Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V offers impressive passenger and cargo room within a tiny footprint. But since its 2016 debut, the little Honda has gained a slew of interesting new competitors, leaving it feeling a bit outdated by comparison. The HR-V also lacks some of the refinement we’ve come to expect from Honda.
The Honda HR-V offers impressive passenger and cargo room within a tiny footprint. But since its 2016 debut, the little Honda has gained a slew of interesting new competitors, leaving it feeling a bit outdated by comparison. The HR-V also lacks some of the refinement we’ve come to expect from Honda.
The HR-V utilizes a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine making 141 horsepower. That’s not a lot, even for such a small car. The engine also lacks the smoothness that Hondas typically provide. While most examples are fitted with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a manual gearbox was also available until 2019.
On the plus side, the powertrain delivers good fuel economy, earning as much as 31 mpg (combined) with the CVT and 28 mpg (combined) with the manual transmission, according to the EPA.
Inside the cabin, the HR-V impresses with its spaciousness. Both front and rear passengers will find it nearly as roomy inside as its larger sibling, the CR-V. The cargo area is similarly capacious, especially with one or both sides of the 60/40 split-folding rear seats lowered.
Honda gave the HR-V a minor facelift for the 2019 model year. That update also introduced some desirable tech, adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as a Honda’s suite of active safety gear (called Honda Sensing), which includes lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control among other features. Note that Honda Sensing is only available on the EX or higher trims, not the base LX or Sport.
Honda HR-V Model Lineup
The HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV with room for up to five passengers. It’s Honda’s smallest SUV, measuring about a foot shorter than the next size up, the compact CR-V. The HR-V shares a platform and some components with the Honda Fit, a small hatchback.
Honda offers the HR-V in a variety of trims, ranging from the bare-bones LX to the well-equipped EX, EX-L, and Touring. All come with a four-cylinder gasoline engine powering the front wheels. All-wheel drive is optional. So far, no hybrid or electric versions have been produced.
Popular Trims
Honda HR-V Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2016
4.2
868 verified owner reviews
Top 2016 Reviews
Dimitrios D. from MA
Verified Owner · Nov, 2017
2016 Honda HR-V EX AWD
Reasonably priced AWD.
James W. from MN
Verified Owner · Nov, 2017
2016 Honda HR-V EX-L AWD
Great multi purpose vehicle with great gas mileage!!!
Gregg M. from CT
Verified Owner · Oct, 2017
2016 Honda HR-V EX AWD
Best car ever!!!
Beverly B. from SC
Verified Owner · Oct, 2017
2016 Honda HR-V EX FWD
It doesn't have a garage door opener on the rear view mirror and that is a constant annoyance. It also has a blind spot which is a problem sometimes and worries me.
Amy C. from FL
Verified Owner · Oct, 2017
2016 Honda HR-V LX FWD
Good compromise between big SUV and small sedan. It has a lot of room, but is still easy to drive and not to difficult for a short woman to see and handle.
Cathy J. from NY
Verified Owner · Oct, 2017
2016 Honda HR-V EX AWD
Great vehicle, comfortable for long drives, good gas mileage
Sharon B. from MI
Verified Owner · Oct, 2017
2016 Honda HR-V EX AWD
I really enjoy driving this vehicle. The fact that it's a compact SUV means its much easier on the knees getting in and out of the car. It sits higher and is far easier than any car I've owned to drive on the snow. I was able to get out of my driveway without shoveling before going to work - never could do that before. I love the storage capacity of the vehicle especially the various configurations you can do with the back seat. I have twice driven this car on 900 mile journeys - 1800 round trip. It handled well and was comfortable. I wasn't exhausted after spending nearly 14 hours straight in the car.
Pamela R. from NC
Verified Owner · Oct, 2017
2016 Honda HR-V EX AWD
very comfortable driving - great gas mileage
James M. from PA
Verified Owner · Oct, 2017
2016 Honda HR-V EX-L AWD
Two areas the vehicle lacks. The HRV has very slow pickup from start and for a car with such excellent interior design and simplicity it lacks powered seats on their High End Model which is the only vehicle in its class that does. This is a distraction from the quality of the car. To think of everything else that has been placed in the car and forget that option is very much a lack of thinking on the part of the designers.
Virginia D. from FL
Verified Owner · Oct, 2017
2016 Honda HR-V EX-L FWD
Honda is a great vehicle. HR-V is a great car, very comfortable and economical.