Honda HR-V vs Volvo C40
What's the difference?

Honda HR-V

$27,940 - $38,888

2024 price

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Volvo C40

$34,990 - $49,990

2023 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2024 Honda HR-V

2023 Volvo C40

By Emily Agar

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.5L

Electric motor type

—

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Vehicle type

—

Fuel Efficiency

4.3L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Seriously good-looking inside and out
Affordable price tag for grade level
Easy to drive in the city

Great charging and range
Two well specified variants
Impressive driving performance

Dislikes

Missing features you'd expect for top model
Safety could and should be better
Engine gets whiny on open roads

Single motor not as good value
Seats could be more comfortable
Rear seat space compromised

2024 Honda HR-V Summary

Like many car brands, Honda is storming the hybrid field. The new HR-V brings with it a hybrid powertrain and external facelift but is it enough to keep it competitive in the small SUV segment?

As with any cosmetic surgery you may wonder whether the facelift has been successful.

No tricks – I’ll tell you straight up the new external design might be what you’re looking for if you’re on the hunt for a small SUV that doesn’t look like it moonlights as an Uber for Mr Big Ears (a Noddy reference for any youngsters out there).

We're testing out the top hybrid model, the L, to see what else this urban dweller gets right and what it sometimes gets wrong.

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2023 Volvo C40 Summary

Throughout its history Volvo has been known for a lot of things. Being a safety leader, dorky but endearing station wagons, ‘bloody Volvo drivers’, and more recently, a trailblazer in minimalist premium design.

The C40 is the first step in a next chapter for Volvo, with the brand wanting to be known next for its leadership in the electric space. For the first time for Volvo, it’s a fully electric offering

But in a world of Teslas, Polestars, and Mercedes Benz EQs, where does the C40 sit, and is it worth considering in an increasingly congested premium small SUV space?

We went to its Australian launch to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Honda HR-V 2023 Volvo C40

Verdict

The Honda HR-V e:HEV L offers a respectable driving experience in the city but compared to its rivals, it’s features list and safety don’t always stack up. It sort of straddles the fence between basic and lux at times, which is an odd place for a top-model to be but its sharper styling will win hearts and the cabin is still practical.

Verdict

The C40 becomes a compelling option in the electrified small SUV space, offering a premium look and feel, great range and tech inclusions at the price, as well as awesome on-road dynamics.

Its main downsides are the rear seat, which is compromised by its platform and design-led roofline, and the overwhelming power and added traction of the dual-motor makes the single motor less attractive on the value front.

Still, regardless of variant chosen, the C40 looks to offer a stand-out balance of price, range, and performance, against its traditional rivals and newcomers alike.

Honda HR-V vs Volvo C40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Honda HR-V vs Volvo C40
What's the difference?