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- Highs Handsome design, functional and well-made interior, class-leading cargo room.
- Lows Poor acceleration, unrefined powertrain, annoying infotainment system.
- Verdict The HR-V is stylish, roomy, and versatile, but it lacks the refinement of some rival small SUVs.
Overview
The quietly stylish HR-V is Honda’s smallest crossover and shares many of its mechanicals with the Fit hatchback. As crossovers go, the HR-V performs its duties with little complication but also little driver satisfaction. Its lively handling is the glistening jewel in its otherwise lackluster performance. Slow, noisy, and unrefined, the HR-V’s four-cylinder engine won’t satisfy your inner street racer, and the CVT exacerbates the engine’s incivility. It's classy, well-made interior is let down by the lack of luxury features. And while the HR-V proves itself to be mighty efficient on an EPA chart, it underdelivered in our real-world testing.
What's New for 2018?
The HR-V enters 2018 with a new paint color—Aegean Blue Metallic—and a new dark-colored wheel design on EX and EX-L trims. Other than that, Honda's mini-ute sees no changes, mechanical or otherwise.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- LX: $20,665
- EX: $22,715
- EX-L: $26,135
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the HR-V’s short hood is a 141-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder, with front- and all-wheel-drive options. The engine pairs to a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), but all-wheel-drive models come only with the CVT. The four-cylinder isn’t a refined engine, with a coarseness that sends vibrations into the cabin, especially when driven hard. While it feels peppy around town, it quickly runs out of steam once you take it on the highway. The HR-V retains the sprightly and eager handling of the Fit hatchback on which it’s based, but don’t push it too hard; its steering is accurate but too light. Choppiness over rough roads and body roll in cornering could be resolved with better suspension damping, but when cruising on a level road or highway, the HR-V settles into a more even ride.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The HR-V's interior design may not set hearts racing, but it's functional and appears durable enough to stand the test of time. Outward visibility is good, and passenger space is acceptable. The HR-V’s front seats are firm but supportive enough for a long trip. There is no lumbar support for either the driver or passenger, and Honda offers no power adjustments for the front seats on any trim. The back seats are similarly firm but lack bolstering and could prove uncomfortable for adults on a long journey. Cargo-hauling capability is unmatched, making the HR-V practical beyond its segment. With the rear seats stowed, there’s 59 cubic feet of space, which is eight more feet than its closest rival, the boxy Jeep Renegade. If the HR-V had more places to stash smaller items inside its cabin and cargo area, we would give it even more accolades.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The base HR-V LX comes standard with Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a four-speaker stereo system with an auxiliary input jack, a 5.0-inch LCD display, and one USB port. The EX trim adds two speakers, an extra USB port, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Step all the way up to the EX-L trim to enjoy SiriusXM satellite radio and a navigation system. The HR-V’s USB ports—located in a bin between the vehicle’s floor and the bottom of the center console—are difficult to reach while driving. and the HondaLink touchscreen infotainment system frustrating to use. Its over-reliance on capacitive touch technology, small icons, and its haphazard menu layout make it one of our least-favorite systems.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Honda HR-V’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
