Honda HR-V

The cabin of the Honda HR-V is clean and functional. It draws inspiration from the Honda Civic. The dashboard design is horizontal. Controls are intuitively placed. The entry-level modes get high-quality cloth seats. The fabric is durable and tightly woven. Higher trims get leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching. The dashboard and door panels include soft-touch materials in key contact areas, particularly in the top-level models. Matte-finish plastics are used across the cabin, avoiding the cheap, glossy plastics found in some competitors. Metallic or faux wood trim inserts (varying by trim level) add a touch of style. The central console is thoughtfully padded and ergonomically designed.

The front seats are well-bolstered, offering support for daily commuting and long trips. Power adjustment, including lumbar support, is available on the higher trims. Rear seat space is particularly generous for a subcompact SUV.

Entry-level models get manual air-conditioning. Ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a sunroof are available on higher trims.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Upscale feel to the cabin

Cons: Loss of Honda Magic Seat

Features and Technology

The Honda HR-V comes with a sleek and user-friendly 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit on most trims. The higher trims get a 9.0-inch unit. It runs on the HondaLink infotainment system and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is responsive and intuitive, allowing drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones for music, navigation, and messaging. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, with clearly marked icons for various functions. Higher trims get a Bose premium sound system.

The 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster displays key vehicle information. It includes customizable settings for various data, like fuel efficiency, tire pressure, and navigation guidance.

Pros and cons

Pros: User-friendly infotainment unit

Cons: Entry-level models lack premium audio

Boot Space and Storage

The Honda HR-V has a compact but flexible boot. The standard cargo capacity is approximately 690 litres behind the rear seats. Folding down the 60:40 split rear seats increases the space to about 1,560 litres. The cargo area features a low lift-over height of just over 27 inches, facilitating easier loading of heavy items. 

The central console in the Honda HR-V’s cabin gets two large cup holders, a flip-up armrest reveals a spacious compartment, and a front tray with USB ports. The higher trims add a qi-compatible wireless charging pad. The standard glove box offers additional storage for small items. Door pockets at the front and back feature beverage holders and storage pockets, accommodating bottles and other small items. The rear area includes a tray suitable for placing smartphones, enhancing passenger convenience.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Flexible seat-folding system increases boot space

Cons: Modest cargo area

The Honda HR-V measures 4,330mm in length, 1,790mm in width, and 1,590mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,610mm. 

The Honda HR-V is built on the same platform as the Civic. The SUV reflects Honda’s global design direction that emphasizes a low, wide stance and a simplified, clean body aesthetic. It moves away from the more angular look of the previous generation, adopting a minimalist yet sporty vibe that aligns with premium European compact SUVs. The Honda HR-V gets a large, upright honeycomb-style grille in the front with a matte or gloss black finish depending on the trim. The standard headlights now feature a narrower, more aggressive shape. In higher trims, they include daytime running lights (DRLs) with a signature wing-shaped motif. The car gets all-around LED lighting. The lower bumper houses a wide, body-coloured air dam, flanked by vertical inlets. These assist in aerodynamic cooling and reduces the drag.

The Honda HR-V gets a crisp shoulder line runs that runs from the headlights to the taillights. The slightly squared-off wheel arches with textured black cladding add to the SUV feel. The roof gently slopes downward toward the rear, hinting at coupe-like dynamics. A hidden rear door handle (found on the earlier models) is replaced with a more conventional style for better ergonomics. The entry-level Honda HR-V model runs on 17-inch alloy wheels with a brushed aluminium finish.

At the back, the taillights are now more angular and connected by a gloss black trim piece on higher trims. An integrated lip spoiler with body-colour or black contrast (depending on trim) sits at the roofline. The rear windshield is wider than before and slightly curved for improved rearward visibility. The lower rear bumper is finished in durable black cladding with an optional silver skid plate-style trim. A single exhaust tip is subtly integrated into it.

Pros: Sleek, refined styling

Cons: Limited customization options 

In real-world conditions, the non-turbocharged S variant returns a mileage of approximately 30kmpl, while the turbocharged V variant has a fuel efficiency of 25kmpl. Mileage increases on highways. The Honda HR-V is equipped with a 50-litre fuel tank.

Pros and cons

Pros: Superb fuel economy

Cons: Some rivals offer better highway mileage

The cabin of the Honda HR-V is well-insulated, with wind and road noise kept to a minimum in most driving conditions. On highways and in city traffic, the seats offer decent support. Longer trips may call for a bit more lumbar support, particularly in the lower trims.

The Honda HR-V is mounted on a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear unit, typical setup for the class. Honda has tuned this system for comfort and stability rather than sportiness, and it shows in the way the HR-V handles different road surfaces. The suspension smooths out moderate bumps and undulations effectively. On rough or broken pavement, the rear torsion beam can feel a bit stiff, leading to some jitteriness.

Rear seat comfort is a standout feature and allows for flexible cargo and legroom arrangement.

The steering wheel is light and responsive at low speed and that helps in manoeuvrability and parking. At higher speeds, the steering weights up appropriately, offering decent road feedback, though it may feel slightly numb compared to sportier crossovers. Body roll is controlled but noticeable during aggressive cornering. 

Pros: Stable suspension

Cons: Body roll is sometimes evident

The Honda HR-V entry-level model is hauled by a naturally aspirated, four-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 119PS/145Nm. The motor is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The powertrain is adequate for daily city driving, offering smooth acceleration. However, when the vehicle is fully loaded or tackling steep inclines, the engine may feel underpowered, requiring higher revs to maintain momentum. The V and RS variants are equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that produces 177PS/240Nm. The powertrain ensures confident overtaking and hill climbs, making it well-suited for both urban and highway driving.

The RS e:HEV model combines a 1.5-liter engine with dual electric motors, offering a combined output of 131PS/253Nm. The hybrid system delivers exceptional fuel efficiency. While acceleration is smooth and quiet, the e-CVT transmission may feel less responsive during aggressive driving.

Pros and cons

Pros: Multiple powertrain options

Cons: Entry-level model sometimes feel underpowered

The HR-V comes with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assist features. It comprises collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keep assist system, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and auto high-beam headlights.

The subcompact SUV is also equipped with a multi-angle rearview camera that offers normal, top-down, and wide views with dynamic guidelines that adjust based on steering input. The car gets sonar sensors at the back and rear that detect nearby objects, providing alerts to prevent collisions during low-speed manoeuvres. The Honda HR-V gets multiple airbags.

Pros and cons

Pros: Comprehensive safety suite 

Cons: Some features limited to higher trims

Competitor Comparison

The Mazda CX-3 is one of the closest competitors of the Honda HR-V. The former offers a sportier driving experience with sharp handling and a premium interior, though it has less rear-seat and cargo space. In contrast, the Honda HR-V prioritizes practicality, offering more room for passengers and gear. While the CX-3 is ideal for those seeking fun-to-drive dynamics and sleek styling, the HR-V is better for families or those needing versatility. Fuel economy is similar, but Honda generally wins in reliability and resale value. 

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Honda HR-V blends practicality with style, offering solid fuel economy, a versatile interior, and the Japanese brand’s trusted reliability. While not the most powerful in its class, the HR-V shines as a comfortable and user-friendly crossover. It’s ideal for drivers prioritizing value, safety, and everyday usability over thrills.