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.