IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
The HR-V packs excellent cargo room and decent passenger space into a pint-sized package, and it strikes a nice balance between lively handling and a comfortable ride.
BUT…
Acceleration is middling, the engine gets loud when accelerating, and some testers bemoan the HR-V’s touchscreen control system.
WORTH NOTING:
The HR-V’s second-row seat bottoms flip up to create a narrow-but-tall storage space that’s handy for hauling items such as a tall potted plant or a big flat-screen TV box.
WHAT IS IT?
The HR-V is Honda’s new-for-2016 subcompact SUV; it shares some of its basic design with Honda’s similarly space-efficient Fit subcompact hatchback. The HR-V’s lone engine is a 141-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, which can be teamed with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic (CVT). Trim levels ascend through LX, EX, and EX-L with Navigation models; each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Standard on all HR-Vs are Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, USB port, and 17-inch alloy wheels. EX models include a sunroof, heated front seats, keyless entry and starting, a 7-inch touchscreen display, and Honda’s LaneWatch right-side camera. The EX-L with Navigation adds a navigation system (naturally), roof rails, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and satellite radio.
WHAT’S NEW?
The HR-V is an all-new model for 2016.
FUEL ECONOMY
The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive HR-V at 25 mpg city/34 highway with manual transmission and 28/35 with automatic; all-wheel drive models (which are automatic-only) are rated at 27/32. In Consumer Guide® testing, a top-line all-wheel-drive EX-L with Navigation averaged 27.0 mpg in mostly city driving.
VALUE IN CLASS
The HR-V’s biggest strengths are its surprisingly cavernous and configurable cargo area, nicely sorted ride/handling balance, and accommodating cabin with impressive outward visibility. On the downside, the dashboard’s touchscreen controls are a dubious “upgrade” over a traditional layout with a real stereo-volume knob. You might wish for a bit more power and a bit less noise from the engine, too. Despite its quirks, the HR-V is one of the best vehicles in its class.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $19,115 – $25,480 |
| BODY STYLES | 4-DOOR WAGON |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 141-HP 1.8-LITER 4-CYL. |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Front or All-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | Mexico |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 25-35 MPG |
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