LX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
LX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
Sport 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
LX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
LX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
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EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
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EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
LX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
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Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
LX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
Overall Rating
It is a simple and functional car that doesn't occupy much real estate wherever it goes. It sips rather than gulps down fuel and keeps the passengers within as comfy as a typical sedan of equivalent value would. At a starting price of 20 thousand dollars, it isn't too hard on your bank balance too.
One of the most affordable crossovers in the market, the HR-V from Honda, comes in as one of the more popular choices in the segment. With a peppy little 144hp motor onboard, the 2019 Honda HR-V does want to replicate what it's elder sibling, the CR-V offers in the compact crossover segment- good space, tremendous reliability, and punchy performance. Prices for the 2019 Honda HR-V range between $20,520 and $28,540, depending on the trim and configuration you decide to choose. In this review of the 2019 Honda HR-V, we'll shed light on what like about the capable little SUV, and what all you should know that sets the Japanese vehicle back.Â
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The Sport trim is better than the base trim and comes at a marginal premium. It gets all the good options, including paddle shifter behind the steering wheel. The All-wheel drive variant won't be missed if you don't opt for it, as this is a car strictly meant for the Urban Sprawl.
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
LX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
LX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
It is a simple and functional car that doesn't occupy much real estate wherever it goes. It sips rather than gulps down fuel and keeps the passengers within as comfy as a typical sedan of equivalent value would. At a starting price of 20 thousand dollars, it isn't too hard on your bank balance too.
One of the most affordable crossovers in the market, the HR-V from Honda, comes in as one of the more popular choices in the segment. With a peppy little 144hp motor onboard, the 2019 Honda HR-V does want to replicate what it's elder sibling, the CR-V offers in the compact crossover segment- good space, tremendous reliability, and punchy performance. Prices for the 2019 Honda HR-V range between $20,520 and $28,540, depending on the trim and configuration you decide to choose. In this review of the 2019 Honda HR-V, we'll shed light on what like about the capable little SUV, and what all you should know that sets the Japanese vehicle back.Â
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The 2019 model year Honda HR-V comes with 5 trim options; two new were added over the previous model. The 6-speed manual transmission is gone, which is fine since this was never an enthusiast's car to begin with. The base variant has a simple CVT transmission, and all other trims get the same with flappy paddle manual mode. Anyone who has used Honda cars before will sing praises for its reliability and dependability.
Trim |
LX |
Sport |
EX |
EX-L |
Touring |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP 2WD |
$20,520 |
$22,220 |
$23,720 |
$25,320 |
- |
MSRP AWD |
$21,920 |
$23,620 |
$25,120 |
$26,720 |
$28,540 |
Key Features |
Electric Parking Brake with hill hold |
Same as LX |
Same as Sport |
Same as EX |
Same as EX-L |
Projector-Beam Halogen |
Honda LaneWatch |
Auto-On/Off Headlights |
Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel |
LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off |
|
CVT with Sport Mode |
With Manual Paddle Shifters |
One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature |
Leather-wrapped gear knob |
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic |
|
Eco Assist system |
Active Noise Cancellation |
Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock |
Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror |
HomeLink Remote System |
|
Hill Start Assist |
Lane Keeping Assist System |
Heated, Body-Colored Power Side Mirrors with Integrated Turn Indicators |
Leather trim seats |
Way power adjustable Driver's seat |
|
Security System with Remote Entry |
Adaptive Cruise Control |
Heated front seats |
|||
Body-Colored, Power Side Mirrors |
|||||
Roof Rails |
We Recommend
The Sport trim is better than the base trim and comes at a marginal premium. It gets all the good options, including paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The All-wheel drive variant won't be missed if you don't opt for it, as this is a car strictly meant for the Urban Sprawl.
Hondas are known for their free-revving and exciting engines. The 2019 model year features the same engine as the 2018 HR-V, and redlines at 6700 rpm, good for the segment, but not good enough for a naturally aspirated Honda. There are 148 horses under the hood, enough for a breezy drive from point A to B. The HR-V won't set your pants on fire, but nobody can argue with the price tag.
The Continuously Variable transmission smoothens your drive and makes for an extremely supple ride. It isn't lightning fast, and noise and vibrations constantly creep into the cabin. While it isn't prominent, it could be annoying on longer drives.
