What is the best year for a Honda HR-V?

The weakest years by those same measures are 2022 and 2023 — worth closer inspection before buying, not an automatic pass. Verdict: no standout year — any of the stronger years is a reasonable buy.

How much does Honda HR-V insurance cost?

Full-coverage insurance for the Honda HR-V averages $2,005 a year, about $167 a month (industry average). That is more than the subcompact segment average of $1,995. Actual rates vary by trim, location, and driving record — compare quotes before buying.

Is the Honda HR-V or Subaru Crosstrek cheaper to maintain?

Maintenance runs $301 a year on the Honda HR-V versus $492 on the Subaru Crosstrek. Reliability scores are 10/10 and 9.0/10. Unscheduled repairs average 0.1 versus 0.13 times per year. Verdict: the Honda HR-V is the cheaper of the two to run.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Honda HR-V?

The chance of a major repair in a given year is 5%, so roughly 95 in 100 owners will not face one — below the subcompact segment norm of 9%. Reliability sits at 10/10. Verdict: for most years, no — the odds do not justify the cost.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek expensive to maintain?

At $492/year the Crosstrek sits just $26 above the subcompact segment average of $466 — essentially at par on sticker cost. Where it distinguishes itself is frequency: a 13% repair rate versus the segment average of 20% means fewer unscheduled shop visits per year. Combined with a 7% major repair probability (below the 9% class average) and a 9/10 reliability score, it's a strong long-term ownership choice.

What is the best year for a Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2023 Crosstrek stands out with only 32 complaints, a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, and just 4 severe issues — the cleanest year in its recent history. Avoid the 2019 model, which had 276 complaints. The 2023–2025 window represents the most refined version currently available on the used market.

How much does Subaru Crosstrek insurance cost?

The Crosstrek averages about $1,968/year to insure — roughly $164/month — making it one of the more affordable subcompact SUVs to insure. Its strong safety ratings and low theft profile keep rates competitive across most driver profiles.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Honda HR-V cheaper to maintain?

The HR-V is cheaper by about $191/year — $301 versus $492 for the Crosstrek. The HR-V also leads on reliability (10 vs. 9) and major repair probability (5% vs. 7%). The Crosstrek's counterargument is standard AWD, which the HR-V doesn't offer — a meaningful difference depending on where and how you drive.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Subaru Crosstrek?

Probably not. A 7% major repair probability and 13% repair frequency both sit below the subcompact segment average, and a 9/10 reliability score puts it in low-risk territory. If buying a 2019 model used, some coverage is worth considering given elevated complaints that year — otherwise, self-insuring makes more financial sense.

Honda HR-V vs Subaru Crosstrek

Two subcompact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Honda HR-V — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Honda HR-V	Subaru Crosstrek
Annual maintenance	$301winner	$492
5-year total cost	$1,505winner	$2,460
Reliability score	10 / 10winner	9 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	5%winner	7%
Cargo space	55.1 cu ftwinner	54.7 cu ft
Starting price (new)	$28,600	$27,600winner

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Honda HR-V	Subaru Crosstrek
RepairPal score	10 / 10winner	9 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	151.7	65.9winner
Strongest years	2017, 2021	2013
Weakest years	2022, 2023	2016, 2018, 2019
Value retained · 3 yr	87.1%	90.5%winner
Value retained · 5 yr	71.3%winner	71.2%
Value retained · 7 yr	60.5%winner	59.5%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Honda HR-V	Subaru Crosstrek
Engine	12.4%winner	15.8%
Electrical	11.7%	11.5%winner
ADAS	8.6%winner	9.4%
Brakes	3.9%	2.2%winner
Steering	7.7%	3.6%winner
Fuel system	6.3%	—winner
Tires/Wheels	—winner	2.4%
Glass/Windows	23.4%winner	28.7%
Airbags	4.0%	1.8%winner
Lighting	—winner	2.2%
Seatbelt	0.8%	—winner

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Honda HR-V	Subaru Crosstrek
Avg annual premium	$2,005	$1,968winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Honda HR-V

$301/yr maint · 10 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Subaru Crosstrek

$492/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Honda HR-V averages $301 a year in maintenance. That is $165 below the subcompact segment average of $466. Owners bring it in for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.1 times per year, below the subcompact segment at 0.2. Its reliability score is 10/10. Verdict: cheaper than average to keep on the road.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →