[conbrio]

The Subaru Crosstrek has been a vehicle that I used to have my eyes on for a very long time, until researching how many oil consumption complaints there are with Subarus. The boxer engine, in my opinion, is prone to oil burning due to the oil always being in constant contact with the piston rings, and the coolant is always in contact with the head gasket, and dirty coolant and oil can accelerate oil burning. Because the HRV will have a vertical inline engine, it will be less prone to oil consumption issues.

I also believe that...

The HRV will have more interior cargo space.

The HRV will have a more upscale interior.

The HRV will have better fuel economy.

In one of the several photos of the HRV on this site, there even are some Honda HRV rims that look quite reminiscent to the Crosstrek rims!

 

[EricMartin]

The HR-V and the Crosstrek are my top choices . For now, I have put the HR-V ahead for the reasons you mention. I would add that the HR-V seems to have better navigation and rear camera. Its side camera is useful particularly since the hidden door handles restrict side visibility.

On the other hand, the Crosstrek will be far superior in snow. It has excellent all around visibility and its Eye-sight would be useful.

Subaru's oil consumption would not be a show stopper for me. From what I gather it affects 10% of their cars. At worst, I would have to add some oil every 3 months - a risk I am willing to take. Most Subaru's seem to last for ever and they have a very devoted owner base.

I am ready to flip to the Crosstrek if the HR-V has only the 1.5l engine. This engine has a particularly weak torque (114 lb/f @ 4600 rpm). The HR-V weight as much as the Civic that has 15% more torque at a lower speed. The Crosstrek also has a much better torque to weight ratio. Both the Civic and the Crosstrek have just adequate acceleration - much less for the HR-V would be a problem.

I am also monitoring the Fit forums for significant reliability problems. A new car in a new factory in a new country is risky. VW's reliability has taken a nose dive when they started building their cars in Mexico. Honda is using less robots to capitalize on the Mexican low salaries. Costs are reduced but what about reliability?

In a couple of days, we might finally know what engine would be offered for the HR-V in North America. I am expecting (hoping) it will be the Civic's 1.8l. despite what many reviewers are saying. The 1.8l would give the HR-V the same torque/weight as the Crosstrek. It does not use Direct injection which I see as an advantage.

 

[conbrio]

I think that there is a very good chance that a 1.8 L engine will be available on the HRV, simply based on the Chinese Vezel website.

 

[John]

that is a good way to suggest what we may get, but, you do have to keep in mind that they tend to tailor vehicles differently for different markets all depending on their agenda for that market and what is relevant to that market.

 

[vtec]

I think that there is a very good chance that a 1.8 L engine will be available on the HRV, simply based on the Chinese Vezel website.

I can see that happening.

No reason for them to complicate it more and to configure it much more differently in other markets.

 

[99trey]

I am also considering both of these cars. For anyone else also looking at the XV, note that they did a number of updates for 2015 including a much improved 7in NAV unit, better interior materials, added sound insulation, and they revised the CVT to be both quieter and get better fuel economy (its up to 26city/34hwy). I camp pretty often so the XV's offroad capabilities interest me, but I'm curious where they will price the EX-L version of the HR-V. 2-3k cheaper then the XV might make a difference (fully loaded XV is 27.5).

 

[Chitown Drifter]

I drive a 2007 Honda Fit Sport 5 speed manual that flipped 100k miles a few weeks ago and have been reaearching possible replacements, even though I may keep the Fit a couple more years. It's been a very good little car with big room inside via the magic seats.

A higher ground clearance vehicle with AWD appeals to me for Chicago winters and the rough forest roads I drive to trailheads. But I don't want any kind of automatic transmission and the HR-V will not offer AWD with their 6 speed manual (but they are going with the Civic's 1.8L engine).

31mpg hwy on the Crosstrek just doesn't cut it, though. I hear Subaru is coming out with a new global platform in 2017, so I just may wait 2 or 3 years to see if there will be a new/better version of the Crosstrek. I think it also makes sense to wait to see the reliability of Hondas built in Mexico.

 

[Kanban]

I drive a 2007 Honda Fit Sport 5 speed manual that flipped 100k miles a few weeks ago and have been reaearching possible replacements, even though I may keep the Fit a couple more years. It's been a very good little car with big room inside via the magic seats.

A higher ground clearance vehicle with AWD appeals to me for Chicago winters and the rough forest roads I drive to trailheads. But I don't want any kind of automatic transmission and the HR-V will not offer AWD with their 6 speed manual (but they are going with the Civic's 1.8L engine).

