2026 Honda HR-V vs. Competitors
2026 Honda
HR-V vs. Competitors
Calling the subcompact crossover segment “hot” is an understatement; most mainstream automotive brands have an entry. Honda planted its flag with the HR-V, starting in 2016. Today, the model is in its second generation and it continues to sell strongly. The Toyota Corolla Cross is an obvious rival, but other key competitors include the Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos. Let's take a closer look by examining the 2026 editions of these four models. Unless mentioned otherwise, all comparisons involve the least expensive trim with all-wheel drive.
Shop Honda HR-VPricing and Resale Value
With a starting price of $27,700, the HR-V sits in the middle of the pack: below the Taos ($28,200) and above the CX-30 ($25,975) and Corolla Cross ($26,710). Shoppers drawn to the bottom line should also consider long-term resale value when considering a purchase. Data from CarEdge provides helpful insight into the numbers.
After five years, an HR-V is estimated to retain 69.25% of its original value, which is just behind the Corolla Cross at 70.41%. Residual value over the same period drops to 64.24% for the CX-30 and to 45.64% for the Taos. Beyond five years, the HR-V pulls ahead with even lower depreciation. Its seven-year residual value is 63.76%, compared with 59.76% for the Corolla Cross, 54.63% for the CX-30, and 39.32% for the Taos. The spread is similar at the ten-year mark, with the HR-V having the lowest depreciation of the group.
Ratings
Owners on Edmunds give the HR-V an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5, with the CX-30 following close behind at 4.2. The Taos earned a 3.8, while the Corolla Cross earned the lowest rating at 3.4. Consumer Reports has yet to review all the 2026 editions, but its findings from last year still apply, as none of these four vehicles have received substantial changes. All models except the Taos received "CR Recommended" status, with the HR-V ranking near the top of the subcompact SUV category and scoring higher than the CX-30 and non-hybrid Corolla Cross. The Taos placed near the bottom of the list.
Meanwhile, the HR-V comes out ahead in J.D. Power's 2026 rankings for quality and reliability. It earned an 83 out of 100 (considered a "great" score), just topping the Corolla Cross' 82 ranking. The Mazda's score of 80 puts it in the "average" category, like the Taos' 77.
Cabin Comfort and Cargo Space
Given that these four crossovers are in the same automotive category, they have many similar cabin measurements, such as front legroom and headroom. However, several key specifications favor the HR-V. Its 37.7 inches of rear legroom easily outstretches the Corolla Cross' 32.0 inches. The Mazda CX-30 still falls short with 36.3 inches of rear seat legroom. The Honda also has more front and rear shoulder room than the Toyota and Mazda, sometimes with several inches to spare. The HR-V and Taos have almost identical front and rear shoulder room measurements.
The HR-V's cargo space is another strong point, with 24.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet when the back seat is folded. This capacity compares favorably to the Corolla Cross (21.0/44.0 cubic feet) and the CX-30 (20.2/45.2 cubic feet). The Taos is slightly larger in the back with 24.9 or 60.2 cubic feet of storage space.
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