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2020 Honda HR-V

Starting at $22,095

6/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2020 honda hr v
Honda
6/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Impressive fuel economy, outstanding cargo storage, durable and well-built interior.
  • Lows Buzzy engine sounds, choppy ride on rough roads, top features reserved for top model.
  • Verdict The HR-V has the cargo space of larger SUVs and the fuel economy of smaller cars.
By Drew Dorian and Eric Stafford

Overview

The words subcompact and spacious usually don't go together, but the 2020 Honda HR-V defies its petite classification with creative packaging. The littlest Honda crossover offers ample passenger space and a trick folding rear seat that maximizes cargo capacity. Although its four-cylinder powertrain is the opposite of quick and its ride can be rough on uneven surfaces, the HR-V delivers excellent fuel economy and is easy to maneuver in traffic. Its interior has subdued styling but solid build quality and a handful of desirable amenities. Although the 2020 HR-V isn't as flashy or fun to drive as alternatives such as the Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Kona, it offers unrivaled practicality and versatility.

What's New for 2020?

Honda made some superficial and mechanical changes to the HR-V for the previous model year, but it doesn't make any significant updates to the 2020 lineup.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Sure, the 2020 HR-V isn't the cheapest or snazziest subcompact SUV, but it's a brilliant option for people who want one of the most practical vehicles in the class. With that said, we think the mid-level EX model is the one to get. While it obviously costs more than the lesser HR-V Sport, it also adds better standard features. The most notable upgrades include heated front seats, passive entry, a sunroof, and several driver assists (adaptive cruise, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist). We'd also add all-wheel drive for $1400 instead of sticking with the standard front-drive setup.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Slow, noisy, and unrefined, the HR-V's four-cylinder engine won't satisfy your inner street racer, and the continuously variable automatic transmission (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 when driving 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.

2020 honda hr vView Photos
Honda

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 2020 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, Comfort, and Cargo

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 passengers. The rear seat has tons of legroom, too, but headroom isn't as generous, thanks to the Honda's sloping roofline. The HR-V's party trick 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 bottom cushion of the rear seat 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.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2020 HR-V offers a Display Audio infotainment system that includes a volume knob, large on-screen icons, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. The 7.0-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.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has bestowed a five-star safety rating onto the HR-V, and it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Likewise, the little crossover offers a variety of driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:

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

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

As with the rest of the vehicle, the HR-V's warranty coverage is entirely ordinary. Only Kia and Hyundai offer more coverage.

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

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