The local crossover segment is an interesting one. What was once a category with segments delineated by size and price has turned into one with an almost confusing number of overlapping choices. No other segment offers buyers the choice of propulsion type—normally aspirated gas, turbocharged gas, diesel, hybrid—but also the number of seats (5 or 7), and even the country of origin (Japan, Korea, U.S., China). At last count, there are over 20 out there, and those are just the players in the A- and Small Utility space. The segment is so huge that in 2022, 76,117 A- and Small Utility vehicles were sold—that’s as much as sub-A, A-, and B-segment passenger cars put together (76,182).
This brings us to the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Creta. Both of these fulfill the basic hygiene factors required of crossovers, and they’re both priced at the P 1.3-million sweet spot. However, their positioning couldn’t have been more different. The HR-V S (P 1,389,000) is the entry-level variant, while the Creta GLS (P 1,388,000) is the top-of-the-line trim. Be that as it may, because they’re priced so close together, buyers will definitely cross shop between them, and that’s why it’s about time these two are pitted against each other.
Exterior
No doubt about it: this is the HR-V’s biggest draw. It is internationally recognized for its design, and it’s easy to see why. Overall, it doesn’t share much in terms of family resemblance to other Honda SUVs, and for that, it can be considered as fashion-forward. It now fully embraces the coupe-like design direction set by its predecessor, and the use of simple, horizontal lines make it visually bigger and wider than it really is. The sheet metal to glass proportion favors the former, and it greatly uplifts the design at the expense of interior packaging (more on that later). The full-width LED taillight cluster is also quite refreshing, and is a bold way to cap off the exterior.
This is exactly the opposite of the Creta. The Hyundai starts out strong with its Parametric Jewel face. The plate armor-like grille and hidden LED DRLs show they’re willing to take chances design-wise, and here it has worked. It’s worth noting that the headlights aren’t in their usual spot, but are mounted at the edges of the bumper. Arranged vertically, this is where, from top to bottom, the low beams, high beams, and side turn signal lamps are. Compared to the HR-V, this arrangement offers superior nighttime illumination. Sadly, the rest of the car is incongruous. Despite the use of character lines and a two-tone roof, the side profile is generic, while the rear, with that taillight execution is just plain weird.
Interior
Both the Creta and HR-V offer efficiently designed cabins which put more emphasis on packaging than luxury. For that, both crossovers offer crisp, well-placed switchgear, but neither of them would have an abundance of soft-touch plastics; there are even exposed screwheads on the Creta if you know where to look. That said, the Creta manages to distract passengers from its shortcomings thanks to a successful play on colorway and tech. The two-tone black/cognac brown removes the drabby feel and adds a touch of class, while the crisp displays—10.25-inch digital display for instruments and 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment—schools just about everyone else in its class. Initially, the front seats are so aggressively cushioned that it feels like you’re sitting on top, rather than on them. After a while, you get used to it though, and the resulting ergonomics is generally hard to fault.
On the other hand, the HR-V seats are better executed. They’re firm, but not butt-numbingly so. Ergonomics don’t stray from other Honda designs, and this means they’re straightforward with a gentle learning curve. The smaller glass area means it’s less airy, but it does result in a far sportier feel from behind the wheel. The driver’s legs are more stretched out too, compared to the Creta’s which are more scrunched up. While the HR-V’s ergonomically sound, it does fall flat in visual drama. Apart from the unique diffuser air vents, there’s not much to talk about. The screens, be it the gauges or infotainment, are legible, but lack the wow factor of the Creta’s. Both models have rear AC vents, but only the Creta offers a USB charging port. On the other hand, the HR-V’s rear seats are far more comfortable for the two outboard adults thanks to their deeply sculpted design.
Winner: Hyundai Creta 1.5 GLS
Space and Practicality
Taken purely from a subjective sense, there’s not much separating the HR-V and the Creta when it comes to interior space. There’s a lot of leg- and shoulder room to go about on both models whether in the front or rear seats. However, the HR-V loses out largely because of its stingy headroom; finally, that emphasis on exterior design has made its presence felt. Even passengers of modest height will find themselves hitting the A-pillar (front passengers) or roof (rear passengers) occasionally. For the driver, setting the seat down to its lowest position helps, but it’s not foolproof. Towards the rear, the HR-V’s cargo hold is more voluminous with a lower lip height, taller space, and less obstructions from the rear suspension. Even better, the seats fold down flat in a 60/40-fold, and even flip up. This is here is the final word in flexibility.
