2022 Honda HR-V

Overview

While many subcompact SUVs rely on quirky styling to attract customers, the 2022 Honda HR-V appeals to pragmatists with its subdued exterior, sensible interior, and clever cargo hauling capabilities. The HR-V is currently the smallest vehicle in the Honda lineup, but its novel Magic Seat second row folds flat to create a huge area that can accommodate large items that bigger crossovers might struggle to fit. Sadly, the HR-V's anemic four-cylinder engine and flaccid chassis will do nothing to inject fun into your commute. If you want sporty handling or turbocharged power to accompany your mini-SUV, consider the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos, or Mazda CX-30.

What's New for 2022?

The HR-V carries over unchanged to 2022. We expect a fully redesigned model will bow in the 2023 model year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Sure, the 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. 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 has 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).

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. With front-wheel drive, the HR-V managed a rather sluggish 8.6-second 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.

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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. The all-wheel-drive model we tested back in 2016 managed 30 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test. For more information about the HR-V's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Its classy well-made interior may not set hearts racing, but outward visibility is good and passenger space is acceptable. The snazziest 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 seatbacks fold flat. Combined with the low load floor, it makes packing the cargo hold a cinch. But 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 that you can store crossways in the car behind the front seats. With the rear seats stowed, we managed to fit 22 of our carry-on suitcases inside—more than some larger crossovers can manage.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

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

The littlest Honda crossover offers a variety of driver-assistance technology, but nothing is standard. For more information about the HR-V's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. 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 three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs