Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its 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 windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The test model was showcased in a Nordic Forest Pearl colour, adding to its refined aesthetic. Inside, the HR-V's interior echoed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, featuring a metal honeycomb grille that concealed the vents, touch-sensitive lights, and a sculptural centre console. The EX-L trim boasted perforated leather seats with additional shoulder support, although the eight-way power driver's seat was unavailable in Canada due to supply shortages.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained its previous design with minimal changes, introducing a new Cypress Green paint colour. The current-generation Highlander was characterized by exaggerated forms, from scowling headlights to dramatically sculpted rear forms. Inside, the cabin continued the oversized theme with large air vents, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and big climate control knobs. However, the multi-layered dashboard's mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display, made the interior visually overwhelming. The primary controls felt inexpensive, and the storage areas were unlined, leading to potential noise issues. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid offered a quiet ride on the road.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, with an updated continuously variable transmission (CVT) incorporating a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by pulling the shifter back. The new front and fully independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, made the HR-V surprisingly fun to drive on mountain roads, although it was not overpowered. Competitors like the Kia Seltos and Ford Bronco Sport offered multiple powertrain options, including turbocharged engines.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, providing 243 combined horsepower. The electric assist motors aided acceleration, and the EV mode allowed for electric-only driving at low speeds. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an optimistic Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle returned 8.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid's soft suspension and CVT made for a comfortable but uninspiring driving experience.

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 HR-V's fastback design sacrificed some rear-seat headroom, but cargo space remained competitive, with 691 litres with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded. The second-generation HR-V lacked the Magic Seat but featured a 60/40 split rear seat with a nearly flat floor when folded. Passenger volume varied by trim, with the EX-L offering slightly more space than the LX and Sport trims.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row best suited for occasional use. Standard equipment included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with the Platinum package adding heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Highlander Hybrid offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded and 2,387 litres with the second row down. However, the centre armrest storage console design was unnecessarily complex, and the optional all-weather cargo mat compromised utility.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment system with a physical knob for power and volume control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display, a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. All HR-Vs included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch colour touchscreen display, with additional features like Wi-Fi capability and SiriusXM on the EX-L trim.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display on upper trims. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 12.3-inch display on the Limited trim, with over-the-air software updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, although the graphics could benefit from sharper contrast.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), 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 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), a comprehensive ADAS package with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with front and rear parking sensors on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).