The luggage compartment is where the Creta loses out by a mile. Despite having the same split-folding functionality, the cargo hold doesn’t form a completely flat space with the rear seats down. With the rear sears up, the area is shallower and narrower than the HR-V’s. There’s also no tonneau cover to keep valuables away from prying eyes. On the flip side, it does manage to accommodate a full-sized spare tire underneath compared to the T-type spare in the Honda. When not used as a grocery hauler or airport shuttle, the Creta is more than adept. It carries up to five comfortably. Admittedly, the rear seat space isn’t as great as the HR-V’s, but it’s still usable on a daily basis. Both also have a good number of storage bins dotted around the cabin, but it must be said that the Creta’s center storage bin is larger, and is thus, more smartphone friendly. Oh, and because Apple CarPlay is wireless in the Hyundai, this is where things like loose change and wallets could go; just make sure to turn off the wireless charger from the menu.
Winner: TIE
Performance and Fuel Economy
Normally, Honda gets it right when it comes to mechanicals, and when taken in isolation, the HR-V is pretty good; but when compared to the Creta, it loses out. In both cases, their straight-line performance is nothing to write about and is heavily influenced by the amount of people or cargo onboard, but adding more weight seems to saddle the Honda more (it’s that darn CVT). Both can handle the EDSA trudge quite alright, but the Hyundai comes out on top with its better NVH and more pliant ride.
Taking both out of the urban confines, the HR-V’s weakness is more apparent. The engine doesn’t feel taxed, but the CVT just isn’t a willing ally. It’s almost necessary to switch off ECON mode and/or wring the accelerator for something to happen, even if the result is just remotely exciting. Steering feel and precision favor the Honda, but when it comes to body control, the Hyundai’s not too far behind. Also, since crossovers aren’t expected to be canyon carvers, most buyers will probably gravitate towards the Creta’s more approachable character.
In terms of fuel economy, these two are reversed. Both driven with the same sort of average speeds, and both fueled with the 95-octane Petron XCS—the staple fuel used in DOE fuel eco runs, the HR-V does 17.24 km/L in light, and 9.90 km/L in heavy traffic; the Creta returns 16.12 km/L in light, and 11.23 km/L in heavy traffic.
Winner: Hyundai Creta 1.5 GLS
Value for Money
Though priced in the same bracket, the positioning and, by extension, equipment levels of the HR-V and Creta couldn’t have been more different. As mentioned earlier, the 1.5 S (aka “Standard” in Honda-speak) is the HR-V’s entry-level model and for that, equipment that’s traditionally considered as “luxury” like leather seats isn’t available. It does, however, get Honda Sensing which is Honda’s brand of advanced driver assist tech. This gives the HR-V functions like autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. Mind you, they’re all forward facing since Honda opted to omit blind spot indicators (even LaneWatch) or reverse sensors. It does have a rear camera, at least.
This is where the Creta GLS deals a decisive blow against the HR-V. Not only is it now more affordable, but its Hyundai Smart Sense system comes with features that can help protect drivers from both the front and the back. It feels over nannied at times, but at least it envelops the driver with its blind spot indicators, rear cross traffic alert, and rear parking sensors with a high-res camera. It even has tire pressure monitoring as well. And these all are on top of all the functions found in Honda Sensing. In terms of luxury features, it’s a give and take. The Creta has a leather steering wheel and leatherette seats, but gets fewer speakers, two less airbags, and one less 3-pt seatbelt than the HR-V. Despite these shortcomings, the Creta feels more aligned to its price tag whereas the HR-V should have stayed close to its P 1.25-million introductory price as opposed to climbing up close to P 1.4-million.
Winner: Hyundai Creta 1.5 GLS
Verdict
Even if, at their core, crossovers are basically wagons or hatchbacks with body cladding and raised ride heights, people perceive them to be of much better suited for Philippine roads. Buyers love for their better exterior visibility, increased ground clearance (extra layer of flood protection), and of course, the more flexible interior. With that in mind, both the Hyundai Creta and the Honda HR-V easily fit the bill.
The potential compact crossover buyer won’t go wrong with either of these choices, but when it comes down to choosing one that’s more well-rounded, the win goes to the Creta. Though the HR-V still has a more dynamic-looking exterior and spacious cargo space, its recent price hike has rubbed rub off some of its luster. This puts the Creta suddenly into the contention. Although it’s not the perfect choice, it is the sensible one. And when it comes to this segment of family-friendly rides, sensibility is actually an important criterion to wave around.
