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One of the most popular models in the subcompact crossover SUV segment is the Honda HR-V. Lately, the HR-V has generated a great deal of buzz with its complete redesign for the 2023 model year. However, what if the HR-V is not for you? Fortunately, there are some great crossover SUV alternatives to the HR-V that cost less than $25,000. Here are four affordable picks.

Affordable crossover SUV alternatives to get instead of a Honda HR-V

Front angle view of gray 2023 Honda HR-V crossover SUV, highlighting affordable alternatives that cost under $25,000
2023 Honda HR-V | Honda

The 2023 Honda HR-V, which has a starting price of $23,800 MSRP, is much improved over the 2022 version, especially for its exterior design and driving dynamics. However, the HR-V is not for everyone. Also, it has some drawbacks. This includes a relatively weak 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for U.S.-spec models. Additionally, it has an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg, which is comparatively low for the subcompact crossover SUV segment.

Here are four great crossover SUV alternatives to the Honda HR-V that cost less than $25,000:

  1. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross (Starting price: $23,060 MSRP)
  2. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek (Starting price: $23,645 MSRP)
  3. 2023 Kia Seltos (Starting price: $23,340 MSRP)
  4. 2023 Mazda CX-30 (Starting price: $22,950 MSRP)

Toyota Corolla Cross is a great alternative to the Honda HR-V

Front angle view of blue 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, affordable alternative to Honda HR-V costing under $25,000
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota

One of the best alternatives to the Honda HR-V is the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. It has a starting price of $23,060 MSRP. For the Corolla Cross, Toyota applied the design of the best-selling Corolla compact car to a crossover SUV — with successful results. The Corolla Cross has plenty of cargo space and many driving assistance technologies. Additionally, it offers good value with its wide array of standard features, even for the base model.

The Corolla Cross is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 169 horsepower, with an estimated gas mileage of up to 32 combined mpg. Also, for the 2023 model year, the Corolla Cross will add a more powerful and efficient hybrid model. It produces 194 horsepower, with an estimated gas mileage of up to 37 combined mpg.

Subaru Crosstrek: One of the best subcompact crossover SUVs for off-road use

Front angle view of tan 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
2023 Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru

The second affordable alternative to the HR-V that costs less than $25,000 is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, which has a starting price of $23,645 MSRP. With its standard all-wheel drive system, protective cladding, and ground clearance of up to 8.7 inches, the Crosstrek is one of the best subcompact crossover SUVs for off-road use. 

Buyers of the Crosstrek have a choice of three engine options: a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder, and a plug-in hybrid. The 2.0-liter engine produces 152 horsepower, while the 2.5-liter engine produces 182 horsepower. For the Crosstrek Hybrid, the total system output is 148 horsepower. Also, the Crosstrek Hybrid has an estimated electric-only driving range of 17 miles.

On the efficiency front, the fully gas-powered Crosstrek gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 mpg. Also, the Crosstrek Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 35 mpg in hybrid mode and 90 MPGe in electric mode.

Kia Seltos is an affordable alternative to the Honda HR-V

Front angle view of yellow 2023 Kia Seltos, affordable crossover SUV alternative to Honda HR-V that costs under $25,000
2023 Kia Seltos | Kia

The third affordable alternative to the Honda HR-V is the 2023 Kia Seltos, which has a starting price of $23,340 MSRP. Highlights of the Seltos include responsive and controlled driving characteristics, more interior space compared to most subcompact crossover SUVs, and advanced multimedia technologies. The Seltos is also a value-oriented choice with its abundance of standard features. Additionally, as detailed by KBB, it’s versatile and practical. 

Engine options for the Seltos include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (146 horsepower) and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (175 horsepower). For efficiency, the Seltos gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 31 combined mpg. 

Mazda CX-30: Fun-to-drive crossover SUV with a low price

Rear angle view of red 2022 Mazda CX-30
2023 Mazda CX-30 | Mazda

If you desire a fun-to-drive alternative to the Honda HR-V, then we encourage you to check out the 2023 Mazda CX-30, which has a starting price of $22,950 MSRP. Slotting below the CX-5 and CX-50 in the Mazda lineup, the CX-30 boasts agile handling, precise steering, and excellent cornering abilities. The CX-30 also has a stylish exterior design, useful technology features, and a relatively upscale interior.

Additionally, the CX-30 has more powerful engine options compared to most of its rivals, especially with the available turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which produces 227 horsepower. The CX-30 also has a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 191 horsepower. One drawback of the CX-30, though, is efficiency, with an estimated fuel economy of up to 29 combined mpg. 

Affordable crossover SUV alternatives to the Honda HR-V that cost less than $25,000 include the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, 2023 Kia Seltos, and 2023 Mazda CX-30. If you’re not sure that you want to get the HR-V, then these are great models to consider.

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