Is the Honda HR-V a good car?

Yes—if you value comfort, space, safety tech, and day-to-day usability, the Honda HR-V is a good small SUV; its main downsides are leisurely acceleration and merely average fuel economy in gas-only form. The current-generation HR-V (redesigned for 2023 in North America) emphasizes refinement over speed, and a confirmed hybrid variant arriving for the 2025 model year in the U.S. is expected to address efficiency and power concerns.

What the HR-V does well

The HR-V has shifted from a quirky subcompact to a mature, Civic-based crossover with a more settled ride and a higher-quality interior. For many shoppers, these changes hit the sweet spot for urban commuting and small-family duty.

• Roomy cabin with adult-friendly rear seating and class-competitive cargo space; split-folding rear seat expands versatility.
• Composed, comfortable ride tuned for daily driving rather than sportiness; confident, predictable handling.
• Standard Honda Sensing safety suite across trims, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
• Clean, intuitive infotainment with physical knobs; available 9-inch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on upper trims.
• Strong perceived build quality and historically solid Honda reliability and resale values.
• Available all-wheel drive for snow-belt buyers; ground clearance suitable for light trails and bad weather.

Taken together, those strengths make the HR-V feel more upscale and easy to live with than many entry-level rivals, which is why it regularly appears on small-SUV shopping lists.

Where it falls short

No small SUV is perfect. The HR-V’s biggest compromises revolve around performance and, for now, efficiency relative to hybrid rivals.

• Sluggish acceleration from the 2.0-liter engine and CVT; passing on the highway takes planning.
• Engine noise under hard throttle, despite otherwise quiet cruising manners.
• Fuel economy is fine but not standout versus hybrid competitors; this is likely to change with the forthcoming hybrid model.
• Lost the clever “Magic Seat” cargo trick from the previous generation; still practical, but less uniquely flexible.
• Base trim features are modest; the EX-L (or equivalent) is the sweet spot for tech and comfort.
• No factory towing rating in the U.S.; Honda does not recommend towing with the HR-V.

If you frequently merge onto fast highways, carry heavy loads up grades, or demand maximum MPG today, you may find stronger fits elsewhere—or want to wait for the HR-V hybrid.

Performance, efficiency, and drivability

The North American HR-V uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (158 hp) and a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with optional AWD. Around town, the HR-V is smooth and easy to place, helped by progressive steering and compliant suspension tuning. On-ramps and high-altitude passes reveal its modest power, but the chassis remains composed.

EPA fuel economy for recent model years typically lands around 26/32/28 mpg (city/highway/combined) for FWD and roughly 25/30/27 mpg for AWD, depending on trim and wheel/tire configurations. Real-world results often cluster in the mid-to-high 20s combined for AWD, low 30s possible for careful FWD driving.

The hybrid is coming

Honda has confirmed that a hybrid HR-V is joining the U.S. lineup for the 2025 model year, with the intent to deliver more power and notably better fuel economy than the current gasoline-only setup. Final U.S. specs and EPA ratings were pending public release at the time of writing, but if Honda’s latest two-motor hybrids in Civic and Accord are a guide, expect livelier acceleration and a sizable efficiency bump. For buyers sensitive to performance and fuel costs, it may be worth waiting to test-drive the hybrid.

Interior, tech, and space

The HR-V’s cabin channels the Civic’s clean design, with clear sightlines and simple controls. Materials feel above class average, especially on higher trims, and seat comfort is strong for long commutes. Upper trims offer a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a wireless charging pad; lower trims use a 7-inch screen with wired smartphone mirroring. Cargo space is competitive for the segment, with a wide, low load floor aiding everyday practicality.

Safety and driver assistance

Crash-test performance has been strong, and every HR-V comes with Honda Sensing. Headlight performance and award status can vary by trim and model year, so check the specific configuration you’re considering.