Models |
Honda HR-V |
Toyota C-HR |
Hyundai Kona |
Buick Encore |
Mazda CX-3 |
Subaru Crosstrek |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$20,520 |
$20,945 |
$19,500 |
$23,200 |
$20,390 |
$21,859 |
21,300 |
$20,945 |
Engine |
1.8 Liter Inline-4 |
2.0 Liter Inline-4 |
2.0 Liter Inline-4 |
1.4 Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.0 Liter Inline-4 |
2.0 Liter Boxer-4 |
1.4 Liter Inline-4 |
2.0 Liter Inline-4 |
Transmission |
2-speed CVT with Overdrive |
2-speed CVT with Overdrive and auto-manual |
6-speed automatic with Overdrive and auto-manual |
6-speed automatic with Overdrive and auto-manual |
2-speed CVT with Overdrive and Manual mode |
6-speed manual/7-speed automatic with auto-manual |
6-speed automatic |
2-speed CVT with Overdrive and Manual mode |
Horsepower |
141 hp @ 6500 rpm |
144 hp @ 6100 rpm |
147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
138 hp @ 4900 rpm |
148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
138 hp @ 4900 rpm |
148 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque |
127 lb. ft. @ 4300 rpm |
139 lb. ft. @ 3900 rpm |
132 lb. ft. @ 4500 rpm |
148 lb. ft. @ 1850 rpm |
146 lb. ft. @ 2800 rpm |
145 lb. ft. @ 4000 rpm |
148 lb.-ft. @1850 rpm |
145 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm |
The cars in this segment have the most diverse set of engines, from tiny 1.4 mills to moderate 2-liter ones. Some have turbochargers strapped on, while others breathe naturally. Then there is one boxer in the mix too. If you ever had an engine preference, you would be able to fulfill your wish here.
The 2019 Hyundai Kona is currently the cheapest car in this segment, at a starting price of 19,500 USD. Buick Encore is the most expensive, starting at a base price of 23,200 dollars. They have a 2 liter naturally aspirated and a 1.4 turbocharged engine respectively. Subaru Crosstrek sports a liter boxer engine, which not only is the most powerful but also sounds the best.
Performance figures for 2019 cars are unavailable right now. As such, we have included the specs from the 2018 Honda HR-V. For comparison purposes, other cars also sport performance figures for their 2018 models.
The lack of a manual gearbox for the 2019 HRV reduces its excitement factor. The CVT automatic is slow, programmed for efficiency and comfort rather than performance.
Models |
Honda HR-V |
Toyota C-HR |
Hyundai Kona |
Buick Encore |
Mazda CX-3 |
Subaru Crosstrek |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH (sec) |
9.3 seconds |
11 seconds |
10 seconds |
8.4 seconds |
8.6 seconds |
9 seconds |
9.3 seconds |
8.9 seconds |
Quarter mile (sec) |
16.8 seconds |
18.4 seconds |
17.3 seconds |
16.2 seconds |
16.3 seconds |
16.9 seconds |
16.8 seconds |
16.6 seconds |
Engine |
1.8-L I-4 |
2.0-L I-4 |
2.0-L I-4 |
1.4-L I-4 |
2.0-L I-4 |
2.0-L H-4 |
1.4-L I-4 |
2.0-L I-4 |
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
6.3 |
6 |
5.9 |
6.3 |
5.7 |
7 |
6.3 |
7.1 |
Compared to the competition, the little Honda doesn't feel too slow. Toyota CHR and Hyundai Kona are slower to the 60 MPH mark, while Buick Encore, Mazda CX3, and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are faster. The HR-V sits right in the middle, sharing the spot with the Chevy Trax.
The little Honda prioritizes comfort over sportiness, but that doesn't mean it's a bad handler. It isn't fun, but perfectly functional. For the urban sprawl, this crossover is a great choice. Its tiny dimensions are perfectly suited to tight parking spots. It doesn't encourage spirited cornering though.
The ride quality is fine, with the suspension sprung neither too stiff nor too soft. There is no scope for dirt at all unless you're willing to shatter your backbone. Stick to the tarmac, and you shall be greeted with a comfortable ride.
The HR-V gets a discs-all-around setup, great for shedding speed. The body too is quite light at 2906 pounds. An educated guess has us speculating the 60-0 stopping distance at just below 130 feet.
