Honda not often does simply adequate, however the earlier technology HR-V could possibly be filed beneath that class. The small crossover was based mostly on the Honda Match’s platform; the inside was tremendous, the cabin was tremendous, however a little bit tinny, energy was simply okay, and the again seats have been too small for teenagers to develop into. The brand new technology of HR-V is America-specific (the remainder of the world will get a smaller mannequin) and will get a ground-up redesign based mostly on Honda’s newest and decidedly glorious Civic chassis, with the 1.8-liter engine changed with a bigger 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder making 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The inside is plusher than earlier than and options the newest in Honda’s infotainment tech and security techniques. To examine the brand new technology Honda HR-V, we took ourselves to Washington state and crisscrossed out and in of Oregon for our first drive.
Exterior: Assured And Memorable
Let’s face it, the final technology HR-V wants frequent appears out the window onto the driveway to recollect what it appears like. The brand new one options Honda’s newest design cues and is all the higher for it. It has a wider observe, decrease belt line, and styled fenders to assist flip the sub-compact right into a extra assured-looking automobile. The small patterned grille and modern Accord-style LED headlights give the HR-V a way of magnificence to its front-end design. The windshield wipers at the moment are tucked away, and there are not any roof moldings, serving to the brand new, sleeker look.
Your trim choice modifications the entrance grille from a honeycomb matte-finished unit to a horizontal design grille and upgrades the 17-inch silver-painted alloy wheels to 18-inch break up five-spoke wheels on the Sport trim or Shark Gray 17-inch alloy wheels on the HR-V EX-L. The Sport receives chrome exhaust tricks to set it aside whereas the range-topping EX-L will get an influence moonroof. Each high trims characteristic tinted rear privateness glass.
Engine & Efficiency: Smoother, Extra Responsive
The brand new HR-V’s 2.0-liter engine will get 17 hp and 11 lb-ft upgrades in comparison with the previous automotive, however we’re extra considering how the engine drives as an entire. Honda guarantees extra effectivity and refinement, which is good news if the engine is smoother, quieter, and extra responsive than the outgoing mannequin’s. It’s, and we instantly appreciated the smoothness with which the HR-V pulled away for the primary time. The usual CVT gearbox had the potential to trigger alarm, but it surely’s a refined unit that provides to the expertise, programmed to create stronger engine braking when going downhill moderately than feeling like a unfastened rubbery factor separated from the remainder of the expertise.
In customary kind, the HR-V is front-wheel-drive, however Honda’s Actual Time AWD system is non-compulsory and was geared up to our tester, including Hill Descent Management. The HR-V comes with three most important drive modes, Regular, Snow, and Econ. Regular is self-explanatory, whereas Snow softens the throttle response, will increase the adjusts the transmission and AWD for slippery circumstances, and turns off the automated engine cease/begin operate. Econ does the identical as different Honda fashions by altering the enter ratios for the throttle to maximise effectivity and makes use of a extra environment friendly cycle for the air-con. On this mode, two-wheel-drive variations return an estimated 26/32/28 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed, whereas the all-wheel-drive fashions return 25/30/27 mpg.
Driving Impressions: Mature And Subtle
The very first thing to hit house is how rather more refined the trip high quality is, and the second is how a lot quieter the cabin is. New multilink rear suspension and a give attention to cabin-noise suppression have paid off, and by the point we had an hour within the automotive, there was an extended listing of enhancements to listing. The steering has a variety of electrical help with sensors measuring inputs, however the result’s a remarkably pure feeling. It is secure to say the brand new Honda HR-V has taken on a variety of the Civic’s attributes with its chassis after which been fine-tuned for function. The HR-V is not as dynamically enjoyable because the Civic, however we do not anticipate it to be. Nonetheless, it is greater than dynamically competent and extra enjoyable than it must be to toss down a again highway. We wandered off the prescribed route in quest of someplace to take photographs and ended up on an extended filth observe, good for giving the AWD system a exercise. It did all the things appropriately, with a way of steadiness making it simply maneuverable and concurrently extremely predictable. Whereas few individuals might be bombing down filth tracks within the HR-V, it helped guarantee us that the HR-V may react with agility and predictably when the highway throws up harmful surprises.
Inside: The Honda We Know And love
The factor that little doubt cramped the previous-generation HR-V’s gross sales was the inside, significantly the cramped rear seats. With the brand new platform comes elevated size and rear legroom – sufficient now for a mean grownup to not complain about. The seats are all new frames, and having spent just a few days in vehicles and planes, they helped calm down our again over the day’s check driving. Guide adjustment is customary, however should you spring for the leather-trimmed seats solely out there on the EX-L by-product, you achieve eight-way energy adjustment for the motive force’s perch. Each Sport and EX-L derivatives characteristic front-seat heating, whereas options like dual-zone computerized local weather management, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and ambient LED lighting are reserved for the EX-L.
Practicality is a trademark of Honda merchandise and the HR-V delivers with 24.4 cubic ft of cargo area behind the rear seats. These 60/40-split gadgets may be folded to extend capability to 55.1 cubic ft. The previous is barely barely greater than the previous mannequin and the latter rather less, but it surely showcases that the additional dimension went proper to the rear-seat occupants the place it was wanted.
Honda has aimed for simplicity inside and succeeded whereas packing in all the things wanted. Bigger vents for the HVAC are on present, the metallic finishes of the switchgear appear and feel good, and visibility is great. Behind the steering wheel is a normal new seven-inch shade digital gauge show that is clear and simple to learn or navigate by means of the completely different views.
A seven-inch touchscreen is customary because the window into the infotainment system whereas a nine-inch unit is obtainable within the top-spec EX-L. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary, made wi-fi on the EX-L, which additionally provides wi-fi charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio. The highest trim receives an improve to the sound system, including two audio system to the usual six however retaining the 180-watt system output.
Worth, Verdict, and Trims: A Hefty Improve
If you happen to’ve handed over the HR-V earlier than however are nonetheless in search of a small SUV, it is price ready for the brand new technology to hit sellers and take a check drive. We already want it over the peerlessly competent but immediately forgettable Toyota Corolla Cross. Nearly all the things we may have listed to be improved has been for the HR-V, and it is not the Honda you purchase as a result of you may’t funds for a CR-V. It is now a fantastic little crossover in its personal proper and can go well with new households down or make a fantastic first automotive for somebody getting their profession progress on. We won’t argue with the pricing, both. The LX mannequin begins at $23,650 in FWD guise, and the HR-V tops out with the EX-L at $27,450. Between these two, the Sport has an MSRP of $25,650. A $1,245 vacation spot cost is relevant on all fashions, and stepping as much as AWD will solely value you $1,500.