Honda doesn’t need any introduction when it comes to automobiles. The Japanese giant runs its business in three categories broadly, 4-wheelers, 2-wheelers, and power equipment. The cars from Honda are almost always stylish, performance-oriented and yet affordable. The brand also has a luxury performance vehicle division, Acura, which has given many legendary cars to the world. The HR-V is Honda's take on the subcompact crossover segment which is apparently getting crowded with too many options to choose.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
For 2020, in the subcompact crossover segment, Honda will continue the HR-V that was launched in 2016. The HR-V was first unveiled in 1998 and until production ceased in 2006. It was then relaunched in 2016 as first-generation for people who want the comfort of an SUV at the price of a sedan.
Being the entry-level SUV from the brand, the car will lock horns with the South Korean sister brands Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, and the Japanese Subaru Crosstrek. Does the Honda stand a fighting chance or is it out of its league? Let’s find out.
2020 Honda HR-V SUV Front View
2020 Honda HR-V SUV Rear View
8.1/10 Features
7.1/10 Engine and Performance
8.1/10 Fuel Economy
9.1/10 Interior
8.1/10 Exterior
9.8/10 Safety
7.0/10 Competition
8.0/10 Final Verdict
2020 Honda HR-V Features
8.1/10
The Honda HR-V is available in 5 trims depending on your budget and feature requirement. The base trim is raw bones with very minimal features and the Sport trim has some features which are as exclusive to that trim only. Broadly, the following are the key features in all the trims:
Model
LX
Sport
EX
EX-L
Touring
MSRP (CVT)
$20,820
$22,520
$23,970
$25,570
$28,890
Key Features
141-hp, 16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC Engine
Features from the LX trim as standard and additional features
Features from the Sport trim as standard and additional features
Features from the EX Trim as standard and additional features
Features from the EX-L trim as standard and additional features
Available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System
7-Inch Display Audio Touch-Screen
Standard Honda Sensing Safety Suite and
Leather-Trimmed Seats
Standard Real-Time AWD with Intelligent Control System
5-Inch Color LCD Screen with
Apple CarPlay and
Honda LaneWatch
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System
USB Audio Interface and Bluetooth Audio Streaming
Android Auto
17-inch Unique Silver-Painted Alloy Wheels
Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Driver's Seat with 8-Way Power Adjustment
17-Inch Silver-Painted Alloy Wheels
Sport-Exclusive 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
HondaLink Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock
180-Watt Audio System with 6 Speakers and Chrome Speaker Rings
HomeLink Remote System
60/40 Split 2nd-Row Magic Seat
Sport Mode with Dual-Mode Paddle Shifters and Sport Pedals (Exclusive to Sport Trim)
One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
Body-Colored Underbody Spoilers
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines
Body-Colored Rear Roofline Spoiler with
Heated Front Seats and Push Button Start
LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off and LED Fog Lights
Halogen Projector-Beam Headlights with LED Taillights
Gloss-Black Underbody Spoilers and
Roof Rails
Fog Lights
All trims come with 17-inch wheels as standard with corresponding all-weather tires with it. The Sport trim is an exception with 18-inch wheels and performance tires for sport enthusiasts. While the Touring trim comes with AWD as standard, there is an option of upgrading to the all-wheel-drive for an extra $1,500.
Our Recommendation
From the trims available, we would recommend the EX trim as it has most of the features that would be needed to make the car a worthy daily driver. You can also add the front and rear parking sensors to it so that the car will intuitively assist in parking and offer a complete value-for-money package. Opt for the AWD only if you absolutely need it, otherwise it will just add weight to it which might overwhelm the car.
2020 Honda HR-V Engine and Performance
7.1/10
Honda engines are built to last and offer peak performances under all circumstances to maximize the driving experience. The 2020 HR-V comes with a 1.8L inline-4 cylinder engine which generates a decent 141 hp @ 6500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm.