Winner: Hyundai Creta 1.5 GLS
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2023 Honda HR-V 1.5 S vs 2023 Hyundai Creta 1.5 GLS |
||
| Ownership | 2023 Honda HR-V 1.5 S | 2023 Hyundai Creta 1.5 GLS |
| Year Introduced | 2022 | 2022 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 100,000 kilometers | 5 years / 200,000 kilometers |
| The Basics | ||
| Body Type | Compact Crossover | Compact Crossover |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Engine / Drive | F/F | F/F |
| Under the Hood | ||
| Displacement (liters) | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Aspiration | Normally Aspirated | Normally Aspirated |
| Fuel Delivery | EFI | EFI |
| Layout / # of Cylinders | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| BHP @ rpm | 121 @ 6,600 | 115 @ 6,300 |
| Nm @ rpm | 145 @ 4,300 | 144 @ 4,500 |
| Fuel / Min. Octane | Gasoline / ~91 | Gasoline / ~91 |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Cruise Control | Yes, Adaptive | Yes |
| Fuel Economy @ Ave. Speed |
9.90 km/L @ 16 km/h 17.24 km/L @ 37 km/h (fueled with Petron XCS) |
11.23 km/L @ 18 km/h 16.12 km/L @ 37 km/h (fueled with Petron XCS) |
| Dimensions and Weights | ||
| Length (mm) | 4,330 | 4,315 |
| Width (mm) | 1,790 | 1,790 |
| Height (mm) | 1,590 | 1,630 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,610 | 2,610 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,262 | 1,175 |
| Suspension and Tires | ||
| Front Suspension | Independent, MacPherson Strut | Independent, MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam Axle | Torsion Beam Axle |
| Front Brakes | Vented Disc | Vented Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Parking Brake | Electric, w/ Auto Hold | Electric, with Auto Hold |
| Tires |
Goodyear Assurance
TripleMax 2 215/60 R 17 H (f & r) |
Kumho Solus HS63 215/60 R 17 (f & r) |
| Wheels | Alloy | Alloy |
| Safety Features | ||
| Airbags | 4 | 2 |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Traction / Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | None | Rear |
| Parking Camera | Rear | Rear |
| Front Seatbelt | 3-pt ELR with pre-tensioner x 2 | 3-pt ELR with pre-tensioner x 2 |
| Rear Seatbelt | 3-pt ELR x 3 | 3-pt ELR x 2, 2-pt Lap Belt x 1 |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor | Yes | Yes |
| Other Safety Features |
Hill Descent Control Hill Start Assist Collision Mitigation Braking Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure Warning Road Departure Warning Lead Car Departure Notification |
Hill Start Assist Tire Pressure Monitoring System Forward Collision Avoidance Assist Lane Keep Assist Lane Following Assist Lead Car Notification Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist Safe Exit |
| Exterior Features | ||
| Headlights | LED, w/ Auto High Beam | LED, w/ Auto High Beam |
| Fog Lamps | Yes, Front (LED) | None |
| Light Operation | Auto On/Off | Auto On/Off |
| Wiper Operation | Variable Intermittent | Variable Intermittent |
| Tailgate | Manual | Manual |
| Interior Features | ||
| Steering Wheel Adjust | Tilt/Telescopic | Tilt/Telescopic |
| Steering Wheel Material | Urethane | Leather |
| Seating Surface | Fabric | Leatherette |
| Seating Adjustment (driver) | 6-way, Manual | 6-way, Manual |
| Seating Adjustment (front passenger) | 4-way, Manual | 4-way, Manual |
| 2nd Row | 60/40 Split-Fold, w/ Arm Rest | 60/40 Split-Fold, w/ Arm Rest |
| 3rd Row | None | None |
| Sunroof | None | None |
| Multi-Information Display | Yes | Yes |
| Convenience Features | ||
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Mirrors | Yes, with Fold | Yes, w/ Fold |
| Rear View Mirror | Day/Night | Day/Night |
| Proximity Key | Yes | Yes |
| Climate Control | Auto, w/ Rear Vents | Auto, w/ Rear Vents |
| Audio System |
Stereo USB Bluetooth |
Stereo USB Bluetooth |
| Smartphone Connectivity |
Apple CarPlay Android Auto |
Apple CarPlay (Wireless) Android Auto |
| # of Speakers | 6 | 4 |
| Steering Controls | Yes | Yes |
Re their transmissions, which is more reliable & better, HRV's CVT or Creta's IVT?
