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2020 Honda HR-V vs 2020 Subaru XV - Which is more comfortable?

Shaun · Sep 10, 2020 11:56 AM

2020 Honda HR-V vs 2020 Subaru XV - Which is more comfortable? 01

There are three aspects to judge when it comes to comfort – suspension pliancy, noise level, and seat comfort. With that in mind, let’s compare the Honda HR-V and the Subaru XV in terms of comfort.

To recap, the Honda HR-V is priced at RM 124,800 (OTR with SST) whereas the Subaru XV is priced at RM 133,788 (OTR with SST).

Suspension Pliancy - Subaru XV rides more sophisticatedly

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2020 Honda HR-V vs 2020 Subaru XV - Which is more comfortable? 01

HR-V's rear suspension

The Honda HR-V is based on the same platform that underpins the Honda City/Jazz, and has the same suspension setup with MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear.

It’s a simpler setup and it’s apparent on the move as ride quality is best described as mediocre. There’s a hint of firmness in the ride which can be felt over lumps and bumps, particularly on the RS variant with the 18-inch wheels.

2020 Honda HR-V vs 2020 Subaru XV - Which is more comfortable? 01

XV's rear suspension

The Subaru XV rides on the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), featuring MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear.

On the move, the difference in ride quality is almost night and day. The Subaru XV feels like a car from a segment above, or even two. There’s a level of sophistication in its ride that the Honda HR-V can’t match. Rotted tarmac are soaked up with ease, rarely upsetting the cabin ambiance.

Noise level - Subaru XV is more refined

2020 Honda HR-V vs 2020 Subaru XV - Which is more comfortable? 01

Noise Level
  Subaru XV Honda HR-V
60 km/h 58 dB 60 dB
90 km/h 62 dB 65 dB
110 km/h 69 dB 69 dB

At lower speeds, the Subaru XV is noticeably quieter. Mechanical noises are impressively muted. At 60 km/h the sound level meter registered an average of 62 dB whereas in the Honda HR-V, it averaged 65 dB.

As the speed climbs however, road noise in the Subaru XV does get intrusive. At 110 km/h, both cars registered an average of 69 dB

Seat comfort - A tie between the two

2020 Honda HR-V vs 2020 Subaru XV - Which is more comfortable? 02

Front seats in both cars are fairly supportive, although lumbar adjustment is absent. The Honda HR-V does offer a tad more side support, but then again that depends on individual size and preferences. 

2020 Honda HR-V vs 2020 Subaru XV - Which is more comfortable? 03

Thigh support on both cars are decent as well, even on the rear bench. Overall, both are fairly even in terms of seat comfort.

Conclusion

2020 Honda HR-V vs 2020 Subaru XV - Which is more comfortable? 04

The Subaru XV has a more sophisticated ride quality and is quieter at city speeds compared to the Honda HR-V. In terms of comfort, the Subaru XV trumps the Honda HR-V.

Shaun

Senior Writer

The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.

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