2009 Chevrolet HHR: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2009 Chevrolet HHR is improved standard safety equipment: stability control with traction control and head-curtain side airbags are standard across the lineup. This is an equipment update rather than a redesign.
About the 2009 Chevrolet HHR
1st generation HHR (2006-2011), fourth model year, no redesign.
Chevrolet positioned the HHR as a retro-styled compact utility wagon that mixed small-car fuel economy with easy cargo flexibility. Its appeal was the combination of tall seating, car-like ride comfort, a highly configurable cargo area, and styling inspired by Chevrolet’s older utility vehicles. Within the same model range, buyers could choose a five-passenger wagon, a two-seat Panel for work use, or an SS version that added real performance without giving up the HHR’s practical shape.
The 2009 range covers basic five-seat LS wagons, better-equipped LT models, and two-seat Panel versions focused on cargo duty. The SS models stand apart with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, firmer performance suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and sport seats; the SS Panel combines that hardware with covered rear side panels and cargo-access doors.
What changed, by category
2009 Chevrolet HHR specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Gas | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 32 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 155–172 hp | 260 hp | 155 hp | 155–172 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft | 150–167 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 150–167 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 57.7 cu-ft | 57.7 cu-ft | 57.7 cu-ft | 57.7 cu-ft | 57.7 cu-ft | 57.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | |||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Chevrolet HHR?
The biggest change is stronger standard safety equipment. Every 2009 HHR wagon and Panel has stability control with traction control and head-curtain side airbags.
Was the 2009 Chevrolet HHR redesigned?
No, the 2009 HHR was not redesigned. It remains part of the first generation introduced for 2006, with equipment, powertrain, technology, and trim updates for 2009.
What is new about the 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS Panel?
The SS Panel brings the turbocharged SS hardware to the two-seat cargo body. It combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, performance suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, sport seats, covered rear side panels, and cargo-access doors.
Are the 2009 Chevrolet HHR engines flex-fuel capable?
The non-SS 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter engines are E85 flex-fuel capable for 2009. The SS uses a separate turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.
What technology changed in the 2009 Chevrolet HHR?
The base stereo gains MP3 playback, Bluetooth arrives and is standard on 2LT and SS models, and upper trims add a USB audio input.