ReplyDeleteCan't comment on the reliability of either transmission...you'll have to talk to owners about that. But when it comes to overall performance, the IVT wins hands down.
DeleteThanks for the prompt reply. I've been in the HRV waiting list & its been so looong. Since the Creta is better I'm having 2nd thoughts abt the HRV. [Previous Hondfa was a 4th gen CRV so I rate Honda's very highly]
DeleteThe HR-V S was a good buy at P 1.25-million (I mentioned that in the story), but given the new prices, it's not anymore worth it. I'd probably pay, at most P 1.3 for the specs.
DeleteBut yes...the wait list for the HR-V is crazy long!
At 1.312M, 1.8G corolla cross has 7 airbags, more hp and torque, TNGA. a bigger and longer car compared to the hrv and creta. Personally i prefer 7 airbags than adas. But b/n hrv and creta, ill go for more prestigous and high resale value hrv and also it has 4 airbags vs creta 2
DeleteThe updated price of creta at hyundae website is now 1.388M, pricy with just 2 airbags
ReplyDeleteThe price increase of the HRV is very drastic and exorbitant. At 1.3M I'll go for the Ford Territory.
ReplyDeleteTortury, changan cs55 and coolray also a good value for money
DeleteGod no. Avoid the Territory. The Coolray, though is also a good alternative.
DeleteHi Sir, for this price point is VW T-cross or Kia Seltos are good options?
DeleteBoth are getting a bit old. The Seltos is a good drive, but you need to go up to the SX to get any decent spec. If they kept the price with the refresh:
Deletehttps://www.carguide.ph/2022/06/kia-shows-off-2023-seltos-compact.html
It could be worthy competition.
For the price, I believe it's better to go for the Toyota Corolla Cross.
ReplyDeleteHope the new Hyundai fixed the aircon problems that plagued plenty of Hyundai cars (Accent the most notorious) from the previous distributor HARI.
ReplyDeleteYeah...that's an issue they have to work on. Hopefully, they do because their products are getting better.
DeleteAlso Uly, is this correct that the Creta also now has adaptive cruise control like the H-RV?
ReplyDeleteI checked both their brochures (on their sites) and seems like Hyundai haven't updated it yet with one (and the wireless Carplay.)
I'm asking Uly, not you.
DeleteAray...🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️ supalpal🤐🤐🤐
DeleteWireless CarPlay is confirmed (I've been using it)...adaptive cruise control in specs is a typo. No adaptive cruise control. Only lane centering.
DeleteThank you for the appropriate response, Uly. You're the best.
DeleteAt this price point it seems the more sensible choice would be the Creta (H-RV in Turbo is the better option, the mid-variant. But their pricing recently is now out of reach you better get a fuel-sipping Corolla Cross or—for additional money—a Mazda CX-5 instead.)
Hope Hyundai resolved the problems their previous distributor cars' had. Otherwise, they're on a roll lately. They hit a homerun this time with the Creta and Stargazer (albeit the hood and the inside gauges of it isn't my cup of coffee. The bezels looked like black-paint children building blocks it obscures some visibility.)
Honda seems keen on using the HR-V to fend off SUVS from at least THREE categories that's why there's a huge jump in pricing and specs on the 1.5 S, 1.5 V Turbo, and 1.5 RS Turbo. I wasn't too keen on the 1.5 V Turbo--I found the added equipment to be a bit disappointing, but admittedly, it is the better drive. If only they kept the pricing of the HR-V 1.5 S to below P 1.3M, it would have been okay.
DeleteAnd you're right...once you reach the P 1.7M to P 1.8M range, the choices suddenly change. You have the Corolla Cross and the Kicks e-Power too. Although, the Corolla Cross Hybrid, I find is much better as the Kicks still feels too "de-contented." Feels like Nissan had a pricing in mind when they came up with the Kicks and compromised along the way.
And I agree about the Stargazer. Front visibility is compromised (not because of the gauges, but because of the deep dash design and sharp A-pillar). Not a fan of the gauges too. They looked okay for a short drive, but after a while, it gets to my nerves. It looked too busy.
I'm no product planner, but I would think Honda could do better if they'd bring in the WR-V here. If it was available, I'd use the WR-V to fight against the lower priced crossovers (Raize, Stonic, Creta), and discontinue the HR-V S in favor of the V Turbo and RS Turbo. Then, I'd go with a turbo engine as the CR-V's base engine and the top trims will have the hybrid.
