Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV AWD (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)
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (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)
EX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
LX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
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EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV AWD (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)
LX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
LX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
Overall Rating
For 2020, in the subcompact crossover segment, Honda will continue the HR-V that was launched in 2016.It was then relaunched in 2016 as first-generation for people who want the comfort of an SUV at the price of a sedan.
Honda doesn’t need any introduction when it comes to automobiles. The Japanese giant runs its business in three categories broadly, 4-wheelers, 2-wheelers, and power equipment. The cars from Honda are almost always stylish, performance-oriented and yet affordable.
The brand also has a luxury performance vehicle division, Acura, which has given many legendary cars to the world. The HR-V is Honda's take on the subcompact crossover segment which is apparently getting crowded with too many options to choose.
From the trims available, we would recommend the EX trim as it has most of the features that would be needed to make the car a worthy daily driver. You can also add the front and rear parking sensors to it so that the car will intuitively assist in parking and offer a complete value-for-money package.
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
LX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
For 2020, in the subcompact crossover segment, Honda will continue the HR-V that was launched in 2016.It was then relaunched in 2016 as first-generation for people who want the comfort of an SUV at the price of a sedan.
Honda doesn’t need any introduction when it comes to automobiles. The Japanese giant runs its business in three categories broadly, 4-wheelers, 2-wheelers, and power equipment. The cars from Honda are almost always stylish, performance-oriented and yet affordable.
The brand also has a luxury performance vehicle division, Acura, which has given many legendary cars to the world. The HR-V is Honda's take on the subcompact crossover segment which is apparently getting crowded with too many options to choose.
The Honda HR-V is available in 5 trims depending on your budget and feature requirement. The base trim is raw bones with very minimal features and the Sport trim has some features which are as exclusive to that trim only. Broadly, the following are the key features in all the trims:
Model | LX | Sport | EX | EX-L | Touring |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (CVT) | $20,820 | $22,520 | $23,970 | $25,570 | $28,890 |
Key Features | 141-hp, 16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC Engine | Features from the LX trim as standard and additional features | Features from the Sport trim as standard and additional features | Features from the EX Trim as standard and additional features | Features from the EX-L trim as standard and additional features |
Available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System | 7-Inch Display Audio Touch-Screen | Standard Honda Sensing Safety Suite and | Leather-Trimmed Seats | Standard Real-Time AWD with Intelligent Control System | |
5-Inch Color LCD Screen with | Apple CarPlay and | Honda LaneWatch | Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob | Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System | |
USB Audio Interface and Bluetooth Audio Streaming | Android Auto | 17-inch Unique Silver-Painted Alloy Wheels | Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror | Driver's Seat with 8-Way Power Adjustment | |
17-Inch Silver-Painted Alloy Wheels | Sport-Exclusive 18-Inch Alloy Wheels | HondaLink Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock | 180-Watt Audio System with 6 Speakers and Chrome Speaker Rings | HomeLink Remote System | |
60/40 Split 2nd-Row Magic Seat | Sport Mode with Dual-Mode Paddle Shifters and Sport Pedals (Exclusive to Sport Trim) | One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature | Body-Colored Underbody Spoilers | ||
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines | Body-Colored Rear Roofline Spoiler with | Heated Front Seats and Push Button Start | LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off and LED Fog Lights | ||
Halogen Projector-Beam Headlights with LED Taillights | Gloss-Black Underbody Spoilers and | ||||
Roof Rails | |||||
Fog Lights |
All trims come with 17-inch wheels as standard with corresponding all-weather tires with it. The Sport trim is an exception with 18-inch wheels and performance tires for sport enthusiasts. While the Touring trim comes with AWD as standard, there is an option of upgrading to the all-wheel-drive for an extra $1,500.
Our Recommendation
From the trims available, we would recommend the EX trim as it has most of the features that would be needed to make the car a worthy daily driver. You can also add the front and rear parking sensors to it so that the car will intuitively assist in parking and offer a complete value-for-money package. Opt for the AWD only if you absolutely need it, otherwise it will just add weight to it which might overwhelm the car.