Model |
Honda HR-V |
Toyota C-HR |
Hyundai Kona |
Buick Encore |
Mazda CX-3 |
Subaru Crosstrek |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
11.5 |
11.8 |
11.8 |
11.8 |
11 |
11.6 |
11.8 |
11.6 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
11.1 |
11.1 |
9.0 (Drum) |
10.6 |
11.1 |
10.8 |
9 |
11.9 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
2906 lbs |
3300 lbs |
2890 lbs |
3237 lbs |
2809 lbs |
3157 lbs |
2805 lbs |
3032 lbs |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
121 feet |
119 feet |
129 feet |
126 feet |
127 feet |
118 feet |
N/A |
126 feet |
The Honda HR-V has a respectable performance when compared to the rest in its class. The Crosstrek takes the cake here.
Traditionally speaking, SUVs have never been fuel-efficient. Then again, traditionally speaking, compact cars have been very efficient. Now that the top engineers of the world have decided to combine these two traits together, how does it affect fuel consumption? 28 MPG in the city, 34 on the highway, guess the compact genes won. With a combined MPG figure of 30 MPG, the 2019 Honda HR-V speaks for itself.
Model |
Honda HR-V |
Toyota C-HR |
Hyundai Kona |
Buick Encore |
Mazda CX-3 |
Subaru Crosstrek |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
28 |
27 |
27 |
26 |
29 |
23 |
25 |
24 |
MPG (highway) |
34 |
31 |
33 |
31 |
34 |
29 |
33 |
30 |
MPG (combined) |
30 |
29 |
30 |
28 |
31 |
26 |
28 |
27 |
The 2019 Crosstrek, with its wonderful boxer-4, is the least frugal car here. Its average economy figure of 26 MPG is the lowest in the segment. The Mazda CX3 is the most efficient here, achieving a class-leading 31 MPG combined, followed closely by the HRV.
Honda CR-V used to be one of the most spacious soft-roaders to ever grace American shores. The HR-V follows in the same footsteps, with the most spacious front and rear seats in the segment. The segment is composed of not-so-spacious cars though. Tall people in the rear don't have enough room, and in the front, don't leave much room.
Model |
Honda HR-V |
Toyota C-HR |
Hyundai Kona |
Buick Encore |
Mazda CX-3 |
Subaru Crosstrek |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front (cu. ft) Headroom |
39.5 |
38.1 |
39.6 |
39.6 |
38.4 |
39.8 |
39.6 |
39.4 |
Front (cu. ft) Shoulder room |
56.8 |
49 |
55.5 |
54.2 |
53.5 |
56.7 |
54.1 |
56.2 |
Front (cu. ft) Legroom |
41.2 |
43.5 |
41.5 |
40.8 |
41.7 |
43.1 |
40.8 |
41.6 |
Rear (cu. ft) Head room |
38.3 |
38.3 |
37.8 |
38.8 |
37.2 |
38 |
38.8 |
37.9 |
Rear (cu. ft) Shoulder room |
54.5 |
52.5 |
54.5 |
52.5 |
50.4 |
55.6 |
52.8 |
55.5 |
Rear (cu. ft) Legroom |
39.3 |
31.7 |
34.6 |
35.8 |
35 |
36.5 |
35.7 |
36.3 |
When compared to its competitors, the 2019 Honda HR-V doesn't seem too small though. While none of the cars here have a spacious rear cabin, Toyota's C-HR is horribly cramped around the rear leg area. The HR V comfortably takes the lead here, with class-leading shoulder and legroom for its passengers.
The Infotainment unit on the HR-V offers a 5-inch LCD screen as standard. Fancier trims get a larger 7-inch display. Apple CarPlay is available in all variants except the Base (LX) trim, along with a touchscreen. There's Bluetooth Audio Streaming on offer, which basically covers most of your music needs on the road. Honda also offers USB and Aux support for added flexibility. Music is channelled through a compelling 6-speaker sound system.
With the HR-V's infotainment. you also get a SiriusXM Satellite Radio as well. Other standard features include:
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The biggest advantage of purchasing an SUV is the magnificent trunk space that comes along with it. Anyone who has ever been in a Honda HR-V will attest to the fact that this car simply gobbles up your luggage. It would shame most sedans in the market, and hold the top spot in the segment.
The rear seats can fold traditionally with a 60:40 split for bulky luggage. Apart from that, you can also fold the seats upwards to use the under-seat area as well. As such you can fit taller cargo in the rear cabin and use the trunk for other luggage. Simple details like this add practicality point but a few more ponies would be nice.ts to the score.
