I think the Cross will be the more practical compared to the new HRV. Rear door is very square at the glass section compared to the sloping HRV. Have to see it in person to judge.

But historically, the honda being honda will be the more entertaining to drive of the 2. Toyota's have very numb steering, but often better sound proofing, more comfortable suspension and the 1.8L engine is a proven reliable unit. Neither will set your pants on fire though, but you also won't go wrong with either.

The 2008 on the other hand.......... Don't. It's actually a segment smaller anyway.

Numb steering aka, uncommunicative steering is where the steering feel is so isolated and muted that it doesn't transmit any feel of what the front wheels are doing or how much grip the front has. Numb steering may also mean vague on centre feel and steering return feel after you have made a turn. This has been made worst with the move to electric assisted power steering Vs older hydraulic systems, making the steering feel vague and slightly "disconnected"

It is an antithesis of a sporty car as you need to feel the limits of grip to push the car to its limits.

Factors that contribute to this are different suspension and steering geometry, lock to lock turns, how the steering is damped for NVH and how the steering is powered.

That said, it's not a problem if you are not a sporty driver and just want ...a car.