Models
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Kona
Kia Soul
Subaru Crosstrek
MSRP
$20,820
$20,100
$17,490
$22,145
Engine
1.8L Inline-4
2.0L Inline-4
2.0L Inline-4
2.0L Inline-4
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
AWD
Transmission
CVT- Automatic
6-speed shiftable automatic
6-speed manual
6-speed manual
Power
141hp@6,500rpm
147hp@6,200rpm
147hp@6,200rpm
152hp@6,000rpm
Torque
127lb-ft@4,300rpm
132lb-ft@4,500rpm
132lb-ft@4,500rpm
145lb-ft@4,000rpm
In the typical Honda fashion, the car offers the peak power at high revs and peak torque in the mid-rpm range. The Honda engine is undercut by the competition since its competitors have a better performing engine at the price bracket. Power figures are one-upped marginally, with the Crosstrek edging the rivals. Closely following the Subaru are the Soul and the Hyundai Kona.
How fast does it go?
The Honda HR-V and its competitors are not particularly made for racing. Being one of the budget crossovers and trying to live to the Honda tag, the engine seems to have taken quite the blow since it is quite unresponsive. Floor the pedal and instead of a refined growl, a noisy clatter will fill your ears.
2020 Honda HR-V SUV 0-60 MPH in just 8.6 sec
Models
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Kona
Kia Soul
Subaru Crosstrek
0-60 MPH
8.6 sec
6.6 sec
6.3 sec
10.3 sec
Quarter Mile
N/A
14.9 sec
16.5 sec
16.8 sec
Top Speed
125 MPH
127 MPH
128 MPH
N/A
Engine
1.8L Inline-4
2.0L Inline-4
2.0L Inline-4
2.0L Inline-4
The pickup of the car is sluggish and you might feel like it is getting pushed to its boundaries. Despite being a reliable brand, the H-RV engine is just uninspired. Even getting up a small climb seems like a daunting task as the torque is just about enough to pull the 2900 pound car. Adding the AWD only increases the weight and might get overwhelming for the engine to pull it at any inclination.
What about the Stopping power?
All the trims of the 2020 Honda HR-V have 17-inch unique silver painted alloy wheels. These are married to 215/55R17 all-weather tires. The Sport trim features 18-inch wheels, which come with the high riding 225/50R18 all-weather tires. Considering it is one of the heaviest cars of its segment, Honda has done a marvelous job with the optimization of the brakes.
2020 Honda HR-V SUV Front Brake is 11.5 in.
Models
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Kona
Kia Soul
Subaru Crosstrek
Brake Rotors Front
11.5"
12"
11"
11.6"
Brake Rotrs Rear
11.1"
11.2"
10.3"
10.8"
Curb Weight
2906 lbs
2890 lbs
2802 lbs
3117 lbs
60-0 MPH
121 MPH
129 MPH
143 MPH
118 MPH
Going by the figures, the car comes to a stop in a remarkable 121 feet which just falls short only to the Crosstrek. The car comes with ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist as standard across all trims. The Kia Soul stops way ahead of all its rivals despite being boasting the same chassis of the Kona.
The EX trim also offers an additional feature in the braking department. It is the Collision Mitigation Braking System which automatically brings the vehicle to a halt when it detects a pedestrian in its path.
How well does it Handle?
Considering its a subcompact crossover, the HR-V has charismatic handling. The suspension setup in the Honda HR-V is a McPherson strut arrangement in the front and a torsion beam arrangement in the rear for the 2WD variant. A DeDion suspension setup for the rear is used if you opt for the AWD variant. The setup is well-tuned and covers ground over potholes without causing any discomfort to the passengers. On a curvy road, the HR-V will definitely put a smile on your face.
2020 Mazda CX-9 SUV Rear View
Steering the 2900lbs car is not at all difficult as the car offers fairly responsive feedback to the driver. The car is very nippy in the city but tends to have some body-roll in cornering. Taking it up on hills or trying to get a sporty thrill out of the car might not be a great idea since the car does not offer any sporty or off-roading character and you will just end up getting disappointed. If 2WD is not something you’re enthusiastic about, you can always opt for the laid back AWD which will add additional weight but give you a more stable driving experience.
Despite being regarded as an SUV, the HR-V offers the best in class fuel economy. Honda engines are one of the most efficient in the business and the HR-V is just another example of this methodology.
Models
Honda H-RV
Hyundai Kona
Kia Soul
Subaru Crosstrek
MPG (City)
28
27
25
22
MPG (Highway)
34
33
31
29
MPG (Combined)
30
30
27
25
Fuel Capacity
13.2 gallons
13.2 gallons
14.3 gallons
16.6 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)
370/449/396 miles
356/436/396 miles
358/443/386 miles
365/481/415 miles
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Great mileage is particularly where the 1.8L engine shines and becomes one of the USPs of this subcompact crossover contender. With a fuel tank capacity of 13.2L, the car offers a city range of 370 miles and a highway range of 449 miles which helps the car to come out as the segment leader.
