The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Honda HR-V showcase big personalities in the small SUV segment. Significant changes define the 2026 model year for both top sellers in the segment.
The refreshed 2026 Honda HR-V arrives with more standard features this year, including a larger 9-inch touchscreen, that befit the model’s large size relative to rivals.
Subaru no longer differentiates the Crosstrek solely with its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and chunky black plastic cladding that rings the lower body like the sole of a hiking boot. The first-ever 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid boasts a 36-mpg combined rating, positioning Subaru as a rival to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and the Kia Niro, to a lesser extent. Honda hasn’t applied its popular two-motor hybrid system the the HR-V. Yet.
Last redesigned for 2023, the Honda HR-V grew into near CR-V proportions from the generation before. It’s roomier for cargo than the Crosstrek or really any other model in this segment.
Subaru redesigned the Crosstrek for 2024, giving it two years to simmer before introducing the hybrid. The stiffer chassis enables a smoother and more composed ride, as well as a quieter cabin. Consider that criticism of the Crosstrek addressed. The elevated ride height and standard all-wheel drive give it genuine off-road capability, even in models not equipped in Wilderness trims. There’s no equivalent TrailSport model on the more one-dimensional HR-V.
Here’s a deeper look at how the Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek compare.
2026 Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is available in three trims: LX, Sport, and EX-L. Standard features include a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, automatic climate control, keyless entry, remote start, and the Honda Sensing bundle of driver-assist systems that includes adaptive cruise control.
Every HR-V is equipped with a 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive is optional for $1,500.
Honda HR-V Highlights
Suspension refinement: Honda’s decision in 2023 to move the HR-V to the Civic platform has paid off with a more compliant, refined ride. No matter the driving environment, the Honda HR-V remains composed, yet it can zip around corners with enthusiasm. It’s a calmer, quieter ride than the Crosstrek.
Big cargo space: There is 24.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, compared to 19.9 cubic feet in the Crosstrek. Those numbers might not mean much but with more than 20% more cargo space, you could fit at least an extra suitcase back there.
Honda Sensing: Safety is a major HR-V priority. The standard Honda Sensing safety suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the HR-V a Top Safety Pick+ and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it five stars because of its excellent performance in crash tests.
HondaLink: Using this standard smartphone app, owners can interact with their HR-V in countless ways, such as tracking it if stolen. They can also schedule service appointments or set geofencing limits when tossing the keys to someone else.
Active Noise Cancellation: To minimize engine drone and other unwelcome road noise, Honda engineers the audio system with active noise cancellation technology to counteract it.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the HR-V models for sale near you.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is available in five trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. Serving as the entry-level powertrain is a 152-hp 4-cylinder engine paired with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. Moving to the Premium, Sport, Limited, or Wilderness trims includes a more spirited 182-hp 4-cylinder. The 194-hp hybrid marries a 2.5-liter boxer engine, electric motors, and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery.
With its recent redesign, Subaru worked hard to improve the overall ride quality of the Crosstrek while minimizing engine and road noise. The results are impressive. And we think Subaru loyalists will appreciate how the automaker accomplished this without dramatically altering the basic formula of its current best-selling model. The Crosstrek Hybrid takes this a step further as the quieter, most powerful, and most efficient Crosstrek option. It’s our recommended pick, even at about $3,000 more than a similarly equipped Crosstrek Sport.
Subaru Crosstrek Highlights
Standard AWD: There’s no need to check an option box to add all-wheel drive. It’s standard on every Crosstrek, making this pint-sized Subaru extremely capable when roads turn slippery.
Wilderness trim: The Wilderness model comes with a front underbody skid plate, all-terrain tires, extra driver-selectable off-road driving modes, a beefier suspension, redesigned front and rear bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, and black exterior body cladding.
Crosstrek Hybrid: 36 mpg combined with all-wheel drive? Optimal.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Rejoice, smartphone fans! Every Crosstrek with an 11.6-inch screen comes standard with wireless smartphone connectivity. A wired connection is needed with the standard dual-screen infotainment system used in the base model.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Crosstrek models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek rank high in our list of Best Subcompact SUVs for 2026. As we revealed here, there are plenty of reasons to recommend either of these two small sport-utes, not least of which is how they blend refinement, affordability, interior space, and cargo-toting capability into one very enticing package.
New 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Prices
Retail Price | Fair Purchase Price (94102) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$28,415 | TBD | |||
$29,415 | TBD | |||
$32,045 | TBD | |||
$34,415 | TBD | |||
$35,215 | TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Honda HR-V vehicles and New 2026 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2026 Honda HR-V | 2026 Subaru Crosstrek | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | 1,500 pounds |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | automatic, cvt w/lineartronic & 8-speed manual mode |
| Fuel Economy | N/A | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 179.8 inches | 176.4 inches |
| Width | 72.4 inches | 79.4 inches |
| Height | 63.4 inches | 62.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.1 feet | 35.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.4 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.0 inches | 38.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.9 inches | 42.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 37.7 inches | 36.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.6 inches | 56.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.2 inches | 55.3 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 24.4 feet | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | N/A | 54.7 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Honda HR-V and the Subaru Crosstrek are smart picks in the increasingly competitive subcompact SUV market. They deliver the modern conveniences demanded by shoppers, such as smartphone connectivity and excellent safety suites. They have identical 3-year/36,000-mile warranties. They are also compact and quite maneuverable, which makes them great for cities and crowded parking lots.
The Crosstrek extends that out of the city and off-road, where it can aptly take you down the path less traveled. The Crosstrek Hybrid has the same capability but rides cleaner and quieter on the road. The HR-V sizes up to be a bit roomier, at least for gear and rear-seat passengers, and it doesn’t force you into all-wheel drive if you don’t need it.
In this remarkably close contest, the Crosstrek narrowly eclipses the Honda HR-V because of its lower all-wheel-drive price and its range of personalities, from the Sport to the Wilderness to the Hybrid.
