New Honda HR-V 2025: Review of a compact crossover with the Magic Seat system.

While many subcompact SUVs rely on quirky design to attract customers, the New Honda HR-V appeals to pragmatists with its understated exterior, sensible interior space and clever cargo-hauling capabilities. The HR-V is currently the smallest vehicle in Honda’s lineup, but its novel Magic Seat second row folds flat to create a huge area that can accommodate large items that larger crossovers may struggle to accommodate.

Honda CR-V

Unfortunately, the HR-V’s anemic four-cylinder engine and flabby chassis don’t help make commuting fun. If you want sporty handling or turbo power for your mini SUV, consider the Hyundai Kona , Kia Seltos or Mazda CX-30 .

What’s new ?

The HR-V carries over unchanged into . We expect a completely redesigned model to bow in the model year.
Sure, the HR-V isn’t the cheapest or fanciest subcompact SUV, but it’s a brilliant option for people who want one of the most practical vehicles in its class. However, we think the mid-level EX model is the one to go for. While it obviously costs more than the smaller HR-V Sport, it has better standard features. The most notable upgrades include heated front seats, passive entry, a sunroof, and several driver assistance systems (adaptive cruise, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist).

Engine, transmission and performance

Slow, loud and unrefined, the HR-V’s four-cylinder engine won’t satisfy your inner street racer, and the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) exacerbates the engine’s rudeness. With front-wheel drive, the HR-V managed a rather sluggish 8.6-second 60 mph time. All-wheel drive slowed it even further, to 9.5 seconds. The HR-V retains the snappy and eager handling of the Fit hatchback it’s based on, but don’t overdo it too much. Bumps when driving over rough roads and body roll in corners could be fixed with better suspension damping, but when cruising on a smooth road or highway, the HR-V settles into a more consistent ride.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The HR-V proves mighty efficient on an EPA map; however, it under-delivered in our real-world testing. The all-wheel-drive model we tested in 2016 managed 30 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel economy test. For more information on the HR-V’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, comfort and cargo

Its stylish, well-finished interior may not set pulses racing, but outward visibility is good and passenger space is acceptable. The smartest features are limited to the range-topping Touring model. The spacious front seats offer enough head and legroom for all but the tallest passengers. The back seat also offers plenty of legroom, but headroom isn’t as generous thanks to the Honda’s sloping roofline. The HR-V’s party trick is its second-row Magic Seat. When released, the rear seatbacks fold down. Combined with the low load floor, packing the cargo area becomes a breeze. But the lower cushion of the rear seat also folds up, providing an even deeper trough between the front and rear seatbacks for taller items that you can stow across the car behind the front seats. With the rear seats stowed, we managed to fit 22 of our carry-on suitcases in—more than some larger crossovers can manage.

Infotainment and connectivity

The HR-V offers a display audio infotainment system that includes a volume control, large on-screen icons, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. This 7.0-inch touchscreen comes standard with the exception of the base LX trim, which gets a simpler setup that’s basically a radio with a color screen.

Safety and driver assistance functions

Honda’s smallest crossover offers a variety of driver-assist technologies, but nothing is standard. For more information on the HR-V’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Available automatic emergency braking
• Available adaptive cruise control
• Available lane departure warning system

Warranty and maintenance coverage

As with the rest of the vehicle, the HR-V’s warranty coverage is fairly standard. Only Kia and Hyundai offer more coverage.

Price New Honda HR-V

In Europe, sales of the new Honda HR-V will begin at the end of . In the Japanese market, prices for the new generation Honda HR-V / Vezel start at € 18,000.