Flash Drive

Flash Drive 2016 Honda HR-V

December 31, 2015 - Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2016 Honda HR-V 5-Door AWD EX-L

The 2016 Honda HR-V is a compact crossover SUV that resembles the larger Honda CR-V.
The 2016 Honda HR-V is a compact crossover SUV that resembles the larger Honda CR-V.

Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas, 141 horsepower, 127 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, Real Time all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 27/City—32/Highway—29/Combined

Base Price: $25,840

As Tested: $26,720

Performance:

Nimble off-road capabilities

Full time AWD, but no locking features

Paddle shifters

Econ mode button for transmission/engine

Good acceleration

Smooth highway ride

Easy to park

Great fuel economy, our best was 33.0 mpg

The sole HR-V engine is an economical 1.8-liter inline four cylinder.
The sole HR-V engine is an economical 1.8-liter inline four cylinder.

Hill start assist

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver legroom

Good headroom

Quality interior materials, nicely tailored

Medium thick leather steering wheel

Tilt/telescopic with fine auxiliary controls

Heated front seats

Supportive seats with good side bolsters

Cheap, flocked headliner

Significant wheelwell intrusion for rear doors

Back seat a little snug if fronts are all back

Tall passengers just clear headliner in back seat

Front seat legroom is excellent. Overall interior fit and finish meets Honda's high standards.
Front seat legroom is excellent. Overall interior fit and finish meets Honda’s high standards.

Almost no floor hump in second row

Utility:

Large, flexible cargo capacity up to 8-feet long

Small sunroof

Very small front door bins and console bin

Very small back door bins

Extra open storage under shifter console

One seatback storage pouch

Split rear seats fold completely flat

Flat cargo floor

Cargo loops

Wide hatch opening, minimal lift-over height

Cargo capacity is impressive, especially for such an outwardly compact SUV. The back seats fold flat.
Cargo capacity is impressive, especially for such an outwardly compact SUV. The back seats fold flat.

Nice navigation/infotainment system

Four overhead grab handles

Full complement of high tech devices connectivity

Heated power door mirrors

Wow Factors:

Attractive styling

Excellent driver legroom

Impressive fuel economy

Good size for city driving

Whines:

Front passenger legroom not equal to driver’s side

Odd high location for rear door handles

Interior storage bins rather small

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Honda HR-V is an all-new SUV that Honda slots below the popular CR-V. This compact or mini crossover SUV is surprisingly roomy and capable. It has a versatile cargo capacity. It’s fun to drive off-road and in bad weather. 

The Honda HR-V has very nice highway manners, but it's also agile off paved roads.
The Honda HR-V has very nice highway manners, but it’s also agile off paved roads.