Item: 2017 Honda HR-V
Author: John Diether

Overview

Not long ago, compact crossovers surpassed midsize sedans as the best-selling class of vehicle. With that market firmly established, automakers have been betting on even smaller models to become the next big thing. Honda entered that arena last year with the HR-V, a subcompact that retains the basic crossover qualities that enticed buyers years ago, but on a smaller scale. Honda promotes the HR-V’s affordability and coupe-like styling, though the latter claim seems like a stretch.

What's New for 2017

All-new for 2016, the HR-V is a carryover except for one new color choice: Lunar Silver metallic has replaced Alabaster Silver.

Choosing Your Honda HR-V

Based on the subcompact Honda Fit, the HR-V is likely to remind you of a seven-tenths scale model of the brand's larger, highly popular CR-V. Like its big brother, the HR-V holds a surprising amount of cargo for its size: up to 58.8 cubic feet with back seats folded down, and 24.3 with the seats up. That amount of space puts it ahead of most of today’s extra-small crossovers, and even beats some compact models.

The rear seat easily accommodates two adults. Three-across seating is only practical for youngsters. The seat folds down as expected, but can also fold up and flip backward, leaving a deep storage well in its place. Honda calls this feature its Magic Seat.

Every HR-V is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 141 horsepower, which is roughly typical for this type of vehicle. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is available for $800. The CVT is required with the optional all-wheel drive system, which we consider a bargain at $1,300.

According to the EPA, you can expect an estimated 28 mpg in combined driving with the six-speed manual (25-mpg city/33-mpg highway). Gas mileage is thriftier with the CVT, having qualified as class-leading, at 28/34 mpg city/highway (31 mpg combined). All-wheel drive models, being heavier, promise a still-impressive 27/31 mpg city/highway, or 29 mpg combined.

Comfort and convenience features are determined by trim level:

Except for the usual dealer-installed accessories, no individual options are offered for the HR-V.

CarsDirect Tip

Even the base LX model is tempting, in terms of features. Still, the $2,050 price difference between the LX and EX is small enough for us to recommend using the EX as your starting point. Its upgrades hit several significant marks, making the step-up HR-V feel like a complete crossover that you can live with for years to come.

Get your price on a Honda HR-V »

Read our review on the Honda HR-V »

James Flammang

Contributing Editor - October 24, 2016

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Expert Review

Expert Rating

Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

John Diether

Automotive Editor - February 15, 2017

The HR-V may be Honda's smallest crossover, but its efficient interior packaging makes it a highly practical family vehicle.

Pricing and Equipment

The HR-V lineup starts with the budget-friendly LX, priced at $20,405, destination included, which features typical conveniences, including:

A four-speaker sound system with Bluetooth phone and audio
A rearview camera
A configurable split-folding rear seat
17-inch alloy wheels

Stepping up to the $22,455 EX brings in some upscale features like a push-button start, a sunroof, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Honda's LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring system. The line-topping EX-L, priced from $25,880, gets leather seats, navigation, and satellite radio.

Performance Pros

The Honda HR-V is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a modest 141 horsepower, but impressive efficiency:

With the standard six-speed manual and front-wheel drive, the HR-V is EPA-rated at 28 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. Select the available continuously variable transmission (CVT), and the HR-V earns 31 mpg combined, which puts it at the very top of the crossover class.
Even with the optional all-wheel drive system (which requires the CVT), the HR-V returns a formidable 29 mpg combined.

Performance Cons

Power felt adequate to us until the seats started to fill up. With a full crew aboard, the HR-V can feel sluggish.
Despite its spunky exterior, the HR-V's suspension is tuned for passenger comfort, not driver amusement. It lacks the engaging road manners offered by some small crossover.

Interior Pros

The rear seat folds down as expected, but it can also fold up and flip backward, leaving a deep storage well in its place. Honda calls this feature Magic Seat, a name we can't argue with.
The Honda HR-V can handle 58.8 cubic feet of cargo, more than any other subcompact crossover we know of.

Interior Cons

We regret to report that the infotainment system on the EX and EX-L still uses capacitive-touch volume control. Honda has replaced this much-maligned feature with a physical knob on other models, but not the HR-V.
The passenger-side air vents are arrayed in a horizontal strip that gives the dashboard an oddly asymmetrical appearance.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The HR-V's smooth, relaxing ride comes very close to what we expect from large, three-row crossovers.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

Honda offers a suite of active technology throughout its lineup, but not on the HR-V. Features like automatic braking and lane keeping assist aren't available at any price.

The Bottom Line

The Honda HR-V demonstrates that, while there are some compromises to make when going small, room and comfort don't have to be among them.

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

1.8L I-4 / 141 HP / 127 ft.lbs.

Transmission

Standard: 6-spd man w/OD

Available: 2-spd CVT w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

25 / 33 / 29 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	1.8L I-4 / 141 HP / 127 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	25 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel
Fuel Tank	13.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$50

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	58.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	100 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	169.1 "
Exterior Width	69.8 "
Exterior Height	63.2 "
Front Headroom	39.5 "
Rear Headroom	38.3 "
Front Legroom	41.2 "
Rear Legroom	39.3 "
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 "
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	2,888 Lbs. / 2,902 Lbs.
Wheel Base	103 "
Turning Radius	18.7 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	17.0 " Silver Aluminum / 17.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote
Bumpers	Front Body-colored
Grille Moldings	With Chrome Bar / Black
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Stainless Steel

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Cloth
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	4-way
Front Armrests	6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats	60-40 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan / Clock
Speakers	4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Driver
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	2

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Smartvent Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Smartvent Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months	36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2017 Honda HR-V for Sale

6 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area

2017 Honda HR-V

Get a CARFAX Record Check

Price

$14,995

Mileage

119,788 mi

Commerce Mitsubishi (15 mi)

2017 Honda HR-V

Get a CARFAX Record Check

Color: Red

Price

$16,990

Mileage

68,171 mi

Stadium Auto California (33 mi)

Phone: (888) 287-0448

2017 Honda HR-V

Free CARFAX Report

Color: Deep Ocean Pearl

Price

$16,991

Mileage

66,581 mi

Trust Palmdale Honda (49 mi)

Phone: (661) 449-9657

2017 Honda HR-V

Get a CARFAX Record Check

Color: White

Price

$17,990

Mileage

44,783 mi

Sterling Imports LTD (30 mi)

Phone: (800) 311-9863

See All Used Car Listings

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2017 Honda HR-V

Overview

What's New for 2017

Choosing Your Honda HR-V

LX

EX

EX-L Navi

Expert Review

Pricing and Equipment

Performance Pros

Performance Cons

Interior Pros

Interior Cons

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The Bottom Line

Specs & Features

Used 2017 Honda HR-V for Sale

2017 Honda HR-V

$14,995

119,788 mi

Commerce Mitsubishi (15 mi)

2017 Honda HR-V

$16,990

68,171 mi

Stadium Auto California (33 mi)

2017 Honda HR-V

$16,991

66,581 mi

Trust Palmdale Honda (49 mi)

2017 Honda HR-V

$17,990

44,783 mi

Sterling Imports LTD (30 mi)

Insider Information

All Model Years

Find More Information on Honda Vehicles