31mpg hwy on the Crosstrek just doesn't cut it, though. I hear Subaru is coming out with a new global platform in 2017, so I just may wait 2 or 3 years to see if there will be a new/better version of the Crosstrek. I think it also makes sense to wait to see the reliability of Hondas built in Mexico.

Jeep Renegade...

 

[Chitown Drifter]

Does the Jeep Renegade have better fuel economy than the Crosstrek?

 

[vtec]

One thing for sure is the AWD system on the Subaru will be much better and more suited for rugged stuff than the HRV.

 

[Chitown Drifter]

One thing for sure is the AWD system on the Subaru will be much better and more suited for rugged stuff than the HRV.

+1 to that

 

[bleuetforestier]

All comments here are spot on, only the oil problem with Subaru's engines is new to me. I am driving a 2007 Forester and not having that sort of problem.

That said, I am looking at maybe the HRV, late spring in Canada. Was thinking of a Crosstrek but I too believe gas milleage will be better with HRV.

Specs shows HRV is about same size then my 07 Foz, but it is 10 cms shorter, mostly loosing some trunk space. But I'd live with it.

 

[Bicepeak]

All comments here are spot on, only the oil problem with Subaru's engines is new to me. I am driving a 2007 Forester and not having that sort of problem.

That said, I am looking at maybe the HRV, late spring in Canada. Was thinking of a Crosstrek but I too believe gas milleage will be better with HRV.

Specs shows HRV is about same size then my 07 Foz, but it is 10 cms shorter, mostly loosing some trunk space. But I'd live with it.

The Subaru oil problem is only with the newer Subarus.

 

[tossici]

I drove a Forrester and Crosstrek back to back this weekend. Forrester was great the only barriers for me would be price and mpg. I know the engine only had 70 miles on it but the dash readout that showed fuel economy at 16.5mpg had me worried. I know that this is from (winter) test driving only but my commute is all city and lots more stop and go than the test drive route. The Crosstrek was a bit of a disappointment after the Forrester. The engine felt sluggish and there was too much road and transmission noise. This was a 2014 and I know the 2015 received updates to address noise but I'll have to go back when they have some in stock. I actually though the Crosstrek hybrid was going to be a winner for stop and go driving. The hybrid receives a small hp boost and better sound proofing. But I noticed that the battery is installed where the spare tire would be and you get no spare tire. No run flats either. Just a can of fix-a-flat and a compressor. So for me the Crosstrek is out due to noise, power, mpg and lack of spare in the hybrid.

 

[John]

All comments here are spot on, only the oil problem with Subaru's engines is new to me. I am driving a 2007 Forester and not having that sort of problem.

That said, I am looking at maybe the HRV, late spring in Canada. Was thinking of a Crosstrek but I too believe gas milleage will be better with HRV.

Specs shows HRV is about same size then my 07 Foz, but it is 10 cms shorter, mostly loosing some trunk space. But I'd live with it.

Welcome to the forum!
Mileage should be good, better chances of making it reach it's peak with the right break in procedure.

 

[Frankie]

Does anybody have readily available the dimensions of these two vehicles - outside are more important to me than inside - ground clearance and other outside dimensions... If available. Thanks.

 

[BOOTHI]

Does anybody have readily available the dimensions of these two vehicles - outside are more important to me than inside - ground clearance and other outside dimensions... If available. Thanks.

Ground clearance.
8.7" - Crosstek
7.3" - Vezel

Length
175" -Crosstek
169" - Vezel

Width
70.1" - Crosstek
69.7" - Vezel

Height
63.6" - Crosstek
63.2" - Vezel

Cargo space, seats in place
Almost the same.
22.3 cubic feet - C
24.3 cubic feet - V

 

[Hector]

The Honda HRV and the similar Mazda CR3 are based in smaller and less powerfull cars than the Subaru Crosstrek. I have been researching the three and so far the Crosstrek is #1 on my short list.

 

[tossici]

I won't know until I can test drive the HRV/CX3. The Crosstrek is heavy which works against it being a more powerful car. Driving the Crosstrek up a steep hill left me wanting more power and better soundproofing. But if you have need for it, AWD is where the Crosstrek really shines. Plus you can get significant discounts off MSRP (today) and low financing, something I won't expect to see on a HRV/CX3 for a year or two.

The Honda HRV and the similar Mazda CR3 are based in smaller and less powerfull cars than the Subaru Crosstrek. I have been researching the three and so far the Crosstrek is #1 on my short list.

 

[bleuetforestier]

whats the Crosstrek engine? If its the 2 liters, after what I recently read, I won't buy. Stories of lemons in Quebec and seems Subaru Canada not making people happy.

You have to know we dont have antilemon law.

IF its the 2.5 liters, then, they should be fine.

At least its what I read and heard at the radio.