2020 Honda HR-V

Honda HRV is one the best offerings in the subcompact SUV segment, primarily due to its perfect middle-ground approach. It is the best jack-of-all-trades, while also being the master of interior space, especially in the rear seats. The performance might not be the best, but for a starting price of $20,520, you can't really complain, can you?

At a starting price of 20 grand, it isn’t too hard on your bank balance too. So, should you go out and splurge money on this little Honda? The competition is fierce in this segment, as every manufacturer wants a piece of the “commuter segment” pie. Does the HRV retain value in the face of competition? Let's move ahead and find out.

The Honda HR-V lets you choose from as many as five variants, prices for which begin at just a little under $21,000. All variants are very well rounded and offer exceptional value for money. While the base LX variants offer features like a multi-angle rearview camera and 5-inch non-touch LCD screens, opting for the top-tier Touring variant will equip your HR-V with power-adjustable seats and a bigger 7-inch touchscreen.

Regardless of the chosen variant, all HR-Vs get a 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder engine that comes mated to a continuously variable transmission also standard across the range. The 1.8-litre engine and CVT work together to send power to either the front wheels or all the wheels of this subcompact crossover.

We recommend:

We would suggest you go with the EX variant because you get more creature comforts at a little price hike.

The Honda HR-V derives power from a 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder engine with Honda’s i-VTEC feature. This engine puts out 141 hp and 127 lb.-ft. torque, which might not seem like a lot but the i-VTEC helps with a punchier performance at higher revs.

Power from the engine can be manipulated to the front wheels of this Honda as standard, while an all-wheel-drive unit is optional across the range. Helping the engine in effortlessly channelling power to the wheels is a continuously variable automatic transmission.

While most other subcompact SUVs make do with a 2.0-litre inline-four, the HR-V gets a smaller 1.8-litre engine. Though at 152 hp the 2.0-litre inline-four of the Subaru Crosstrek is the most powerful.

How fast is the Honda HR-V?

The Honda HR-V is no V8 powered SUV. In fact, it is powered by a humble 1.8-litre engine dynamic enough to make this subcompact capable enough of offering immense practicality but not so much performance. However, the HR-V is no slug.

Yes, the CVT favours efficiency over extravagance, and yes the HR-V takes a while to pick up speed but it surely does, eventually. Moving past the 4000 rpm engages the i-VTEC after which the HR-V starts to feel adequately lively. Though the CVT unit is noisy and tends to get annoying over longer commutes.

Despite having the smallest engine that also makes the least power and torque, the Honda HR-V is the quickest to the 60 mph mark. A lot of it results from the fact that the HR-V is the lightest subcompact SUV in this lineup.

What about the braking performance of the Honda HR-V?

The braking seems very competent when contrasted with the other rivals. The HR-V has good braking and inspires confidence in you.

What about its driving dynamics?

The Honda HR-V is based on the Fit hatchback so it carries over driving dynamics that are very similar to it. While the lightly weighted steering wheel and standard suspension make the HR-V remain compliant over most roads, its smaller size means manoeuvring it in city traffic is relatively easy but don’t expect it to soak up harsh bumps.

The HR-V lacks some engine power but it is great for urban commuters who seek above-average fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive variant has a slightly lesser fuel economy.

The jewel of the whole deal is the level of comfort you get inside. It is very copious and has got more legroom than any other car in this segment. You will be amazed by looking at a different type of shapes and sizes that can fit inside a Honda HR-V. The headroom in the rear may get affected because of the sloping roofline.

  HR-V’s exterior styling will remind you of the Honda Fit as both of these cars share the same platform. HR-V gets sloping roofline and curved side contours that enhances the sporty look of the crossover. On the other hand, the EX and EX-L Navi trims feature tilting and sliding sunroof over the front seat. The practical add-ons offered by Honda include a rooftop bike carrier and roof-rack crossbars.

Neither too much, nor too less, the dimensions are just typical of the segment to which the 2020  Honda HR-V SUV belongs. The ride boasts a total curb weight of 2888 lbs. It is, therefore, heavier than the Subaru Crosstrek and the Nissan Rogue  but lighter than the Toyota CH-R.

Exterior Features 

This is apparent by the sweeping rear roof pillar as well as the embedded rear door handles. Main exterior features boasted by the 2020 Honda HR-V SUV include:

• A backup camera
• Arched roofline
• Curved fenders
• Power Moonroof [Optional]
• Rear roof pillar with an upward sweep
• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels

Even the most attentive of drivers can miss things. That's why Honda offers an array of safety and driver-assistive technologies designed to assist and help protect you and your passengers. You get the following safety tech :

• Emergency Braking Assist
• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
• Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
• Auto Delay Off Headlamps
• Tire Pressure Monitoring
• Traction Control
• Ventilated Front Disc / Solid Rear Disc Brakes
• Pre-Collision Safety System
• Front Fog/Driving Lights
• Lane Departure Warning Accident Avoidance System
• Rear-View Camera with Multiple Views

2020 Honda HR-V vs Chevrolet Trax

With an efficient powertrain together with 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.

2020 Honda HR-V vs Toyota C-HR

Both these cars are offered by two of the biggest Japanese Auto giants, and both these cars are the finest in the segment. 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.

2020 Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3

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 CR-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. The final verdict is a no-brainer; go buy!