Photo by Toshi Akatsuka
Story by Mike Satterfield
Honda has always been known for reliability, good gas mileage, and strong resale. If that is was you are seeking in a compact crossover, the HR-V might be the right car for you. For me Hondas have mostly been soulless appliances, but the HR-V hopes to change that in the fast growing CUV segment.
In this crowded market you have the Fiat 500X, the Nissan Juke, the Kia Soul, and Chevrolet's Trax, all fall into that strange space of not quite being a SUV but not really being a sporty hatchback. Out of all of the choices out there the HR-V (which stands for Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle) really captures the crossover SUV feel in a scaled down package. The others seem to be stuck in limbo between being a hatchback car or a crossover SUV, the HR-V really defines the class.
As with any Honda it gets good gas mileage, is quite, smooth, and comfortable. Compared to many in this segment the HR-V has ample cargo space, easy to use fold flat rear seats. The rest of the interior is kind of standard Honda, austere, functional, and clean.
Honda has put more effort into the crossover's interior space than anything. The cargo room under its hatch is spacious. Both rear seats fold flat in one quick easy motion. Some little and midsize SUVs require you to pull the bottom seat cushion forward before lowering the seat back. Some require you to take out the headrests first.
The HR-V is offered in a front-wheel-drive and AWD configuration, the later would likely make it feel even more SUV like and would be a must have in areas that get snow. For the modest price bump the AWD option is well worth it.
The FWD LX model starts at just under $20K while an EX-L model starts at just over $25k while going with the EX-L AWD model bumps you to just over $26,000. The standard transmission is a 6 speed manual which would make the HR-V a little more fun to drive and get the most out of the 1.8-liter iVTEC I4. With 141 horsepower and 127 ft.-lbs. of torque it is more than enough to motivate the pintsize crossover, but with the automatic CVT it feels a little anemic off the line.
For more on the HR-V Click Here
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