Model |
Honda HR-V |
Toyota C-HR |
Hyundai Kona |
Buick Encore |
Mazda CX-3 |
Subaru Crosstrek |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trunk Volume (ft.3) |
24.3 |
19 |
19.2 |
18.8 |
12.4 |
20.8 |
18.7 |
21.7 |
Cargo Volume with Rear seats folded (ft.3) |
58.8 |
36.4 |
45.8 |
48.4 |
44.5 |
55.3 |
48.4 |
49.5 |
The Outlander Sport holds second place when it comes to trunk volume. If you fold the seats, then the Crosstrek inches ahead to steal the second spot. The American contenders, i.e., the Buick and the Chevy, have the smallest trunks in the segment. Thankfully, they gain a lot more space with the rear seats folded.
On the exterior front, the Honda HR-V wheels in at just over 170 inches. The wheelbase is just under 103 inches, which when combined with the high roof, liberates plenty of space inside. At 2900 pounds, the HR V is the lightest in the segment, which helps with handling as well as efficiency. On the styling front, HRV doesn't push any boundaries. The front grille is very reminiscent of the smaller Honda Fit, as are the headlights. The tail design has a slight hint of funk, with flowing lines on the trunk lid merging with the taillamps. The C-Pillars are thick, and integrate the rear door handles into their design. This leaves the rear doors clean and smooth and gives the car a Faux-2-door look.
Model |
Honda HR-V |
Toyota C-HR |
Hyundai Kona |
Buick Encore |
Mazda CX-3 |
Subaru Crosstrek |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
2906 lbs |
3300 lbs |
2890 lbs |
3237 lbs |
2809 lbs |
3157 lbs |
2805 lbs |
3032 lbs |
Length(in) |
170.4 |
0 |
164 |
168.4 |
168.3 |
175.8 |
167.2 |
171.9 |
Width(in) |
69.8 |
70.7 |
70.9 |
70.1 |
69.6 |
71 |
69.9 |
71.3 |
Height(in) |
63.2 |
61.6 |
61 |
65.2 |
60.7 |
63.6 |
64.9 |
64.8 |
Ground clearance (in) |
5.4 |
5.9 |
6.7 |
6.2 |
6.1 |
8.7 |
6.2 |
8.5 |
Wheelbase (in) |
102.8 |
103.9 |
102.4 |
100.6 |
101.2 |
104.9 |
100.6 |
105.1 |
Track width (in) F/R |
60.4/60.6 |
60.6/60.6 |
60.62/60.62 |
60/59.5 |
61/61.2 |
60.6/60.6 |
60.6/60.6 |
The Subaru Crosstrek comes with the most length, width, and height, giving it a very commanding stance. It also has the highest ground clearance, and it loves to take the beaten path. On the other side of the segment is the Kona. This little Hyundai is only 164 inches long, smaller than a few hatchbacks!
The 2019 Honda HR-V stands as an incredibly safe car. In addition to offering unparalleled space, comfort, and practicality with the HR-V, the Japanese manufacturer has secured the top safety spot by offering unparalleled safety features. The NHTSA has awarded the 2019 model year HR-V with a splendid 5-star rating, which speaks volumes about the SUV's occupant protection merit. Additionally, the IIHS has also acknowledged the HR-V's safety with a "Good" score under virtually every category. Standard safety features in the 2019 HR-V include:
With an efficient powertrain together with a spacious interior and large boot space, the HR-V is otherwise a tad similar to the Chevrolet Trax. But driving dynamics are better in the Japanese SUV and so are the features available in the base model. Priced similarly, the competition is stiff, however, due to Honda's practicality, it sweeps the Chevy away.
Both these cars are offered by two of the biggest Japanese Auto giants, and both these cars are the finest in the segment. The Toyota, however, has a very peculiar exterior design, one which is highly subjective. If you like the looks of the CHR, then you can go for it. The Honda would still be our pick though.
Another Japanese car shootout, both these cars are neck to neck in all the significant criteria, such as price, power output, and even fuel efficiency. The Mazda is a better performer though, while the Honda has an unmatched amount of space in the cabin. While the CX3 is unmistakably fun, the HRV is too. Overall, the HR-V is a better all-rounder here.
Save for the performance, the 2019 Honda HR-V aces all the necessary criteria for buyers of these cars. You can easily fit in 5 adults in relative comfort, and arguably better than you can in some premium sedans. It also has a better road presence than a sedan, along with better visibility as well. Additionally, the SUV doesn't disappoint in terms of gas mileage or practicality either, while parallelly offering a supremely comfortable cabin. The 2019 Honda HR-V faces tight competition from the Toyota C-HR, the Mazda CX-3, and the Chevrolet Trax, but manages to hold its ground firmly enough. The final verdict is a no-brainer; go buy!