Honda engines are built to last and offer peak performances under all circumstances to maximize the driving experience. The 2020 HR-V comes with a 1.8L inline-4 cylinder engine which generates a decent 141 hp @ 6500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm.
Models |
Honda HR-V |
Hyundai Kona |
Kia Soul |
Subaru Crosstrek |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$20,820 |
$20,100 |
$17,490 |
$22,145 |
Engine |
1.8L Inline-4 |
2.0L Inline-4 |
2.0L Inline-4 |
2.0L Inline-4 |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
Transmission |
CVT- Automatic |
6-speed shiftable automatic |
6-speed manual |
6-speed manual |
Power |
141hp@6,500rpm |
147hp@6,200rpm |
147hp@6,200rpm |
152hp@6,000rpm |
Torque |
127lb-ft@4,300rpm |
132lb-ft@4,500rpm |
132lb-ft@4,500rpm |
145lb-ft@4,000rpm |
In the typical Honda fashion, the car offers the peak power at high revs and peak torque in the mid-rpm range. The Honda engine is undercut by the competition since its competitors have a better performing engine at the price bracket. Power figures are one-upped marginally, with the Crosstrek edging the rivals. Closely following the Subaru are the Soul and the Hyundai Kona.
The Honda HR-V and its competitors are not particularly made for racing. Being one of the budget crossovers and trying to live to the Honda tag, the engine seems to have taken quite the blow since it is quite unresponsive. Floor the pedal and instead of a refined growl, a noisy clatter will fill your ears.
Models |
Honda HR-V |
Hyundai Kona |
Kia Soul |
Subaru Crosstrek |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
8.6 sec |
6.6 sec |
6.3 sec |
10.3 sec |
Quarter Mile |
N/A |
14.9 sec |
16.5 sec |
16.8 sec |
Top Speed | 125 MPH | 127 MPH | 128 MPH | N/A |
Engine |
1.8L Inline-4 |
2.0L Inline-4 |
2.0L Inline-4 |
2.0L Inline-4 |
The pickup of the car is sluggish and you might feel like it is getting pushed to its boundaries. Despite being a reliable brand, the H-RV engine is just uninspired. Even getting up a small climb seems like a daunting task as the torque is just about enough to pull the 2900 pound car. Adding the AWD only increases the weight and might get overwhelming for the engine to pull it at any inclination.
All the trims of the 2020 Honda HR-V have 17-inch unique silver painted alloy wheels. These are married to 215/55R17 all-weather tires. The Sport trim features 18-inch wheels, which come with the high riding 225/50R18 all-weather tires. Considering it is one of the heaviest cars of its segment, Honda has done a marvelous job with the optimization of the brakes.
Models |
Honda HR-V |
Hyundai Kona |
Kia Soul |
Subaru Crosstrek |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Rotors Front |
11.5" |
12" |
11" |
11.6" |
Brake Rotrs Rear |
11.1" |
11.2" |
10.3" |
10.8" |
Curb Weight |
2906 lbs |
2890 lbs |
2802 lbs |
3117 lbs |
60-0 MPH |
121 MPH |
129 MPH |
143 MPH |
118 MPH |
Going by the figures, the car comes to a stop in a remarkable 121 feet which just falls short only to the Crosstrek. The car comes with ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist as standard across all trims. The Kia Soul stops way ahead of all its rivals despite being boasting the same chassis of the Kona.
The EX trim also offers an additional feature in the braking department. It is the Collision Mitigation Braking System which automatically brings the vehicle to a halt when it detects a pedestrian in its path.
Considering its a subcompact crossover, the HR-V has charismatic handling. The suspension setup in the Honda HR-V is a McPherson strut arrangement in the front and a torsion beam arrangement in the rear for the 2WD variant. A DeDion suspension setup for the rear is used if you opt for the AWD variant. The setup is well-tuned and covers ground over potholes without causing any discomfort to the passengers. On a curvy road, the HR-V will definitely put a smile on your face.