2020 Honda HR-V Interior
9.1/10
The HR-V LX trim comes with a mono-tone interior while the upper trims feature the dual-tone color scheme. The interiors of the HR-V may not get your pulse spiked but will surely impress you with the finesse and elegance of the build quality.
2020 Honda HR-V SUV Front Seats
The three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel is standard and offers much-needed ease of access to the vehicle’s multimedia features. The LX trim features a 5-inch LCD screen with USB audio capability while the upper trims feature the 7-inch touch screen infotainment display with Bluetooth audio streaming.
Models
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Kona
Kia Soul
Subaru Crosstrek
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/ Shoulder/Leg) (in)
39.5/56.8/38.3
39.6/55.5/37.8
39.4/55.5/39.5
39.8/56.7/38
Rear Row (Head/ Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.3/54.5/39.3
37.8/54.5/34.6
39.5/54.7/38.3
38/55.6/36.5
The car also features the Honda Magic seats, which help in altering the cargo space. The seats are very comfortable and offer a congenial ride to both the front and rear passengers. The thigh support could have been better but for the price its being offered at, the seats are still adequate enough. The driver may experience an occasional bump of the knee to the dashboard due to the expansive size of the dashboard.
Average people have ample legroom and headroom but taller guys might find a bit of a struggle. The sloping roofline adds to the struggle as the rear headroom takes a hit too.
The interior does a good job of shutting out most noises from the outside but it is certainly not the quietest. With Active Noise cancellation as standard in all trims except the base trim, sound damping could have been better and the engine does get noisy at times which can get irritating. The lower trims feature a knob set-up for the A/C controls while trims upwards of the EX feature the Honda touchscreen digipad.
Infotainment System
The Japanese carmaker has equipped the HR-V with an infotainment system in all trims. The LX trim features a 5-inch LCD screen with audio capability. Upper trims feature a 7-inch full touchscreen display. The following are the features that it comes equipped with:
2020 Honda HR-V SUV Has a 5-inch LCD Screen
Honda Satellite linked navigation system with Voice Recognition
160 Watt audio system with 4 speakers (LX trim)
180 Watt audio system with 4 speakers (Sport trim)
180 Watt audio system with 6 speakers (upper trims)
Apple Car Play and Android Auto
Bluetooth Handsfree link
Bluetooth audio streaming
Radio Data system
Pandora compatibility
Honda Link
SMS Text Message function
Speed-sensing volume compensation
SiriusXM Satellite and HD Radio Connectivity
Though the infotainment system is pretty straightforward and easy, it can get a little confusing at times. Overall, there is no shortage of tricks in the Honda HR-V to keep you entertained.
What about Cargo Space?
Cargo space is the one department where Honda has proved its mettle with the Honda HR-V. The car proudly boasts of 24.3 cubic feet of storage space in the back which is the best in the segment. It can easily store 2 medium-sized suitcases and a few duffle bags with space for 2-3 baseball bats and the ball left over. The cargo section also features a cargo light which helps a lot in darker surroundings. The HR-V marginally beats the Kia Soul in terms of the cargo space on offer. The Subaru Crossstrek despite having a roomy interior has 3 cu-ft less space than the HR-V.
2020 Honda HR-V SUV Cargo Space is 24.3 cu ft.
Models
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Kona
Kia Soul
Subaru Crosstrek
Cargo Capacity
24.3 cu.ft.
19.2 cu.ft.
24.2 cu.ft.
20.8 cu.ft.
If you feel you’re running out of space in the back, then be prepared to be amazed by the clever 60/40 folding Honda Magic Seats. The ingenuity of these seats can be seen when you fold them. The seats are designed to match the floor level of the cargo area, and essentially, the car offers a variable cargo space based on your requirement. With the seat down, the car will give you a total of 53.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Additionally, there are door pockets that have a good amount of space to carry daily traveling supplies. There is a dual usage cup holder in front armrest along with a storage section, and cup holders with storage in the rear center armrest as well. The glove box is surprisingly roomy and features an internal light in the top trim.
