Verdict
The Honda HR-V costs RM14,988 less, yet its 1.5-litre produces 119 hp and 145 Nm against the Suzuki Fronx’s 100 hp and 138 Nm. It is also 352 mm longer, rides on a 90 mm longer wheelbase and carries 335 litres behind the rear seats, versus 308 litres. The Fronx fights back with front and rear curtain airbags, blind spot information, a 360-degree camera and a head-up display. For most Malaysian buyers, the Honda’s stronger numbers, extra space and five-year unlimited-mileage warranty make more sense.
Pick the Honda HR-V if you want the lower price, 119 hp and 145 Nm, a 335-litre boot and unlimited-mileage warranty cover for five years.
Pick the Suzuki Fronx if front and rear curtain airbags, blind spot information, a 360-degree camera and head-up display matter more than outright space and power.
Key differences
- Price: Honda HR-V RM115,900; Suzuki Fronx RM130,888.
- Engine output: Honda HR-V 1,498 cc, 119 hp and 145 Nm; Suzuki Fronx 1,462 cc, 100 hp and 138 Nm.
- Length and wheelbase: Honda HR-V 4,347 mm and 2,610 mm; Suzuki Fronx 3,995 mm and 2,520 mm.
- Boot space: Honda HR-V 335 litres; Suzuki Fronx 308 litres.
- Transmission: Honda HR-V CVT; Suzuki Fronx six-speed conventional automatic.
- Manufacturer warranty: Honda HR-V five years, unlimited mileage; Suzuki Fronx three years or 100,000 km.
HR-V
- 119 hp and 145 Nm from its 1.5-litre engine.
- 335-litre boot and 2,610 mm wheelbase.
- Five-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty.
- No blind spot information system, where the Fronx has one.
- No front and rear curtain airbags or head-up display, both fitted to the Fronx.
Fronx
- Front and rear curtain airbags plus blind spot information system.
- 360-degree reverse camera and head-up display.
- 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six speakers.
- RM14,988 pricier despite producing 100 hp and 138 Nm against the HR-V's 119 hp and 145 Nm.
- 308-litre boot is 27 litres smaller than the HR-V's 335 litres.
- Three-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty falls short of the HR-V's five-year unlimited-mileage cover.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM115,900✓ | RM130,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing and Mild-hybrid Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,462 cc |
| Horsepower | 119 hp✓ | 100 hp |
| Torque | 145 Nm✓ | 138 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 73 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | CVT | 6AT |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 12.1 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 186 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,347 mm | 3,995 mm |
| Width | 1,790 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,591 mm | 1,550 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm | 2,520 mm |
| Weight | 1,274 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 37 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 335 litres✓ | 308 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/50R18 | 215/50R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/50R18 | 215/50R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UltraContact UC6 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Indonesia (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front & Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For Front Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB-A & USB-C Front | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 1 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4 Speakers | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 6 Spekers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Multi-angle | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 5-year/100,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used HR-V & Fronx for sale
HR-V vs Fronx FAQ
Is the Honda HR-V or Suzuki Fronx better?
The Honda HR-V is the better fit for most buyers: it is cheaper, more powerful, longer and has a larger boot, plus five-year unlimited-mileage warranty cover. Choose the Fronx instead if its curtain airbags, blind spot information, head-up display and 360-degree camera are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Suzuki Fronx costs RM14,988 more than the Honda HR-V: RM130,888 versus RM115,900.
Which has more luggage space, the Honda HR-V or Suzuki Fronx?
The Honda HR-V has the larger boot at 335 litres, compared with 308 litres in the Suzuki Fronx. That is a 27-litre advantage for the Honda.