Steering the 2900lbs car is not at all difficult as the car offers fairly responsive feedback to the driver. The car is very nippy in the city but tends to have some body-roll in cornering. Taking it up on hills or trying to get a sporty thrill out of the car might not be a great idea since the car does not offer any sporty or off-roading character and you will just end up getting disappointed. If 2WD is not something you’re enthusiastic about, you can always opt for the laid back AWD which will add additional weight but give you a more stable driving experience.
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Despite being regarded as an SUV, the HR-V offers the best in class fuel economy. Honda engines are one of the most efficient in the business and the HR-V is just another example of this methodology.
Models |
Honda H-RV |
Hyundai Kona |
Kia Soul |
Subaru Crosstrek |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
28 |
27 |
25 |
22 |
MPG (Highway) |
34 |
33 |
31 |
29 |
MPG (Combined) |
30 |
30 |
27 |
25 |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gallons | 13.2 gallons | 14.3 gallons | 16.6 gallons |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) | 370/449/396 miles | 356/436/396 miles | 358/443/386 miles |
365/481/415 miles |
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Great mileage is particularly where the 1.8L engine shines and becomes one of the USPs of this subcompact crossover contender. With a fuel tank capacity of 13.2L, the car offers a city range of 370 miles and a highway range of 449 miles which helps the car to come out as the segment leader.
The HR-V LX trim comes with a mono-tone interior while the upper trims feature the dual-tone color scheme. The interiors of the HR-VÂ may not get your pulse spiked but will surely impress you with the finesse and elegance of the build quality.
The three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel is standard and offers much-needed ease of access to the vehicle’s multimedia features. The LX trim features a 5-inch LCD screen with USB audio capability while the upper trims feature the 7-inch touch screen infotainment display with Bluetooth audio streaming.
Models |
Honda HR-V |
Hyundai Kona |
Kia Soul |
Subaru Crosstrek |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/ Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.5/56.8/38.3 |
39.6/55.5/37.8 |
39.4/55.5/39.5 |
39.8/56.7/38 |
Rear Row (Head/ Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.3/54.5/39.3 |
37.8/54.5/34.6 |
39.5/54.7/38.3 |
38/55.6/36.5 |
The car also features the Honda Magic seats, which help in altering the cargo space. The seats are very comfortable and offer a congenial ride to both the front and rear passengers. The thigh support could have been better but for the price its being offered at, the seats are still adequate enough. The driver may experience an occasional bump of the knee to the dashboard due to the expansive size of the dashboard.
Average people have ample legroom and headroom but taller guys might find a bit of a struggle. The sloping roofline adds to the struggle as the rear headroom takes a hit too.
The interior does a good job of shutting out most noises from the outside but it is certainly not the quietest. With Active Noise cancellation as standard in all trims except the base trim, sound damping could have been better and the engine does get noisy at times which can get irritating. The lower trims feature a knob set-up for the A/C controls while trims upwards of the EX feature the Honda touchscreen digipad.
The Japanese carmaker has equipped the HR-V with an infotainment system in all trims. The LX trim features a 5-inch LCD screen with audio capability. Upper trims feature a 7-inch full touchscreen display. The following are the features that it comes equipped with:
Though the infotainment system is pretty straightforward and easy, it can get a little confusing at times. Overall, there is no shortage of tricks in the Honda HR-V to keep you entertained.
Cargo space is the one department where Honda has proved its mettle with the Honda HR-V. The car proudly boasts of 24.3 cubic feet of storage space in the back which is the best in the segment. It can easily store 2 medium-sized suitcases and a few duffle bags with space for 2-3 baseball bats and the ball left over. The cargo section also features a cargo light which helps a lot in darker surroundings. The HR-V marginally beats the Kia Soul in terms of the cargo space on offer. The Subaru Crossstrek despite having a roomy interior has 3 cu-ft less space than the HR-V.
