The Honda HR-V is a roomy and refined subcompact SUV. It has a proven pedigree and is one of our highest-rated entries in the segment. Pricing starts at $24,100.
With its total redesign last year, the Honda HR-V became even more compelling and refined. Honda
HMC,
builds this second-generation model on the same platform as the current Civic, rather than on the now-extinct Honda Fit platform utilized by the first-generation HR-V. That means a more sophisticated suspension for better ride quality, plus a keener engine. The new HR-V is also completely contemporary inside and out. Moreover, the standard safety tech is quite generous. The HR-V has no shortage of competitors, including the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Subaru
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Crosstrek, and the Nissan
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Kicks, to name a few. When compared to others in its segment, the HR-V has better-than-average passenger space, legroom (front and rear), and cargo capacity.
See: Which is better? The Subaru Crosstrek vs. the Hyundai Kona
2024 Honda HR-V pricing
The 2024 Honda HR-V starts at $24,100. All-wheel drive is an extra $1,500 on all trims, and a fully loaded model will barely break the $30,000 barrier.
| HR-V LX | $24,100 |
| HR-V Sport | $25,650 |
| HR-V EX-L | $27,650 |
These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and do not include the $1,295 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).
As prices go, the Honda HR-V falls into the middle of the subcompact segment. The Kia
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Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota
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Corolla Cross all have starting prices in the same mid-$20K neighborhood.
What’s new?
Fresh off a total redesign for the 2023 model year, the HR-V carries over into 2024 essentially unchanged.
Resale value and depreciation
Looking at the other end of the ownership cycle, the Honda HR-V retains its value better than most other subcompact SUVs. At trade-in time in five years, a $30,000 HR-V could fetch about $3,000 more than some of the segment’s less resilient entries. That can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next vehicle.
Fuel economy
The 2024 Honda HR-V is rated to return up to 28 miles per gallon in mixed driving, which is about typical of the segment. Using more sophisticated and pricier engine technology, the larger and more powerful Honda CR-V is actually more efficient, boasting a comparative rating of 30 mpg. That’s not an uncommon difference when comparing subcompact and compact SUVs.
Also see: Need a fuel efficient, run-about-town compact SUV? Check out the 2023 Hyundai Kona.
Power, ride, and handling
The 2024 Honda HR-V is motivated by a 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched with an automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. By no means quick, we’ve found the HR-V drives with more sophistication than its price would suggest. The HR-V corners with confidence, and there’s just a splash of sportiness, aided by steering that has a satisfying heft and predictability. Still, the HR-V is at its best when moving leisurely about the world. Outward visibility is good, it’s as comfortable on the highway as anything in the class, and its tidy dimensions are ideal for moving around town and through parking lots. Like the Honda Civic on which it’s based, the HR-V’s pervasive refinement makes it one of the most satisfying vehicles in its segment.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current collection of subcompact SUVS, including this HR-V.
Roomy for its class
You can’t expect to be dazzled by the interiors in this segment. Yes, some are better than others, but for the most part, they are functional and comfy enough. But the HR-V’s passenger cabin is clearly among the segment’s nicest, with class-above materials, design, and finish. The HR-V’s rear-seat legroom is also better than most at 37.7 inches, and cargo volume of 24.4 cubic feet behind the second-row seat is about average.
More compact SUVs: The 2023 Ford Escape: What’s new, pricing, and more for this restyled compact SUV
Our favorite features and tech
HondaLink
Download the HondaLink app onto a smartphone, and a range of services becomes available, such as stolen vehicle location, geofencing, automatic collision notification, and service appointments. This is standard with every new HR-V SUV.
Smart Entry with Walk-Away Auto Lock
“Did I lock the car?” This question invariably springs to mind just as your plane takes off and you see all the long-term parking lots becoming smaller. With this feature, standard in the top two trims, such angst becomes a thing of the past.
Honda Sensing
Standard on every HR-V, Honda Sensing is the bundle of advanced safety and driver-aid technologies. It includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and lane-departure warning with steering assist are also part of the package.
Rear side-impact airbags
In addition to the HR-V’s other eight airbags, rear side-impact airbags are standard across the model lineup.
Active noise cancellation
Every HR-V comes with active noise cancelation that uses the audio-system speakers to neutralize unwelcome sound waves.
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Available only on the EX-L, you can stream music and other information from your smartphone into the infotainment system without messy wires and occupying a USB port.
Also see: The 2023 Honda Civic: sophisticated style, tasteful interior and plenty of performance options, plus the ferocious type R is back
Engine, safety, and warranty
One engine covers all three new HR-V trim levels. It’s a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit without any turbocharging.
Output is 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This connects to an automatic transmission of the continuously variable variety. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional across the lineup. Regular gasoline is perfectly acceptable.
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
158 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
138 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28 mpg with front-wheel drive (26 city, 32 highway), 27 mpg with all-wheel drive (25 city, 30 highway).
Excellent safety scores
The second-generation Honda HR-V is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ thanks to its good crash test scores and a generous list of standard safety features.
Plus: Self-driving cars: Are we there yet? Here’s an explainer on the types of technology and what the future holds.
3-year/36,000-mile warranty
The Honda HR-V is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This coverage is typical for this class, but you also get complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.
KBB’s car review methodology.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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