2016 Honda HR-V: Real World Review

What Is It? 2016 Honda HR-V, two- or all-wheel-drive, five seat, compact crossover SUV

Price as tested: $25,470, for a 2WD EX-L Navi

Competitors: Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke, Chevrolet Trax, Mini Cooper Paceman, Buick Encore, Fiat 500X

Alternatives: BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA

Pros: Good value; class-leading interior space and usability; plenty efficient

Cons: Uncomfortable driving position; feels bland; lacks character

Would I Buy It With My Own Money? The HR-V is a solid, practical choice in an ever-growing segment, but it didn’t provide the spark I’m seeking when spending my own cash

Not everyone needs a decent-sized SUV, and yet small hatchbacks have never caught on in the United States. A compromise that’s bridging the gap, however, is the compact crossover—a segment originally formed by the quirky Nissan Juke, Mini Countryman and Buick Encore, and now ballooning thanks to entrants such as the Mazda CX-3, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade and Chevrolet Trax, among others. The buyers of said cars are looking for that raised SUV driving position and feel, but in a package that’s diminutive, practical and fuel efficient.

Enter Honda’s new HR-V, a Fit-based crossover that, on paper, has the potential to steal a hefty portion of market share.

For starters it looks good, but not quirky like a Juke or Renegade—an appearance that could turn off some buyers. Its 28 mpg city, 35 highway, 31 combined EPA estimates are some of the best numbers in class, and being based on the excellent Fit, one would expect nimble handling and an ingenious use of space (like storage compartments under the seats).

One of those latter attributes is present and accounted for. The other is not.

Practically, the HR-V ticks all the boxes. Where it lags behind is dynamically. The 141 horsepower, 127 lb.-ft. of torque 4-cylinder feels strained during acceleration. With a curb weight of around 3,000 lbs., the HR-V is not particularly heavy, but it is 400 lbs. heavier than the Fit and boasts just 11 additional horses. Then there’s the cornering and ride, which remains wallow-y and cumbersome—like a fat Fit, I suppose. The CVT gearbox I tested worked well, and a six-speed manual is available. But if you’re expecting something that drives with personality and a subtle edge, the HR-V will leave you cold.

The pain points continue in the cabin, where the driver’s seating position is remarkably uncomfortable. The seat feels like a wooden soccer ball is behind your back, and the steering wheel is always too far away and the pedals too close. That meant my right leg was resting against the plastic console, which was both annoying and awkward. On the bright side, the rest of interior is excellent, with a console layout that looks modern and fresh, unique air vents and, most importantly, an easy to use interface. For the money, I was more than content.

Talking of cash, the HR-V starts at $19,995 for a base LX, while my loaded EX-L Navi — that arrives with, you guessed it, navigation (and traffic alerts, which is nice) — fetches just $25,470. Despite its shortcomings, that remains great value, and it still retains the potential to become a sales success.

Honda appears to have approached the HR-V with caution and restraint. It seems intentionally appliance-like because the rest of the segment is littered with quirkiness. As we’ve seen with Toyota over the years, washing machines sell. And, due to its blandness and inability to offend, I expect the HR-V will too. In all honesty, do you really need anything more than practicality, efficiency and a pleasant appearance? If not, then the HR-V might be for you.