DeleteUly great analysis there.
DeleteI think probably the varying prices of HR-V are meant as stopgaps for those 3 categories since they haven't updated the CR-V yet. The pricing admittedly stretched them too thin (on features-to-pricing ratio.)
But those segments are cutthroat competitive now Honda should better bring the Hybrid CR-V ASAP or they'll lose to the other similarly-specced competition. The segment where the base-spec HRV and the Creta sits are where it is extreme price-sensitive. Add more cash and potential buyers will look elsewhere, and with that the Creta is the more sensible option—otherwise the potential buyers will be swayed away again by the Chinese offerings (which is getting really good btw.) And yes, I also absolutely disliked the Stargazer's gauges it is comical at best, let alone the copious amounts of plastic on the bezels it's unnecessary at best. I can't think of more comedic one-liners to describe that driver interior.
Hope they would launce the WR-V very soon. The segment where the base-spec HRV sits is extremely price sensitive.
DeleteBring the W-RV in, Honda. (Sorry the typo.)
DeleteYeah...I am hoping for a hybrid CR-V. HCPI did promise that they'll bring in a hybrid within the year so it makes sense for them introduce the tech on the CR-V. Let's see.
DeleteAnd agreed that the Creta/HR-V sits in a segment that's extremely price sensitive...that's why I had to mention that there are about 20 or so choices out there. It's crazy. Maybe that's one way for HCPI to quietly dissuade buyers from getting the HR-V S? Hahaha. I mean, they can't seem to catch up to their backlog of orders.
Wish we could have a better-specced T-Cross here but alas, Volkswagen PH had initial success with it and then outright slacked off terribly—not yet even mentioning poor management.
DeleteI agree Uly the ridiculous waiting line for HRV may also sway potential buyers away, too (but probably the waiting list is going for the turbo engines anyway.) And they can't keep up with inventory.
DeleteHonda PH needs to catch up real soon.
Hyundae ph should bring here indonesians specs creta and not dis strip down version. 3rd world nga indo, e di ang labas ng pinas 4th world. Ang baba nman ng tingin nla sa taste ng pnoys carbuyers.
DeleteSir Uly you seem to have some reservation with Territory, may we know why? Thank you
ReplyDeleteIn case you need a refresher: https://www.carguide.ph/2020/08/review-2021-ford-territory-titanium.html
DeleteThis particular review further cemented this site's integrity 👏
DeleteI was honestly so impressed how Honda managed to price the base HRV cheaper than the previous gen but how short lived that was lol
ReplyDeleteChevy tracker redline with peppy turbo, responsive 6at and sunroof for just 1.228 net of discount.
ReplyDeleteChevrolet Tracker? Crappy specs, underpowered and shoddy interior. Even the Coolray wipes that underwhelming release on the floor.
DeleteThis is the same Kuchi888 that says VW T-Cross is their bestseller when he was outright burned in the forums.
DeleteIn Kuchi888's mind, 5 units means a lot 😆
Kuchi888 show the sales numbers first, otherwise you're just spouting falsehood here.
DeleteI wasn't expecting the Creta to be this good especially with chassis tuning, considering it was specifically designed with developing regions in mind. How does the Creta compare to the old Kona? The Kona was a surprisingly fun little thing to throw around in the corners coupled with its peppy and responsive engine and tranny combo.
ReplyDeleteI have a question. For a country that takes value for money into consideration pretty much all the time, why do I not see reviewers talking about warranty and total cost of ownership in these review and comparison articles, and even in YouTube videos? I am not referring to this article only, but I have just observed that US and UK/AU reviewers mention those often, but here in PH it doesn't seem like most reviewers are not interested to discuss it. Not even in the infographics.
ReplyDeleteBecause this data isn't readily available here in the Philippines. In the US/UK/AU warranty claims/costs are made public through research by third-party groups. That sort of data isn't available here.
DeleteWhile it is entirely possible to establish those figures here in th Philippines. Not many are willing since that is a monumental effort plus the costs involved is very high. One option is to have publicly-gathered data like fuelly or fuel consumption websites in the EU, UK. It would just require active participation. On that note, even just starting something like that would be a godsend for Filipinos and journalists here.
DeleteIf it's fuel economy figures, you can go back to every review we've done. It's always indicated in our reviews.
DeleteHyundai Creta GLS is a really good SUV according to my friend from the broadcast industry who bought one this week
ReplyDelete