2023 Subaru Crosstrek Is Better Than Honda HR-V in 1 Huge Way
The Subaru Crosstrek and the Honda HR-V are rivals in the increasingly popular subcompact crossover SUV segment. While the HR-V is much improved with a complete overhaul for the 2023 model year, there’s something in the Crosstrek’s favor that gives it an edge. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is better than the 2023 Honda HR-V in one huge way: driving in the snow.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek has better snow-driving capabilities than the 2023 Honda HR-V
When there’s heavy snowfall, driving can be brutal, partially if you don’t have a vehicle that’s well-equipped to handle such conditions. You can get stuck in the snow or slide off the side of the road and into a ditch. And the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has much better snow-driving capabilities than the 2023 Honda HR-V. If you’re a crossover SUV shopper that lives in a place with a harsh winter climate, then the Crosstrek is likely the preferable choice for you. It’s one of the best subcompact crossover SUVs for driving in the snow.
The Crosstrek’s snow-driving capabilities start with its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides optimal traction in the white fluffy stuff. It comes standard for all models. While the HR-V offers an all-wheel drive system, it’s an optional feature, so you have to pay extra. Also, it’s not as advanced as the Crosstrek’s Symmetrical AWD. Instead of reacting to slippage after it occurs, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive routes power to all of the wheels. And for additional traction, the Crosstrek has a selectable X-MODE.
Another factor that makes the Crosstrek better than the HR-V for driving in the snow is its high ground clearance. It provides up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance, compared to 7.3 inches for the HR-V. The extra ground clearance enables the Crosstrek to more effectively and safely drive over deep snow.
2023 Crosstrek is also better than the 2023 HR-V for driving off-road and on poor-quality roads
Even if you live in a year-round warm climate with little or no snow, these positive characteristics of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek are beneficial in other ways. This includes travel on poor-quality roads, such as ones with potholes, cracks, and broken concrete. The superior traction that the Crosstrek provides compared to the 2023 Honda HR-V aids driving on rough roads. It also helps for driving on slippery roads when it rains.
Additionally, the Crosstrek is better than the HR-V for off-road use. It’s a great option for crossover SUV shoppers that want to head off the beaten path and enjoy wilderness excursions. Along with its advanced AWD system and high ground clearance, the Crosstrek has exterior cladding to protect it from the rigors of off-road use.
Other strengths of the Subaru Crosstrek over the Honda HR-V
The 2023 Crosstrek crossover SUV has some other strengths over the 2023 HR-V. This includes higher fuel economy, especially for the plug-in hybrid variant. The Crosstrek Hybrid gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 90 combined MPGe in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode, while the fully gas-powered model gets up to 30 combined mpg. In comparison, the HR-V has an estimated fuel economy of up to 28 combined mpg.
Also, unlike the HR-V, the Crosstrek is rated for towing. It has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. Furthermore, the Crossrek provides more passenger space than the HR-V (100.9 cu-ft vs. 98.7 cu-ft). This includes more front legroom (43.1 vs. 41.9 inches).
With its superior capabilities for driving in the snow, the 2023 Subaru Crossstrek is better than the 2023 Honda HR-V in a huge way. When deciding between the two crossover SUVs, the snow-driving capabilities is something to consider for those that live in a cold winter climate.