Other features that the car comes loaded with are:
5-inch Audio capable LCD screen or 7-inch Touchscreen infotainment system
Illuminated steering wheel controls
Honda Magic Seats
Adjustable center armrest for the front seat
Moonroof with power control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keeping Assist System
Auto High Beam headlights
LED Daytime running lamps
Honda Link
Air conditioning with filtration system
Illuminated driver window and door lock controls
Driver side garment hook
Rear seat heater ducts
Dual usage cup holders
Cargo area light
Power adjusted driver seat (Touring trim only)
USB Charging ports in the front and rear
60/40 Folding rear seat
2020 Honda HR-V SUV Dashboard2020 Honda HR-V SUV Infotainment Screen2020 Honda HR-V SUV Front Seats2020 Honda HR-V SUV Rear Seats2020 Honda HR-V SUV Sun Roof2020 Honda HR-V SUV Front Seats2020 Honda HR-V SUV Rear Seats
2020 Honda HR-V Exterior
8.1/10
The HR-V underwent a mid-cycle refresh in 2019 and the 2020 model doesn’t deviate from that design. Giving it a quick glance, from the front, the trademark Honda style with the wide grille and aggressive headlamps makes its appearance. Evidently, the car can fool you with its subcompact look that can associate to a tall car.
2020 Honda HR-V SUV Three Quarter View
Models
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Kona
Kia Soul
Subaru Crosstrek
Curb Weight
2906 lbs
2890 lbs
2802 lbs
3117 lbs
Length
170.4"
164"
165.2"
175.8"
Width
69.8"
70.9"
70.9"
71"
Height
63.2"
61"
63"
63.6"
Ground Clearance
7.3"
6.7"
6.7"
8.7"
Wheelbase
102.8"
102.4"
102.4"
104.9"
The design language is impressive but seems like a love child of the Honda Pilot and the Honda Accord with the high riding stance and sloping roofline. A body-colored roofline spoiler is also elegantly tucked in at the rear end of the car. It has a very clean look and you won’t be disappointed with the style quotient of the HR-V. The salient features of the crossover are:
Rain Sensing Variable speed intermittent windshield wipers (Sport and above)
Reverse Linked Intermittent rear window wiper
Projector Beam Halogen headlamps
Power side mirrors
One-touch moonroof with tilt (EX and above)
Rear Privacy Glass (EX and above)
In case you forget to lock your car and walk away, the car has smart entry with a walk-away auto-lock feature which will lock the car as soon as the key sensor is more than 10 feet away from the car.
2020 Honda HR-V SUV Exterior2020 Honda HR-V SUV Exterior2020 Honda HR-V SUV Exterior
2020 Honda HR-V Safety
9.8/10
As in the previous model year, there are a lot of safety features that come as standard in the HR-V. Regrettably, to keep costs low, the lower trims lack some essential safety features. All trims above the Sport come with many safety features that can be very useful in the normal driving days and some features that become an absolute necessity on the highway.
Other features that make it stand out in its class are:
Collision Mitigation Braking system
Road Departure Mitigation System
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keeping Assist System
Forward Collision Warning
Multi-Angle rearview Camera
Vehicle Stability with Traction Control
Anti Lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Dual Stage SRS Airbags
Roll Over Sensor
3-point safety belts with two way tensioner
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
With the ACE type body shell, the car shell has designated crumple zones and reinforced sections to make sure that passengers are safe in the event of a collision.
2020 Honda HR-V Competition
7.0/10
Honda HR-V vs Hyundai Kona
South Korean auto conglomerate, Hyundai’s Kona SUV is a well-equipped vehicle that certainly has the feel of a semi-premium car and the Kona holds its own with a refined engine, almost the same amount of space and comes in $700 lesser than the Honda. Though Honda HR-V is more fuel-efficient, the cars cannot be more evenly matched with Hyundai Kona taking the pole position by a very narrow margin.
2020 Hyundai Kona
Honda HR-V Vs Kia Soul
Sister brand of South Korean giant Hyundai, Kia’s Soul is battling it out for supremacy with the HR-V in the subcompact crossover segment. Often confused as a wagon or a hatchback due to its form factor, the car is based on the Kona platform. With more cargo space than the Kona, the Kia Soul continues to be a practical and thrilling vehicle. When equipped with the optional turbocharged engine, the Kia Soul becomes one of the fastest in its segment. The HR-V offers a better fuel economy, more cargo space, and better safety features to trump out the Soul and be a better buying choice at a slightly higher price.