• Automatic emergency braking with forward-collision warning.
• Lane-keeping assist and road-departure mitigation.
• Adaptive cruise control; lane-centering and traffic-jam assist functionality on many trims.
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available/standard on upper trims.

As always, verify the exact safety features on your chosen trim and review the latest IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the specific model year and headlights.

Pricing, trims, and value

Recent HR-Vs typically start in the mid-$20,000s before destination, with well-equipped trims landing in the high $20,000s to low $30,000s, depending on options and AWD. Common U.S. trims include LX, Sport, and EX-L; the EX-L is often the value sweet spot for its upgraded infotainment and comfort features. Warranty coverage is typical for the class (3-year/36,000-mile basic, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain), and many newer Hondas include the Honda Service Pass (complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years/24,000 miles; check applicability for your model year).

How it compares

The HR-V sits in a crowded field of strong small SUVs. Here’s how it stacks up against key rivals.

• Toyota Corolla Cross (and Hybrid): The hybrid variant easily beats the HR-V’s current MPG and feels quicker; the non-hybrid is closer in performance.
• Mazda CX-30: Sharper handling and stronger acceleration, with a more premium feel; tighter rear space and a firmer ride.
• Subaru Crosstrek: Standard AWD, a cushy ride, and admirable practicality; base engine is also slow, and pricing can climb.
• Hyundai Kona/Kia Seltos: Tech-forward cabins and value pricing; multiple powertrains, including punchier options, but ride quality and noise vary by trim.
• Volkswagen Taos: Roomy and efficient with a torquey engine; ownership costs and reliability perceptions vary by region and model year.

If you prize space, comfort, and straightforward usability, the HR-V is squarely competitive; if you want zippier performance or maximum MPG today, several rivals—and the coming HR-V hybrid—warrant a look.

Who should buy it

Think about your daily driving and priorities, then map them to what the HR-V offers.

• Great fit: Commuters and small families who want easy manners, strong safety tech, and a refined interior without premium pricing.
• Consider alternatives: Drivers who frequently need quick highway passing power or top-tier fuel economy right now; hybrid or turbocharged rivals may suit better.

For many mainstream needs—school runs, city errands, weekend trips—the HR-V is exactly the kind of calm, capable crossover that makes ownership simple.

Verdict

The Honda HR-V is a good car, especially for buyers who value comfort, space, standard safety tech, and a polished driving experience over outright speed. If acceleration or fuel economy are priorities, test competitors—or consider waiting for the 2025 HR-V hybrid, which is expected to improve both. Otherwise, the current HR-V is a sensible, well-rounded small SUV with the long-term appeal that has defined Honda’s best sellers.

Summary

The HR-V delivers mature road manners, a roomy, well-built cabin, and robust standard safety at a fair price. Its gas-only model is slow and mid-pack on MPG, but a U.S.-market hybrid is on the way for 2025. For most everyday needs, it’s an easy vehicle to recommend—just match the trim and powertrain to your priorities.

Is the Honda HR-V a reliable vehicle?

Average Lifespan of a Honda HR-V
Honda vehicles are known for their durability, and the HR-V is no exception. Many owners report that their HR-Vs last well beyond 150,000 miles, and some even surpass the 200,000-mile mark.

What are the weaknesses of the Honda HR-V?

Sluggish, unrefined engine, no hybrid available, base trim lacks equipment. The HR-V is a practical and satisfying small SUV that’s let down by its lackluster engine and transmission.

Which is better, HR-V or RAV4?

Which is Better? While vehicle choice is a highly personalized preference, it’s clear that the Toyota RAV4 provides more interior space, greater performance specs, and an overall better value. That makes this SUV more appealing to many drivers. That’s not to say that the HR-V doesn’t have a fanbase.

Is the Honda HR-V high maintenance?

The Honda HR-V is a reliable and versatile compact SUV, known for its longevity and fuel efficiency. While it is generally considered low maintenance, like any vehicle, it does require regular upkeep to perform at its best.