Compare 2026 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Honda CR-V
| 2026 Honda HR-V | 2026 Honda CR-V |
Engine |
|
| 2.0L I-4 | 1.5L Turbo I-4 |
Horsepower |
|
| 158 hp | 190 hp |
MPG (City/Highway) |
|
| 26/32 * | 28/33 * |
Max Cargo Space |
|
| 55.1 cu. ft. ** | 76.5 cu. ft. ** |
Rear Legroom |
|
| 37.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
Hybrid Model |
|
| Not available | Available |
2026 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Honda CR-V
Serving Chicago, IL
Searching for a Honda SUV in Chicago, IL? Two of Honda's most popular models — the 2026 Honda HR-V and the 2026 Honda CR-V — offer practical, fuel-efficient performance and advanced safety, but cater to different needs. Whether you're commuting downtown or exploring the suburbs, knowing the key differences will help you choose the right Honda for your lifestyle.
At McGrath City Honda, we're breaking down this head-to-head comparison so Chicago drivers can shop smarter.
Performance
The 2026 Honda HR-V is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, delivering 158 horsepower. This makes it ideal for daily city commutes, campus runs, and light suburban driving. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available for added grip during snowy Chicago winters.
The 2026 Honda CR-V, by contrast, offers more power and versatility. Trims like the LX, EX, and EX-L include a 1.5L turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower, while the hybrid trims — Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid — feature a 2.0L hybrid powertrain delivering 204 horsepower. Available AWD with enhanced low-speed traction control gives the CR-V better capability in tough conditions, perfect for longer drives around the Midwest.
Appearance
The HR-V's sleek exterior showcases a modern grille, aerodynamic profile, sculpted hood, and LED headlights with amber accents. For 2026, it debuts new wheel designs, refreshed Sport badging, and two vibrant colors — Solar Reflection Metallic and Boost Blue Pearl — making it a great fit for style-conscious urban drivers.
Meanwhile, the CR-V offers a more commanding stance with a flat roofline, liftgate spoiler, black body cladding, and angular LED headlights. New 18-inch wheels and a wide, bold front end give it a sporty yet refined presence on Chicago's city streets and beyond.
Features
Both the HR-V and CR-V come with a strong list of premium features designed to keep you comfortable and connected on every drive. Shared features include a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, wireless phone charging, rear privacy glass, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB ports, and low-speed automatic braking. An available power liftgate adds convenience for weekend errands or grocery runs.
The CR-V adds extra luxury with ambient interior lighting, driver's memory settings, and a Bose premium sound system — giving drivers a higher-end feel without stepping up to a luxury brand.
Test Drive the 2026 Honda HR-V or CR-V at McGrath City Honda in Chicago, IL
Still deciding? Visit McGrath City Honda, your local Honda dealership in Chicago, IL, to test drive the 2026 Honda HR-V and CR-V side by side. Our team can walk you through available trims, help compare gas and hybrid options, and discuss finance or lease specials tailored to your budget.
Stop by McGrath City Honda or schedule your test drive online today to find the perfect Honda crossover for your Chicago lifestyle.
Images are for illustration purposes only.
* 2026 Honda HR-V: 26 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 25 city/30 highway/27 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
* 2026 Honda CR-V: 28 city/33 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 27 city/31 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 43 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg rating for the 2WD Sport & Sport-L Hybrid trims. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined mpg rating for AWD Sport, Sport-L & Sport Touring Hybrid trims. 38 city/33 highway/35 combined mpg rating for TrailSport Hybrid AWD trim. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.
** Based on SAE J1100 cargo volume measurement standard plus, where applicable, floor space between seating rows and seats in their forward-most and upright position.