2020 Kia Soul
Honda HR-V Vs Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru, the contender from Japan, known for its boxer engines and off-road capabilities, has the Crosstrek competing with the Honda HR-V. A practical car with AWD as a default across all trims along with the added capability for off-road, the Crosstrek is perfect match for adventurers. The Crosstrek is cheaper, has more safety features, gets best-in-class fuel economy, and segment-leading variable cargo space.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek
2020 Honda HR-V Final Verdict
8.0/10
While the lack of much-needed safety options in the lower trims and an underperforming engine does cost it the pole position, the subcompact crossover by Honda is a great vehicle. Honda Magic Seats and superb fuel economy help beat out the competition by a big margin. the Honda H-RV has been awarded the Top Safety Pick for 2019 by IIHS and overall 5-star rating by the NHTSA in 2020 and builds on the same premise of its predecessor and takes it forward. If you want something that can offer safety, practicality, and usage, give this car a serious consideration.
Cons - No moonroof, rear door handles, flat black side mirrors
Overall Review
9 /10 Overall Rating
I've never really been able to notice the difference between how two cars drive. Same with my new HRV as well which has been a wonderful daily driver.
9/10
Features
10/10
Interior
8/10
Design
9/10
Safety
9/10
Reliability
9/10
Deal Value
10/10
Dealer Review
MS
Michael L. Stone
2020 Honda HR-V
EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
10
User Overall Rating
Posted On: August 10, 2020
HR-V is more inclined towards efficiency
Pros - CVT drivetrain, optional alloy wheel design, great on gas
Cons - Misses dual exhausts, rear windshield inhibits visibility, no rear center cupholders
Overall Review
10 /10 Overall Rating
Drives adroitly and efficiently in every condition. AWD for better traction in snow and 2WD for better gas economy. All this makes hrv best of both worlds. If there is anything it can improve on, that would be the rear windshield which inhibits visibility significantly.
10/10
Features
9/10
Interior
10/10
Design
10/10
Safety
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Deal Value
10/10
Dealer Review
RH
Robert L. Hadley
2020 Honda HR-V
LX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
7
User Overall Rating
Posted On: August 10, 2020
Everything in here is optional
Pros - Wheels, parking sensors and remote start
Cons - CVT, basic equipment like spoiler also cones optional
Overall Review
7 /10 Overall Rating
Its just engine that comes standard in hrv, everything else has been kept optional it seems. In LX trim, one needs to pay separately for basic equipments like roof spoiler, parking sensors, alloy wheels and what not. What I would have appreciated in option rather would have been automatic transmission. Not everyone is a fan of CVTs.
I've never really been able to notice the difference between how two cars drive. Same with my new HRV as well which has been a wonderful daily driver.
by William J. Eye
10
User Overall Rating
HR-V is more inclined towards efficiency
Drives adroitly and efficiently in every condition. AWD for better traction in snow and 2WD for better gas economy. All this makes hrv best of both worlds. If there is anything it can improve on, that would be the rear windshield which inhibits visibility significantly.
by Michael L. Stone
7
User Overall Rating
Everything in here is optional
Its just engine that comes standard in hrv, everything else has been kept optional it seems. In LX trim, one needs to pay separately for basic equipments like roof spoiler, parking sensors, alloy wheels and what not. What I would have appreciated in option rather would have been automatic transmission. Not everyone is a fan of CVTs.
by Robert L. Hadley
10
User Overall Rating
Perfect for our family
Such a wonderfully priced compact suv that can do just about everything it is asked to. Literally everything. Takes us to places, keeps us safe, warm, entertained, and most of all, comfortable. Not many trips to gas stations is one more reason why we can't stop talking about it. Honda HRV is the best.
by Richard C. Zawacki
7
User Overall Rating
Sports trim of HRV doesn't actually sit well with the name
If comfort along with safety and precise handling are the questions, hrv should and will not fail. But as the name suggests sports, there should have been more to it. That "more" is called as performance in terms of power which this suv seems to be unaware of.
