2019 Honda HR-V

Buyers have plenty of options when running through the 2019 Honda HR-V lineup with its five trim levels. From the base to range-topping trim, these include: LX, the new-for-2019 Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. In addition to a wide range of features and options, all models are available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Inside, the upgrades include a larger seven-inch touchscreen, improved audio system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HondaLink, and SMS text message capability, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and sport pedals.

Despite the sportier look, we'd opt for the mid-range EX trim that adds a slew of standard safety tech at a still-affordable price point. Upgrades over the Sport trim include heated front seats, keyless push-button start, automatic climate control, a power moonroof, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, and smaller 17-inch alloy wheels. Additional standard safety equipment includes lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, Honda LaneWatch – features not available on either the LX or the Sport.

• Model: 2019 Honda HR-V EX
• Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder
• Output: 141 hp / 127 lb-ft
• Transmission:Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
• Fuel Economy: 28 City / 34 Hwy
• Options: None
• Base Price:$24,715 (including the $995 destination fee)
• Best Value Price:$24,715

The 2019 Honda HR-V’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine matches up nicely with CVT for smooth, seamless acceleration around town. The quick, responsive steering makes zipping in and out of city traffic a breeze, further enhancing in-town driving. Comfort is also surprisingly high for such a small crossover. The compliant suspension – MacPherson struts up front, torsion beam in back on 2WD models and a more sophisticated DeDion setup on AWD models – handles everything from small road imperfections to large potholes with ease, even when equipped with the larger 18-inch wheels found on the Sport model. The HR-V also handles curvy back roads better than most in this class, although it's not as entertaining as the Mazda CX-3.

There’s available all-wheel drive on all trim levels – standard on the Touring trim – which doesn't force buyers living in cooler climates who need more traction into higher trim levels just to get it.

That said, the HR-V is slow (and we mean molasses slow) in anything other than normal city jaunts. And while Honda has done a yeoman's work in perfecting the HR-V's CVT by eliminating most of the "rubber band" effect of earlier units, hard acceleration still results in engine drone. In addition, front-wheel-drive models inexplicably have more ground clearance than versions with all-wheel drive.

Topping things off, the HR-V's average-at-best fuel economy offers no trade-off for its sluggish performance as it falls behind some of its more fun-to-drive competitors with an EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon city, 34 mpg highway, and 30 combined with front-wheel drive, or 27/31/29 mpg on all-wheel-drive models.

The HR-V's design – especially up front – is a bit busy for our tastes, but hardly offensive. The 2019 version benefits from a mild refresh that includes revised bumpers, a more aggressive grille and lower air intake, and narrower headlight enclosures. In back, a narrow chrome strip bridges the gap between the taillights (with new standard LED brake lights), while the lower valance is more sculpted.

Our tester, an example of the new Sport trim finished in Orangeburst Metallic, kicks things up a notch over the base LX with gloss black outside mirrors and lower side sills, larger 18-inch matte black-trimmed alloy wheels, brushed silver roof rails, fog lights, a chrome exhaust tip, and a quicker steering ratio.

Moving inside, styling points are gained with a simple cabin that's functional and more than a touch stylish. There are plenty of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, giving the HR-V a more upscale feel than its moderate price tag may indicate. Features are plentiful in each trim.

Interior comfort is another high point, especially for those up front with firm, comfortable seats that are nicely bolstered, making the HR-V more comfortable than most of its competitors. The backlit gauges in front of the driver (tach to the left, speedo center, and info and gas gauge on the right) are clear and easy to read, while the various buttons and knobs are silky smooth, intuitive, and within easy reach of the driver. Responding to criticism that dates back to the original model, Honda has added a real on/off volume button to the in-dash infotainment screen, although simultaneously eighty-sixing the CD player.

The highlight, of course, is the HR-V's roominess and incredible versatility. Borrowing a page from the Fit's playbook, the back "magic seat" lower cushions individually flip up and back, and can be locked in the vertical position to carry tall items (large boxes like a big screen television or, in our case, an antique chair behind the driver's seat) – something no other vehicle in this class can do. Flip those seats down, and passengers are treated to 39.3 inches of rear-seat leg room. But the goodness doesn't end there. Cargo volume behind the back seat ranges from 23.2 cubic feet on AWD models to 24.3 cubes on those with 2WD. Flip the back seats forward – they fold completely flat – and you expose 57.6 cubic feet of cargo space on AWD models that rises to 58.8 cubes with 2WD – making the HR-V the most cargo-friendly vehicle in its class.

At the same time, the HR-V does itself no favors with its coupe-meets-crossover styling. It tries to be playful, which is fine, but despite the clever way the rear door handles are hidden, it ultimately delivers a mixed message that only certain buyers will love.

The HR-V’s cabin isn't only comfortable and functional, it has the cargo-hauling capabilities of much larger vehicles.

At the same time, its engine is underpowered, making for sluggish acceleration, and the lack of a manual transmission option exacerbates this issue.

The HR-V is perfect for young buyers and empty-nesters looking for a smaller vehicle with a higher ride height, extra roominess to move items, and enough leg room in back for friends and family.

A commuter who does long stretches of highway driving will likely prefer the acceleration and fuel economy of some HR-V competitors.

Subcompact crossovers rarely measure well as they are mashups of a few segments made to work well for specific buyers. But the 2019 Honda HR-V is one of the better options in its class despite some notable flaws. Where it excels is its cargo and people hauling, where it's at the top of the class.