Honda HR-V vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Honda HR-V was available in three trim levels: LX, Sport, and EX-L, with prices ranging from $27,650 to $31,500, including a $1,450 destination charge. Adding all-wheel drive (AWD) incurred an additional $1,500. The test vehicle was an EX-L AWD with a Nordic Forest Pearl paint, priced at $33,455. The HR-V's design featured a blobby grille and a forward-leaning profile, which were not universally appealing. However, the green paint and 18-inch alloy wheels under gloss-black wheel arches enhanced its appearance. The HR-V's styling updates included new wheel designs for each trim and standard dark-tinted rear privacy glass. Inside, the HR-V offered an upscale feel with gray upholstery and trim, available only on LX and EX-L trims. The EX-L featured genuine leather seats with Z-pattern stitching and upgraded cabin lighting, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was offered in XLE and Limited trims, with options for single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) or dual-motor AWD, and two battery sizes. Prices ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. The test vehicle was an XLE FWD with the optional larger battery, priced at $40,468. The bZ's design improved with body-color trim, enhancing its appeal. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, and the fabric seats featured an upscale pattern. The bZ's 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control, and the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and information overload. Despite these issues, the bZ's interior offered a sense of quality and practicality.

The 2026 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 138 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. Weighing up to 3,336 pounds, the HR-V's engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) worked hard, especially during acceleration and overtaking. The HR-V's fuel economy was rated at 28 mpg combined for FWD and 27 mpg for AWD, but real-world testing averaged 24.8 mpg. The HR-V's dynamic tuning was commendable, with a multi-link rear suspension and Agile Handling Assist, providing a lively driving experience. However, the steering was not particularly quick, and the brakes, while effective, required careful handling during descents.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a choice of battery sizes and motor configurations. The XLE FWD with a 57.7-kWh battery produced 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models produced 338 hp and offered varying ranges. The bZ's charging capabilities included compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and a CCS adapter. Efficiency tests showed favorable results, with the bZ averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode. The bZ's driving experience was agreeable, with good visibility and standard parking sensors. However, the FWD model's handling on winding roads was limited by its tires and steering.

The 2026 Honda HR-V's interior lacked the innovation of its predecessor, with a standard rear seat that folded flat. It missed features like a fold-flat front passenger seat and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat. The HR-V's storage was reasonable, with comfortable front seats and heated options in higher trims. The back seat offered adequate space but lacked support and amenities like air-conditioning vents and cupholders. The cargo area provided 24.4 cubic feet of space, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota bZ's design, with its skateboard-style EV platform, offered easy access and comfortable seating. Both front seats featured height adjustment, with power options in higher trims. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage solutions. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good legroom and standard air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cargo area offered 27.7 cubic feet of space, with an underfloor storage well and a power liftgate. Folding the rear seats expanded the space to 56.9 cubic feet.

The 2026 Honda HR-V featured a 9-inch touchscreen with a faster processor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charger. However, it lacked built-in navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. The audio system varied by trim, with the EX-L offering an eight-speaker setup. The HR-V's tech was simple and user-friendly, with a smart digital instrumentation panel and a walk-away automatic vehicle locking feature.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital driver display and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The driver display's placement and information overload were drawbacks. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect system powered navigation and voice assistant features, which performed well in testing.

The 2026 Honda HR-V was equipped with Honda Sensing, offering features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The HR-V received favorable safety ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for 2025.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs. The bZ's safety features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Limited trim offered additional safety aids. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with high marks for front-crash avoidance but lower ratings for headlights and frontal-impact tests.