Honda’s smallest (and most affordable) sport utility vehicle is the HR-V. But despite this little SUV’s practical size and impressive fuel economy, it doesn’t stand up to the ever-popular (and slightly larger) CR-V.

Compact and subcompact SUVs are incredibly in-demand these days. They offer all the benefits of an SUV—like more cargo space, better visibility, and improved crash test ratings—in addition to comfortable, sedan-style driving and performance. For the 2022 model year, Honda offers two excellent small SUVs—the HR-V and CR-V—but deciding between them can be tough!

That’s why

Jerry

, the

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comparison tool and app you can trust, is here to help. We’ll take an in-depth look at Honda’s smallest SUVs to help you decide which one is right for you. Plus, we’ll show you how to lower your

Honda car insurance costs

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2022 Honda compact and subcompact SUVs

As of 2022, Honda only offers two small SUVs: the subcompact HR-V and the compact CR-V.

2022 Honda HR-V ($21,870 MSRP)

While the pint-sized

Honda HR-V

has a lot to offer, its most compelling feature might be the affordable starting cost. Even the highest trim level comes in under the $30,000 mark, so it’s a great option for car buyers on a budget.

But the HR-V is far from the best small SUV on the market. In fact, it comes with a somewhat underpowered engine and less standard tech than competitors like the

Hyundai Kona

Mazda CX-30

Expert auto critics reacted lukewarm toward the HR-V, too—with both Edmunds and U.S News & World Report giving it a mediocre 7.6/10. Car and Driver was even less impressed with its 6/10 rating, and the HR-V comes in dead last on J.D. Power’s 2022 list of “Best Small SUVs.”

But that doesn’t mean the HR-V is a bad pick. There’s its above-average fuel economy to consider, plus a surprisingly roomy interior with top-notch cargo space (and of course, that cheap starting price).

Here are some of the HR-V’s best features:

An EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg combined

23.2 cubic feet of storage space (and up to 55.9 cubes with the rear seats folded down)

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone compatibility

EX and EX-L trims come standard with a full suite of driver-assistance tech

And some of its major weaknesses:

Sluggish 0-to-60 time of 8.6 seconds

All-wheel drive must be optioned on all models

The engine is loud and causes vibration

MORE:

Top 8 Honda HR-V competitors

2022 Honda CR-V ($26,800 MSRP)

Not only does the

Honda CR-V

have a better engine than its smaller sibling, but it also comes with improved tech, more interior space, and a wider selection of optional add-ons and upgrades.

The CR-V may not be as flashy as the

Mazda CX-5

or as versatile as the

Subaru Forester

, but it remains a long-standing favorite with leading automotive press sources. In 2022, it earned an 8.1/10 from Edmunds, an 8.8/10 from U.S. News & World Report, and a near-perfect rating of 9/10 from Car and Driver.

It also came in at #1 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Compact SUVs,” and #6 in J.D. Power’s ranking of the same category.

Here are a few advantages of owning a Honda CR-V:

Affordable starting costs, ranging from $28,045 to $39,045 (depending on trim level)

Two powertrain options: a 190-hp turbocharged four-cylinder or a 201-hp hybrid

7.5-second 0-to-60 acceleration time

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone integration with streaming audio

Remote start and keyless entry

Driver-assistance tech comes standard on all trims

Many luxury options available, including a power liftgate, wireless charging, a sunroof, heated seats, real leather upholstery, an upgraded stereo system, and more

And a few disadvantages:

1,500-pound towing capacity is below-average for the class

Infotainment touchscreen controls can be clunky

All-wheel drive must be optioned on all trims except the Touring

MORE:

Honda HR-V vs. CR-V: How to choose

Other small Honda models

While the HR-V and CR-V are Honda’s only small sport utility vehicles, the Japanese automaker also makes four compact cars—three of which are variants of the beloved

Honda Civic

. If you’re interested in a small vehicle but don’t necessarily need an SUV, here are the other Honda models you should consider.

Honda Civic ($23,645 MSRP): Since its introduction back in 1973, Honda’s smallest car has also been the automaker’s all-time best-selling vehicle. It’s available as a sedan or hatchback.

Honda Civic Si ($28,595 MSRP): The Si is the standard Civic’s souped-up sibling, offered with a gutsy turbocharged 200-hp engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

Honda Civic Type-R ($38,910 MSRP): This four-door “hot-hatch” is the fastest version of the Civic, offering a 306-hp turbocharged engine that can do 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

Honda Insight ($26,855): The Insight is almost identical in size to the Civic but comes with an eco-friendly gas-electric hybrid powertrain that’s rated for 52 mpg combined.

Honda’s only other sedan is the midsize Honda Accord. Larger vehicles include the Honda Pilot and Passport midsize SUVs, the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, and the Honda Odyssey minivan.

MORE:

Honda Civic Type R 0 to 60

What is Honda’s smallest car?

While sport utility vehicles are usually larger than sedans, the Honda HR-V is the smallest vehicle in Honda’s 2022 lineup. The HR-V has a wheelbase of just 102.8 inches—that’s almost 5 inches smaller than the Civic’s 107.7-inch wheelbase.

What is Honda’s cheapest car?

The HR-V starts at just $21,870—making it Honda’s cheapest vehicle, as well.

MORE:

Are Hondas good cars?

How to save on Honda insurance

It’s tempting to think that buying a smaller, cheaper car might lead to lower

car insurance

costs. And while that could be true in some cases—when it comes to Honda’s small SUV options, HR-V insurance is actually more expensive than CR-V insurance due to the CR-V’s superior safety and reliability scores.

So, how can you lower your car insurance bill? With

Jerry

, of course!

The Jerry app is a

trusted broker

that works with more than 55 of the nation’s top-rated insurance companies to find you the best coverage and cheapest rates. Jerry collects all your information from your existing insurer, and lets you know whether you’re paying too much for your policy.

Choose a plan from your personalized list of affordable quotes, and sit back while Jerry gets you signed up for new coverage in under a minute. We can even help cancel your old policy.

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