“The Honda Body Metal dents very easily compared to a Toyota. Camera should be built into the driver side outside mirror also ( it is like half of a safety feature.) Gas tank lever release is placed in the most idiotic place, in order to grab it and pull it out with your left hand you have to be a contortionist to do it. Other than that I like the vehicle.”
2016 Honda HR-V: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Honda HR-V is an all-new model and the HR-V’s first U.S. model year. It launched as Honda’s subcompact crossover below the CR-V.
About the 2016 Honda HR-V
1st U.S.-market generation (2016-2022), first model year / U.S. launch.
Honda positions the HR-V as a small crossover for drivers who want easy parking, good fuel economy, and SUV-like usefulness without moving up to a larger vehicle. The core appeal is smart packaging: a roomy cabin for its size, flexible rear-seat cargo arrangements, and familiar Honda simplicity. Compared with many rivals, the HR-V leans more on everyday practicality and interior versatility than on rugged image or sporty power.
Honda positioned the LX as a straightforward small crossover with the flexible Magic Seat, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, and a multi-angle rearview camera. The EX adds heated front seats, a moonroof, a 7-inch touchscreen, and push-button start, while the top EX-L adds leather seating and built-in navigation.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The HR-V debuted with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine across the lineup.
Structural
Honda launched the HR-V as a new subcompact crossover below the CR-V. Every trim has the flexible 60/40-split Magic Seat rear seating and cargo system.
Safety
A multi-angle rearview camera is standard on every trim.
Tech
Every trim debuted with an electric parking brake and automatic brake hold. EX and EX-L feature a 7-inch touchscreen, while EX-L also has built-in navigation.
2016 Honda HR-V specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT w/Sport Mode | Auto, CVT w/Sport Mode | Auto, CVT w/Sport Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 2WD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 141 hp | 141 hp | 141 hp |
| Torque | 127 lb-ft | 127 lb-ft | 127 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 55.9 cu-ft | 58.8 cu-ft | 55.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.3 in | 39.3 in | 39.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2016 the first year for the Honda HR-V in the U.S.?
Yes. The 2016 Honda HR-V was the model’s first U.S. model year, launching as a small crossover below the CR-V.
What engine does the 2016 Honda HR-V have?
Every 2016 Honda HR-V has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.
Which trims were offered for the 2016 Honda HR-V?
The 2016 Honda HR-V lineup consists of LX, EX, and EX-L. LX covers the basics, EX adds comfort and technology features, and EX-L adds leather seating and navigation.
Does the 2016 Honda HR-V have the Magic Seat?
Yes. Every 2016 Honda HR-V has a 60/40-split Magic Seat rear layout that folds in different ways to make room for cargo.
What features distinguish the 2016 HR-V EX-L?
The 2016 HR-V EX-L is the top trim, with leather-trimmed seats, built-in navigation, heated front seats, a moonroof, a 7-inch touchscreen, and roof rails.
2016 Honda HR-V Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Honda HR-V.
4.2
2016 Honda HR-V
(906 reviews)
“Having a mid size SUV is a good fit for fuel efficiency and having to travel a lot. It's not too big or too small. It's a go-to, right on the target kind of car.”
“Love the fold down seats in the back, the way the car shifts, the seat warmers! Love the rear view and right side cameras, wish there was a left one too (my dogs head is usually in the way of my blind spot). The tire light and key fab warning light are giving me issues but besides that, it is a wonderfully zippy car!”