-V.
- Subaru Crosstrek: The Crosstrek offers a rugged and practical interior with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offer an 8-inch touchscreen and leather upholstery. The Crosstrek’s interior is known for its durability and spaciousness, comparable to the HR-V.
Safety Features
- Honda HR-V: Safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control as standard. Optional features include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Mazda CX-3: The CX-3 includes similar safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Mazda’s i-Activsense® safety suite is standard across all trims.
- Subaru Crosstrek: The Crosstrek comes with Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure, and sway warning. Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims.
Trims and Features
- Honda HR-V: Available in four trims: LX, Sport, EX-L, and Touring. Each trim is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, offering FWD with optional AWD. The Touring trim comes standard with AWD and premium features like a 10-speaker audio system.
- Mazda CX-3: Available in one well-equipped trim level, the CX-3 Sport, which includes features like a 7-inch touchscreen, 16-inch alloy wheels, and advanced safety features as standard.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Available in multiple trims, including Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited. The Crosstrek offers a variety of features, from the basic but capable Base trim to the fully loaded Limited trim with premium audio, navigation, and advanced safety technologies.
Fuel Economy
- Honda HR-V: The 2.0L engine provides an estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for FWD models. AWD models offer slightly lower efficiency, at 27 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
- Mazda CX-3: The CX-3 achieves an estimated 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for FWD models, slightly better than the HR-V. AWD models offer 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
- Subaru Crosstrek: The Crosstrek's fuel economy is competitive, with an estimated 28 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for models with the CVT. Models with the manual transmission are slightly less efficient.
Technology and Connectivity
- Honda HR-V: Equipped with a range of modern technologies, including a 9-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multi-angle rearview camera, keyless entry, and remote engine start.
- Mazda CX-3: Features a 7-inch touchscreen with Mazda Connect™ infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as a head-up display and optional Bose® sound system.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Offers a 6.5-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Subaru Starlink® multimedia system. Higher trims include navigation and premium audio.
Exterior Design
- Honda HR-V: Boasts a sleek and contemporary design with sculpted lines, bold front grille, and distinctive LED headlights. Offers practical features like roof rails and a power tailgate.
- Mazda CX-3: Known for its sporty and stylish exterior, with Mazda’s KODO design language, sharp lines, and an aggressive front fascia. It has a compact and athletic stance.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Features a rugged design with higher ground clearance, roof rails, and a robust front grille. The Crosstrek’s exterior is practical and suited for outdoor adventures.
Cargo Space and Storage
- Honda HR-V: The versatile Magic Seat® system allows multiple configurations, offering up to 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Utility Mode, Tall Mode, and Long Mode enhance flexibility for different types of cargo.
- Mazda CX-3: Offers less cargo space, with a maximum of 44.5 cubic feet. The rear seats are split-folding but do not offer the same level of versatility as the HR-V.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Provides generous cargo space with up to 55.3 cubic feet. The rear seats fold flat, and the Crosstrek includes roof rails for additional cargo capacity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Mazda CX-3 impresses with its sporty handling and upscale interior, and the Subaru Crosstrek excels with its standard AWD and off-road capabilities, the Honda HR-V emerges as the winner for its well-rounded blend of features. The HR-V's spacious and versatile interior, highlighted by the innovative Magic Seat® system, provides unmatched flexibility for various cargo needs. Its impressive fuel economy, advanced safety features, and modern technology make it a superior choice for urban commuting and family adventures alike. Additionally, the HR-V's sleek design and comprehensive trim options offer something for every driver, ensuring that practicality, comfort, and style are all delivered in one compact SUV. For those seeking a balance of functionality, reliability, and convenience, the Honda HR-V stands out as the best choice among its competitors.