Honda HR-V vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The black molding strips on the roof were removed, and the windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip. The model tested was in a Nordic Forest Pearl colour, adding to its refined aesthetic. Inside, the HR-V featured new black cloth seats with heated front seats and side mirrors as standard. The Sport trim added a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof. The EX-L trim, which was tested, boasted perforated leather seats and a premium feel, although the eight-way power driver's seat was unavailable in Canada due to supply shortages.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking presence on the road, with its long hood and low ground clearance giving it the appearance of a sleek sedan rather than an SUV. Its design was reminiscent of the classic Seville, with a long wheelbase, short tail, and wide track. The front featured vertical light bars with nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille, adorned with lighting effects, varied in design across trims. The Sport trim tested had a dark triangular motif, enhancing its imposing look. Inside, the LYRIQ showcased attention to detail with leather-wrapped seats, chrome-outlined controls, and a unique three-spoke steering wheel. However, the floating centre console offered limited functionality, and the 33-inch OLED display, while impressive, didn't dominate the space.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, or ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available for a more dynamic experience. Despite updates for a quieter cabin, the HR-V remained noisy at higher speeds. The HR-V's suspension and widened tracks made it enjoyable to drive on mountain roads, though it lacked power compared to competitors like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, excelled on highways with its calm and poised ride. The dual-motor powertrain in the test car delivered 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, while the standard single rear motor offered 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. Both setups used a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with a claimed range of 505 kilometres for RWD and 494 km for AWD. However, real-world testing showed a range closer to 420 kilometres. The LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel. Regenerative braking helped reduce stress on the brakes, but the chassis needed improvement.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a centre console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but cargo space remained competitive at 691 litres with seats up and 1,559 litres folded. The second-generation HR-V lacked the Magic Seat but had a higher seating position and nearly flat floor when seats were folded. Passenger volume varied across trims, with the EX-L gaining space while LX and Sport shrank slightly.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality, as misaligned rear fenders and a faulty charging port were noted. Functionality issues included a glovebox accessible only in Park and a small centre cubby. The floating console lacked versatility, and the rotary selector for the touchscreen was cumbersome. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ offered generous headroom and legroom, though cargo space was limited at 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment system with a physical knob for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless versions on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also had a 9-inch display, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker audio system. All trims included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and various connectivity options.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Super Cruise system provided hands-free driving, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ included forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The LYRIQ received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and an acceptable mark for its pedestrian collision avoidance system.