2019 Honda HR-V

Overview

The small-SUV segment is heating up, and there are a few standout options in the segment—the Nissan Kicks and the Hyundai Kona spring to mind—but none of them do cargo hauling better than the Honda HR-V. Its ingenious second-row Magic Seat is borrowed from its corporate cousin, the subcompact Honda Fit hatchback; when folded, the seat creates class-above cargo space. Fuel efficiency is the HR-V's other strong point, but, unfortunately, driving dynamics aren't. For a well-built, highly practical pint-sized SUV, look no further. For buyers who value sport more than utility, try the Nissan or the Hyundai.

What's New for 2019?

Identified by a bolder front grille, a revised bumper, new headlamps and snazzier wheel designs, the 2019 HR-V also carries with it updates to the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), its electrically assisted steering, and the optional all-wheel-drive system. A new infotainment system is on display at the top of the dashboard and features for the first time Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as optional. Honda's suite of driver-assistance features—called Honda Sensing—makes its way to the HR-V and is standard on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims; it includes automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Last year's manual transmission, sadly, is no longer available.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, Performance, and Towing

Likes: Fuel-efficient powertrain, inspiring handling, available all-wheel drive.
Dislikes: Buzzy engine, relaxed acceleration, choppy ride over anything but the smoothest pavement.

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. We've tested front- and all-wheel-drive models, both equipped with the CVT. With front-wheel drive, the HR-V managed a rather sluggish 8.6-second zero-to-60-mph time. Adding all-wheel drive slowed it even further, to 9.5 seconds.

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. 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 and Real-World MPG

The HR-V proves itself to be mighty efficient on an EPA chart; however, it underdelivered in our real-world testing. We haven't tested the 2019 model, so the effect of Honda's revisions to the transmission and optional all-wheel-drive system on its fuel economy is unknown. The all-wheel drive model we tested back in 2016 delivered 30 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Trick folding rear seat, class-leading cargo space, improved optional infotainment system.
Dislikes: Bland interior design, short on cubby storage, nicest features limited to expensive Touring model.

Its classy, well-made interior may not set hearts racing, but the HR-V's cabin appears durable enough to stand the test of time. Outward visibility is good and passenger space is acceptable, but the most luxurious features are limited to the top-spec Touring model. The spacious front seats will provide enough head- and legroom for all but the tallest adults. The rear seat has tons of legroom, too, but headroom isn't as generous, thanks to the HR-V's sloping roofline.

Honda heard our prayers—and our expletives—and installed an updated and more intuitive infotainment system in the HR-V for 2019. Called Display Audio, the new system has proven much easier to use in other Honda products we've sampled and now offers a volume knob, larger on-screen icons, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The seven-inch touchscreen comes standard on all but the base LX trim, which gets a simpler setup that is basically a radio with a color screen.

The HR-V's party piece is its second-row Magic Seat. When released, the rear seatback folds flat and the load floor is low to the ground, leaving plenty of room for stacking carry-on suitcases or for hauling larger items more easily. The rear seat bottom can also be flipped up, providing an even deeper well between the front and rear seatbacks for taller items. With the rear seats stowed, we managed to fit 22 of our carry-on suitcases inside—more than some larger crossovers can manage.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has bestowed a five-star safety rating onto the HR-V. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't tested the refreshed 2019 model, which now offers the driver-assistance features that this agency looks for. Last year's model received mixed results, including headlights that scored Poor—another thing Honda has updated for this year. Key safety features include:

• Available automated emergency braking
• Available lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

As with the rest of the vehicle, the HR-V's warranty coverage is entirely ordinary. A three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty match coverage from Chevrolet, Jeep, and Mazda. Only Kia offers more coverage.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance