1 / 4Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Honda HR-V
Roomy, refined, easy compact SUV for everyone
Honda HR-V review
The Honda HR-V is the brand's entry-level SUV, slotting below the CR-V. The current generation, redesigned for 2023, rides on the same platform as the Civic, which gives it a more grown-up feel than the boxy original. Buyers get a roomy cabin, a comfortable ride, available all-wheel drive, and Honda's strong reputation for reliability. It isn't quick, but it nails the everyday basics that most compact-SUV shoppers actually care about.
On the road, the HR-V prioritizes comfort over excitement. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 158 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable transmission. That's enough for relaxed commuting and merging, but freeway passing and steep grades expose the engine's modest output, with the CVT letting revs flare under hard acceleration. The flip side is a quiet, settled ride and tidy handling that borrows its composure from the Civic underpinnings. Steering is light and accurate, making the HR-V easy to place in tight parking lots and city traffic.
Inside, Honda did its best work. The dashboard is clean and logical, build quality feels a notch above the price point, and rear-seat legroom is genuinely generous for the class. Cargo space behind the back seats is competitive, though the clever fold-flat "Magic Seat" from the previous model is gone. All trims get a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and higher trims add wireless connectivity, a sunroof, and heated front seats.
Safety is a high point. The full Honda Sensing suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, is standard across the lineup. The HR-V has performed well in independent crash testing, which adds peace of mind for families and first-time buyers.
The main trade-offs are performance and fuel economy. Rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and Kia Seltos turbo offer either better mileage or more punch, and the HR-V's roughly 28 MPG combined is merely average. If outright efficiency or quickness tops your list, look elsewhere; if you want a comfortable, well-built, low-stress small SUV, the HR-V delivers.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Spacious, well-finished cabin
- Standard Honda Sensing safety suite
- Comfortable, composed ride
- Strong reliability and resale value
- Available all-wheel drive
What could be better
- Underpowered on the highway
- Only average fuel economy
- Droning CVT under hard throttle
- No hybrid option offered
Honda HR-V price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| LX FWD Best value | GasAutomatic (CVT) | $26,450 |
| LX AWD | GasAutomatic (CVT) | $27,950 |
| Sport FWD | GasAutomatic (CVT) | $28,150 |
| Sport AWD | GasAutomatic (CVT) | $29,650 |
| EX-L FWD | GasAutomatic (CVT) | $29,500 |
| EX-L AWD | GasAutomatic (CVT) | $31,000 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Honda HR-V colours
Crystal Black PearlExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
Comfortable daily driver
I traded in an older sedan and the HR-V feels roomier than I expected, especially in the back seat. The ride is smooth and quiet on my commute. My only gripe is that it feels slow when I get on the highway.
Solid but not exciting
Build quality is great and the safety tech works well in stop-and-go traffic. The engine just doesn't have much pep, and the CVT gets loud when you push it. Fuel economy is okay, not amazing.
Great first SUV
As a first-time SUV buyer I love how easy it is to park and how good the visibility is. The wireless CarPlay is convenient and the AWD handled our winter fine. Wish it got better gas mileage for the size.
Alternatives to the Honda HR-V
Hyundai Palisade
4.4$37,000 – $54,000Starting MSRP
Rivian R2
4.3$45,000 – $68,000Starting MSRP
Audi Q5
4.2$45,000 – $58,000Starting MSRP
BMW X3
4.4$50,000 – $65,000Starting MSRP
Honda HR-V — frequently asked questions
Is the Honda HR-V available with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every trim of the HR-V can be ordered with all-wheel drive for roughly $1,500 more than the front-wheel-drive version. Front-wheel drive is standard.
Does the HR-V come as a hybrid?
No. In the US market the HR-V is offered only with a 2.0-liter gas engine. Shoppers wanting a hybrid in this size should consider the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.
How much cargo space does the HR-V have?
It offers competitive cargo room for a compact SUV, with around 24 cubic feet behind the rear seats and roughly 55 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Is the Honda HR-V good on fuel?
It returns about 26 MPG city and 32 MPG highway with front-wheel drive, for roughly 28 MPG combined. That's average for the class rather than class-leading.
Which safety features are standard?
All HR-V trims include the Honda Sensing suite with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a multi-angle rearview camera.
Is the HR-V reliable?
Honda has a strong reputation for dependability, and the HR-V uses proven mechanicals shared with the Civic. It also tends to hold its value well at resale.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-25.