What To Know
- With an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, the Crosstrek is more economical in both city and highway driving.
- Both the Crosstrek and HR-V come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features.
- However, the HR-V offers a more spacious interior and a lower starting price, making it a more attractive option for those prioritizing value and space.
When snow blankets the roads, the choice of a reliable and capable vehicle becomes paramount. Two compact SUVs that have consistently proven their mettle in snowy conditions are the Subaru Crosstrek and the Honda HR-V. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit these two rivals against each other to determine which one reigns supreme in the snowy battleground.
Ground Clearance: Crosstrek’s Advantage
Ground clearance plays a crucial role in navigating snowy terrain. The Crosstrek boasts an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, significantly higher than the HR-V’s 6.5 inches. This extra ground clearance allows the Crosstrek to overcome deep snowdrifts and rugged roads with greater ease.
All-Wheel Drive: Both Excel
Both the Crosstrek and HR-V come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), which ensures traction on slippery surfaces. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is renowned for its stability and handling in all conditions, including snow. However, the HR-V’s Real Time AWD system is also highly capable, providing confidence in snowy environments.
Powertrain: Crosstrek’s Torque Advantage
The Crosstrek offers a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The HR-V, on the other hand, features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. While both engines provide adequate power, the Crosstrek’s higher torque gives it an edge in accelerating through snow-covered roads.
Fuel Economy: HR-V’s Efficiency
Despite its larger engine, the Crosstrek offers slightly better fuel economy than the HR-V. With an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, the Crosstrek is more economical in both city and highway driving. The HR-V, with its smaller engine, achieves 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Interior Space: HR-V’s Roominess
The HR-V offers a more spacious interior than the Crosstrek. It has a larger cargo area of 24.3 cubic feet compared to the Crosstrek’s 20.8 cubic feet. This extra space is noticeable for hauling winter gear and luggage.
Safety Features: Crosstrek’s Advanced Tech
Both the Crosstrek and HR-V come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Crosstrek, however, offers more advanced driver-assist technologies as standard, such as EyeSight, a suite of features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking.
Price: HR-V’s Affordability
The HR-V has a lower starting price than the Crosstrek. The base HR-V LX starts at $22,250, while the base Crosstrek 2.0i starts at $23,645. This price difference can be significant for budget-conscious buyers.
Verdict: Crosstrek for Snow Performance, HR-V for Value
In the realm of snow performance, the Subaru Crosstrek emerges as the victor. Its superior ground clearance, higher torque, and advanced safety features give it an edge over the Honda HR-V. However, the HR-V offers a more spacious interior and a lower starting price, making it a more attractive option for those prioritizing value and space.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which vehicle has better handling in snow?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek offers superior handling in snow due to its higher ground clearance, AWD system, and torque advantage.
Q: Is the HR-V more fuel-efficient than the Crosstrek?
A: Yes, the HR-V has slightly better fuel economy than the Crosstrek, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Q: Does the Crosstrek offer more safety features than the HR-V?
A: Yes, the Crosstrek comes standard with more advanced driver-assist technologies, such as EyeSight, than the HR-V.