2021 C-HR vs. HR-V Comparison
Crossovers are the perfect vehicle for those that want car-like handling but desire to be a bigger force on the road. The C-HR and HR-V fall within this happy medium perfectly.
Beyond delivering the ideal balance of the features you seek, crossovers don’t just blend into the flow of traffic. Instead, they provide an exciting contrast to the norm that makes a striking statement on the road. For instance, in 2021, you’ll see how the C-HR’s impressive Nightshade Edition breaks the crossover mold with a futuristic style.
Plus, with so many ways to connect, the C-HR is the perfect sidekick to any road trip. You’ll get standard Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, plus a SiriusXM® 3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription in the C-HR. You'll only find similar features in the HR-V Sport or higher.
So, which vehicle has exactly what you need? See what boxes these vehicles check in the categories of safety, style, and technology features.
Published Date: 08/04/2021
Safety
- All models of the C-HR come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5).
- Honda Sensing® Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies only come standard on the higher model HR-V EX and EX-L.
- The 2021 Honda HR-V only has six standard airbags while the Toyota C-HR features 10, including a knee airbag.
One of the biggest pluses about choosing a Toyota or Honda vehicle is that safety is a focus of the design.
Standard Active Safety Features
Every 2021 Toyota C-HR comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) suite of advanced active safety features. TSS 2.5 includes features like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Road Sign Assist (RSA). The comparable Honda Sensing® Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies only come standard on the higher grade Honda HR-V EX and EX-L.
The C-HR also comes standard with 10 airbags including a driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver, front passenger and rear seat-mounted side airbags, a driver knee airbag, front passenger seat-cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags. The 2021 Honda HR-V doesn’t include a driver knee airbag or front passenger seat-cushion airbag. For its part, the HR-V includes Advanced Front Airbags, SmartVent® Front Side Airbags, and Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor.
For the C-HR, the true advantage is that you get tons of standard active safety features, and you get more for less. The base model Toyota C-HR LE and the comparable Honda HR-V LX have a starting MSRP of $21,695 MSRP and $21,220, respectively—a difference of less than $500. However, Honda Sensing® Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies do not come standard on the HR-V LX. To get comparable safety features in the HR-V, you'll need to spend at least $3,200 more to upgrade to the HR-V EX (starting MSRP of $24,420) or higher. That means spending over $2,800 more than the C-HR LE.
Style & Comfort
- The C-HR has exciting color options, including the Nightshade Edition for a special look.
- You get standard dual zone automatic climate control in the C-HR.
- If you want a Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob in the HR-V, you'd need to get the HR-V Sport or EX-L.
When you buy a new car, you should be excited to take it for a spin. Luckily, the C-HR and the HR-V are as stylish as they are functional.
Exterior Style and Cool Comfort
From front to back, the C-HR was created with intention. Its aerodynamic look and LED lights give it a look straight from the future.
The C-HR has unique exterior color options for every personality, and it also has the Nightshade Edition for something extra special. With standard vortex-styled black 18-in. sport alloy wheels with black lug nuts, black outside front and passenger door handles, and black badges, the Nightshade Edition offers a bold look. The HR-V has a more ordinary look. With Projector-Beam Halogen Headlights and a more squared off design, there's not much curve and flow to the HR-V.
Feel the excitement that comes with stepping into the C-HR's sport fabric-trimmed front bucket seats. Conversely, the HR-V has standard black cloth seats. When it comes to thoughtful touches that enrich your driving experience, Toyota’s C-HR delivers a leather-trimmed shift lever with a satin-plated shift knob. Compared to the Honda, where you'll only find a Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob in the HR-V Sport and EX-L.
When it comes to climate control, Honda’s HR-V LX and Sport have standard Air Conditioning with an Air-Filtration System. To get Automatic Climate Control with an Electrostatic Touch-Screen you'd need to get the HR-V EX or EX-L. Comparatively, the 2021 Toyota C-HR boasts a greater degree of climate customization with its standard dual zone automatic climate control system with pollen filter and individual temperature settings for driver and front passenger.
Technology
- Overall, all C-HR models have more standard technology than the HR-V.
- If you want Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and SiriusXM® compatibility standard, the C-HR has these options on all models. You'd need the Honda HR-V Sport or higher to get the same.
- The base model C-HR has a larger screen than all HR-V models.
Take your ride to the next level with connectivity options that let you be in control.
Multimedia
All 2021 C-HR models have standard Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, plus a SiriusXM® 3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription. The Honda HR-V has most of these features as well, but they aren't on the base model LX. To get Apple Carplay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, you'd need to get the Sport or higher. For the addition of SiriusXM®, you'd need the EX or EX-L.
While you're driving, you don't want to have to squint at the screen to pick a song. That's why all C-HR models have a large 8-in. touchscreen. The base model HR-V LX only has a 5-inch color LCD screen. Even in the HR-V Sport, EX, and EX-L you only get a 7-in. display.
The C-HR comes with a boost in screen size, and it also has six speakers standard to pump up the tunes. Comparatively, the Honda HR-V LX and Sport only have four speakers standard. To get six speakers, you'd need to get the EX or EX-L model.
Conclusion: C-HR vs. HR-V
- The Honda HR-V base model lacks safety, comfort, and connectivity features that the base model Toyota C-HR has.
- The futuristic silhouette and bold color choices of the C-HR Nightshade Edition give it a distinct look that can't be matched.
Inspired by what is yet to come, the C-HR is a vehicle for those that want to do something a little different. While the HR-V has some great qualities too, it's designed as a more basic standard option.
The C-HR's futuristic design is truly revolutionary. You'll look good on the road and want to show off its tech-savvy and sporty interior. Plus, expect a forward-thinking exterior that turns heads—especially in the imposing Nightshade Edition. Black badges combine with standard vortex-styled black 18-in. sport alloy wheels featuring black lug nuts for a bold impression.
Whichever vehicle you choose, however, know that it was designed to help keep you safe. The active safety features that come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) and the comparable Honda Sensing® Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies can give you added peace of mind.