Models |
Honda HR-V |
Hyundai Kona |
Kia Soul |
Subaru Crosstrek |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Capacity |
24.3 cu.ft. |
19.2 cu.ft. |
24.2 cu.ft. |
20.8 cu.ft. |
If you feel you’re running out of space in the back, then be prepared to be amazed by the clever 60/40 folding Honda Magic Seats. The ingenuity of these seats can be seen when you fold them. The seats are designed to match the floor level of the cargo area, and essentially, the car offers a variable cargo space based on your requirement. With the seat down, the car will give you a total of 53.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Additionally, there are door pockets that have a good amount of space to carry daily traveling supplies. There is a dual usage cup holder in front armrest along with a storage section, and cup holders with storage in the rear center armrest as well. The glove box is surprisingly roomy and features an internal light in the top trim.
The HR-V underwent a mid-cycle refresh in 2019 and the 2020 model doesn’t deviate from that design. Giving it a quick glance, from the front, the trademark Honda style with the wide grille and aggressive headlamps makes its appearance. Evidently, the car can fool you with its subcompact look that can associate to a tall car.
Models |
Honda HR-V |
Hyundai Kona |
Kia Soul |
Subaru Crosstrek |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
2906 lbs |
2890 lbs |
2802 lbs |
3117 lbs |
Length |
170.4" |
164" |
165.2" |
175.8" |
Width |
69.8" |
70.9" |
70.9" |
71" |
Height |
63.2" |
61" |
63" |
63.6" |
Ground Clearance |
7.3" |
6.7" |
6.7" |
8.7" |
Wheelbase |
102.8" |
102.4" |
102.4" |
104.9" |
The design language is impressive but seems like a love child of the Honda Pilot and the Honda Accord with the high riding stance and sloping roofline. A body-colored roofline spoiler is also elegantly tucked in at the rear end of the car. It has a very clean look and you won’t be disappointed with the style quotient of the HR-V. The salient features of the crossover are:
In case you forget to lock your car and walk away, the car has smart entry with a walk-away auto-lock feature which will lock the car as soon as the key sensor is more than 10 feet away from the car.
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As in the previous model year, there are a lot of safety features that come as standard in the HR-V. Regrettably, to keep costs low, the lower trims lack some essential safety features. All trims above the Sport come with many safety features that can be very useful in the normal driving days and some features that become an absolute necessity on the highway.
Other features that make it stand out in its class are:
With the ACE type body shell, the car shell has designated crumple zones and reinforced sections to make sure that passengers are safe in the event of a collision.
South Korean auto conglomerate, Hyundai’s Kona SUV is a well-equipped vehicle that certainly has the feel of a semi-premium car and the Kona holds its own with a refined engine, almost the same amount of space and comes in $700 lesser than the Honda. Though Honda HR-V is more fuel-efficient, the cars cannot be more evenly matched with Hyundai Kona taking the pole position by a very narrow margin.
Sister brand of South Korean giant Hyundai, Kia’s Soul is battling it out for supremacy with the HR-V in the subcompact crossover segment. Often confused as a wagon or a hatchback due to its form factor, the car is based on the Kona platform. With more cargo space than the Kona, the Kia Soul continues to be a practical and thrilling vehicle. When equipped with the optional turbocharged engine, the Kia Soul becomes one of the fastest in its segment. The HR-V offers a better fuel economy, more cargo space, and better safety features to trump out the Soul and be a better buying choice at a slightly higher price.
Subaru, the contender from Japan, known for its boxer engines and off-road capabilities, has the Crosstrek competing with the Honda HR-V. A practical car with AWD as a default across all trims along with the added capability for off-road, the Crosstrek is perfect match for adventurers. The Crosstrek is cheaper, has more safety features, gets best-in-class fuel economy, and segment-leading variable cargo space.
While the lack of much-needed safety options in the lower trims and an underperforming engine does cost it the pole position, the subcompact crossover by Honda is a great vehicle. Honda Magic Seats and superb fuel economy help beat out the competition by a big margin. the Honda H-RV has been awarded the Top Safety Pick for 2019 by IIHS and overall 5-star rating by the NHTSA in 2020 and builds on the same premise of its predecessor and takes it forward. If you want something that can offer safety, practicality, and usage, give this car a serious consideration.