Honda HR-V S: well-endowed entry level option

More often than not, entry-level variants, even of popular models, won’t get to see the limelight that much. Regardless, a subset of car buyers still flock to dealerships to acquire these low-spec trims, as they are willing to sacrifice additional features for better value.

One example of these popular models with a well-equipped low-spec variant is the updated Honda HR-V, specifically, with the S trim. It retails at P1.45 million, which is P349,000 less expensive than the top-of-the-line HR-V RS e:hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). 

On the other hand, the 2025 model year Honda HR-V S, while sporting minimal improvements over the original version, is significantly more expensive than the 2022 version, which sold for P1.25 million. 

With such a price disparity, one can question if the entry-level Honda HR-V S still has the right stuff to be a comfortable daily driver. There’s also the fact that it faces plenty of more affordable alternatives in the market right now. 

So, to find out how well it rides and drives, and if it's still worth the money, Zigwheels Philippines borrowed the said model for five days. Here’s how it went. 

Exterior

From a visual standpoint, the 2025 version of the HR-V S remains well-proportioned and angled to convey a modern, cutting-edge crossover aesthetic.

Up front, the model features a horizontal slatted grille, in contrast to the higher-end trim’s mesh-type grille. From the side, one can see that the model wears a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. It also has power-folding side mirrors and a roof-mounted rear spoiler. 

All of the aforementioned are bog-standard in crossovers, sitting at a similar price point to the Honda HR-V S. Nevertheless, one will appreciate the presence of full LED lighting fixtures, which significantly enhance its functionality and style. Also, its headlamp clusters get an automatic function - an added bonus for those looking to use this HR-V trim as a daily driver. 

Overall, the Honda HR-V S is a good-looking crossover, with roughly the same design beats as its higher-spec counterparts. Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated, however, does sell a line of accessories that will fit the HR-V S.

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Interior

As with the prior version, the 2025 model year Honda HR-V S comes with a sufficiently roomy five-seater configuration. Keeping everyone cool inside the vehicle is a single-zone automatic climate control system, which includes the much-appreciated Air Diffusion System that makes sure your face isn’t blasted with a solid stream of cold air. 

We also like Honda’s choice of giving the HR-V’s air-conditioning system physical knobs, which is a lot better compared to tying up the climate controls on the car’s touchscreen. 

A new feature that many will appreciate about the HR-V S’ interior, however, is the addition of leather-upholstered seats. Leather seats, of course, are favored by many for their durability and their ability to somewhat stave off stains, at least compared to fabric. 

Furthermore, the HR-V S was still equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen headunit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The aforementioned is lag-free and easy to use, plus, its six-piece speaker set sounds decent as well. 

Other notable features found inside the Honda HR-V S include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• One-push start system
• Keyless entry
• 4.2-inch digital display and analog gauges
• Drive mode selector
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Urethane steering wheel
• USB ports
• 12-volt accessory outlet
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• ULT seat (utility, long, tall)

Notably, the “ULT” seats of the Honda HR-V S remain a strong tool for optimizing space. Utility mode will lay the rear seats flat, which is great for loading up on large objects. Long mode lays down half of the rear seat and the front seat for extra-long objects, while tall mode creates more space for taller objects, such as houseplants. 

On the flip side, the Honda HR-V S’s default cargo space of 404 liters is beaten by a few of its competitors. One example is the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i, which has a default trunk space of 520 liters. 

Nevertheless, the author had no problem when it came to loading up the HR-V S with a week’s worth of groceries and several bags of laundry. 

Finding one’s preferred position behind the wheel was also relatively easy despite its lack of power-adjustability. Legroom was decent in the front cabin, but taller adults may need to hunch down slightly when seated in the rear seats. The aforementioned is due to the slanted roofline of the Honda-made crossover.

Safety 

As expected from a Honda, even the entry-level HR-V S is loaded with safety gear. Its basic kit consists of an anti-lock braking system, hill-descent control, stability assist, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, an engine immobilizer, and agile handle assist - among others. 

Supporting the model is the Honda Sensing advanced driver-assist system (ADAS) suite, which includes the following: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Low-speed follow
• Collision mitigation braking
• Lane keep assist
• Road departure mitigation
• Automatic high beams
• Lead car notification

During our five days with the Honda HR-V S, we didn’t get to use much of its safety kit, except for the adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. It works well enough in slow-moving traffic, particularly on the heavily congested weekday nights on Commonwealth Avenue. 

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Powertrain, driving

Under the hood of the Honda HR-V S is a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine capable of producing up to 119 horsepower (hp) and 145 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Mind you, the HR-V S isn’t the most powerful crossover in the segment and price range. Specifically, it is overshadowed by the 194-hp BYD Sealion 5 DM-i, the 177-hp Geely Coolray, and the 174-hp GAC GS3 Emzoom.

But while the Honda crossover isn’t as powerful as its similarly sized contemporaries, it does provide a relatively engaging drive through its precise steering and relatively stable handling. The aforementioned is thanks to its Agile handling assist, which is new to the 2025 model year. 

Likewise adding more fun to the mix is its manual shift mode that can be controlled by paddle shifters. More often than not, the CVT will automatically override the shifting, but the author found it enjoyable to kick it down a lower (simulated) gear when passing slower vehicles. 

Additionally, its front and rear disc brakes provide ample stopping force, while its “sport mode” will noticeably liven up the crossover, allowing for faster overtaking and highway cruising. But again, it isn’t a sports car by any means, but one cannot ignore the smooth power delivery and suitably precise handling it offers. 

Concerning fuel economy, the Honda crossover nameplate achieved an average of 11.5 kilometers per liter at an average speed of 40 kilometers per hour. The said figure was taken in light city traffic with only the driver aboard. 

Honda HR-V S: specifications

Model	Honda HR-V S
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,347x1,790x1,591
Wheelbase (mm)	2,610
Ground clearance (mm)	196
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Automatic headlamps Power-folding side mirrors Manual adjust front seats ULT seats 4.2-inch digital display Analog guages Auto-dimming rearview mirrors One-push start system Keyless entry Drive mode selector Tilt and telescopic steering column Urethane steering wheel USB ports Single-zone automatic climate control Six-piece sound system
Infotainment system	Eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Horsepower	119
Torque	145 Nm
Technology
Safety	Anti-lock braking system Hill-descent control Stability assist Hill-start assist ISOFIX Engine immobilizer Agile handle assist  Dual front airbags Side airbags Side curtain airbags
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Low-speed follow Collision mitigation braking Lane keep assist Road departure mitigation Automatic high beams Lead car notification
Price	P1.45 million

Final thoughts

Just to get things clear, the Honda HR-V S offers an excellent package of features and performance even as an entry-level variant. It has the right stuff for the modern driver, a very practical interior with lots of versatility, and a smooth powertrain that will do great for daily journeys, especially within the city. 

The thing is, though, the HR-V S, as mentioned above, retails at P1.45 million - an expensive pill to swallow considering the sheer amount of choices (often cheaper) we now have in the local market. Yes, even the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV might be a better option, despite being more expensive, due to its coding-exempt status and its potential to provide better fuel efficiency. 

So, where does that leave the Honda HR-V S? Well, it is still a good buy if you’re loyal to the brand and are thoroughly familiar with what owning a “Honda-badged” car entails. Also, it is currently the most affordable Honda-made crossover in the market right now, so it has that niche going for it as well. 

Also read:

Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’

Honda CR-V V Turbo CVT: impressive entry-level variant

Honda City RS CVT: a practical, stylish daily driver

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