Updated January 31, 2022
Why is this information important?
This is the most important page of information that you will find about this vehicle. At SUV Power Rankings we don’t just review a car ourselves and put our own spin and opinion on it; instead we take every review, preview, first look, etc. pull the important data points from those informative “views” and place them into our own algorithm to come up with the most unbiased scoring system available anywhere.
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The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured and marketed by Honda over three generations.
The first generation HR-V was based on the Honda Logo. It was marketed from 1999 to 2006 in Europe, Japan and select Asia-Pacific markets – and featured three doors (1999–2003) or five doors (1999–2006). The two configurations were internally designated GH2 and GH4 respectively.
After a hiatus between 2006 and 2013, Honda reintroduced the nameplate for the second generation HR-V, based on the third-generation Honda Fit. Production began in late 2013 for the Japanese domestic market (as the Honda Vezel (Japanese: ホンダ・ヴェゼル, Honda Vezeru)) and in 2015 in North America, Australia, Brazil and select Asian markets as the HR-V. It is sold as the Vezel in Japan and China.
According to Honda, the “HR-V” stands for “Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle”.[1]
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page – Honda HR-V
- Price: Starts at $25,705 USD
- Comparable to: Volvo XC40, BMW X3
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
At SUV Power Rankings we don’t just review a car ourselves and put our own spin and opinion on it; instead we take every review, preview, first look, etc. pull the important data points from those informative “views” and place them into our own algorithm to come up with the most unbiased scoring system available anywhere.
OUR SCORE
You can view the overall Compact SUV Rankings here and the Luxury Compact SUV Rankings here.
SCORES BY PUBLICATION:
Edmunds — SCORE: 7.6 / 10
USNews — SCORE: 7.7 / 10
MotorTrend — SCORE: 8.1 / 10
Car and Driver — SCORE: 6 / 10
Driving.ca — No Score
KBB.com — SCORE: 4.5 / 10
Top Gear — SCORE: 7 / 10
CarWoW — SCORE: 7 / 10
JD Power — SCORE: 79 / 100
What Car — SCORE: 3 / 5
Auto Express — SCORE: 4 / 5
Auto Trader — SCORE: 7.7 / 10
Car Magazine UK — SCORE: 3 / 5
CITY A.M. — No Score
What the critics have to say…
The 2022 Honda HR-V is a pint-size SUV that serves as the smallest and most affordable vehicle in Honda’s lineup. Despite the small footprint, the HR-V offers a surprising amount of cargo and passenger space. The interior is fairly cleverly designed, with lots of storage and easy-to-use controls. High fuel efficiency is another draw, as the EPA estimates that the HR-V can get up to 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Edmunds
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
The HR-V retains the sprightly and eager handling of the Fit hatchback on which it’s based, but don’t push it too hard. Choppiness when driving over rough roads and body roll in cornering could be resolved with better suspension damping, but when cruising on a level road or highway, the HR-V settles into a more even ride.
Car and Driver
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
The 2022 Honda HR-V has a predicted reliability score of 78 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Honda HR-V Warranty
The Honda HR-V comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
Subcompact crossovers are usually great for city and highway driving, but the ride quality of the HR-V is kind of poor, and taking it for a ride on bumpy Toronto streets really shakes you up. On the highway, those driver’s aids make for a stress-free commute, but not necessarily a quiet one. The road noise is fairly significant, and I found myself turning up the radio to drown it out. Very unfortunate, because the sound system really isn’t a selling point in this vehicle.
Driving.ca
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
It’s a fairly pleasant cabin, though, with plenty of legroom all round, but restricted headroom for adults in the back. One irritation is that the roof-mounted seatbelt for a central passenger can get in the way of the right rear passenger’s head (if they’re a grown-up). The front is comfortable, though, and the chunky steering wheel in particular is a delight to grasp, though it would be even nicer if it extended further toward the driver.
Top Gear
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
Every HR-V features a 7.0in digital driver display behind the steering wheel and a 9.0in touchscreen for the infotainment. The touchscreen – which is shared with the Jazz – is not as user-friendly and responsive as it could be, but you do get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring as standard. They allow you to run your phone apps through the screen, rather than relying on the Honda set-up.
WhatCar
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
The HR-V is among the best when it comes to cargo space, both with the rear seats up and with them folded. And that folding rear seat is unlike no other. Cargo capacity is an excellent at 23.2 cubic feet, or 55.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded — much more than the Mazda CX-30 or Jeep Renegade. Car seat accommodation is good thanks to a big back seat, but getting a seat secured isn’t as simple as we’d like.
Edmunds
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
Shelling out almost $36,000 before tax for this Touring trim is not the most pragmatic way to get into the Honda HR-V. The $32,300 Sport is mechanically identical and gets the nice 17-inch alloys and all the safety kit, but lacks leather and few other bobbins. However, the thorn in the side here for Honda comes from Korea. Look at the newer offerings in this segment from Kia and Hyundai (Seltos, Kona, Tucson, Venue, Soul) and this aging Honda’s value proposition fades somewhat. It shows in the Canadian market, where for every HR-V Honda sells Kia sells two Seltoses and Hyundai sells three Konas.
Auto Trader
IS THE Honda HR-V A GOOD SUV?
Yes, the Honda HR-V is a good subcompact SUV. It delivers an enjoyable driving experience while also boasting great fuel economy estimates. Inside, you’ll find lots of cargo room, and you can fold Honda’s rear Magic Seat several ways to accommodate bigger items. On the minus side, its engine is short on power, and some of the available infotainment controls are tricky to operate.
USNews
SHOULD I BUY THE Honda HR-V?
The HR-V is a practical choice with plenty of space, excellent fuel economy, and a respectable starting price. Still, we recommend shopping around. The Mazda CX-30 is an athletic crossover SUV that comes with a stronger base engine. You should also consider the Hyundai Kona, which comes with more standard safety and technology features than the HR-V.
USNews
THE FINAL WORD
Frankly, Honda fails to impress in the subcompact SUV segment the way it does in the compact sedan, midsize sedan, and subcompact hatchback spaces. The HR-V’s wheezy four-cylinder powerplant is barely up to the task of motivating a vehicle this size and the interior, though spacious and usable, feels cheap. Cabin materials feel rough and too much road and tire noise infiltrate the passenger area. — MotorTrend