Every Honda HR-V is powered by an extremely efficient 1.8L 4-cylinder engine which produces 141 hp. From there, power is sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. The optional automatic is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that is able to alter gear ratios on the fly, allowing for infinitely adjustable gear ratios and extremely good fuel economy. All-wheel drive is an option should buyers need it, available on vehicles equipped with a CVT. In front-wheel drive CVT trim, the HR-V is rated at 31 mpg in combined city and highway driving, while all-wheel drive versions still average 29 mpg in mixed driving.
The HR-V comes in three basic trims, LX, EX and EX-L, each offering an extremely competitive list of features for a compact crossover.
The HR-V LX comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview backup camera, a 160-watt sound system with speed sensitive volume control, a 5-inch color LCD screen, an auxiliary input jack, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a second row power outlet and of course, power windows and door locks.
The HR-V EX adds a ton of standard features to the HR-V while only adding a couple of thousand dollars to the base price. The EX trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display for controlling the uprated sound system, heated front seats, a one-touch power moonroof, a multi-angle rearview parking camera, heated mirrors, Pandora radio compatibility, push button start and a little bit of extra chrome on both the interior and exterior.
The EX-L comes standard with a CVT transmission and is the only trim level to offer the option of a full on navigation system. The EX-L builds upon the EX by also offering a leather lined interior, SiriusXM satellite radio, roof rails and an auto-dimming electronic mirror.
Safety features on the HR-V include ABS, traction control and stability control as well as a hill start feature and a tire pressure monitoring system. The HR-V is equipped with dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags and a side curtain airbag. Honda LaneWatch is standard on EX and EX-L models, the system uses tiny cameras in the rearview mirrors to warn drivers about potential vehicles in the HR-V's blind spots.
Efficient Packaging
Compact Dimensions
Available All-wheel Drive
Frugal Engine
Competitive Pricing
The Honda HR-V is a brand new vehicle for 2016. A compact crossover, it slots in below the CR-V in Honda's lineup, offering a slightly more car-like driving experience, while still being more rugged than the Civic.
The Honda HR-V represents an excellent value, giving customers plenty of upscale amenities as standard, while also offering as much interior room as some mid-sized SUVs. Despite being remarkably big on the inside, its compact dimensions mean that it's a practical vehicle to own for city dwellers. The HR-V competes with other compact crossovers such as the Chevrolet Trax, undercutting compact SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan Rogue with a lower base price and better fuel efficiency.
