You must have heard about the Honda CRV, a compact crossover SUV, but have you heard of the Honda HRV? Unlike the CRV, it’s a subcompact crossover SUV that Honda prepared over three generations.
FYI, subcompact cars are slightly smaller in size than compact cars. So, it’s going to be the small mini SUV you have been looking for with the Honda HRV.
Honda took some ideas from its other vehicles and lineups. The company jolted down the ideas together and brought out one of its most practical and performance-centric HRVs. It was initially planned to serve as an entry-level SUV.
However, despite the pure design and performance, many still believe that the Honda HRV needs more sauce! Fans have high hopes that Honda will take inspiration from the Honda Accord hybrid and bring out a hybrid version of the Honda HRV. If that is to happen, the Honda HRV will directly compete with the classy Toyota Corolla Cross. That’s something Honda lovers would cherish.
Until it happens, let us find peace with the current HRV and its practical cabin, novel infotainment, and Honda’s updated driver assistance tech!
2024 Honda HR-V & It’s Lineups
In the running year of 2023, the new generation of Honda HRV, an entry-level subcompact crossover just launched. Upon its arrival, the car earned lots of popularity with its originality.
Whether it’s about the overall edge line or the interior style, the 2023 HRV promotes an upper class. However, as said earlier, many fans are longing for a hybrid version of the HRV.
To your satisfaction, the Honda HRV is right now in its second production year. A lot of people are hopeful because it is about to be a hybrid version. We also believe the hybrid version will overcome some of the biggest challenges – the lack of power.
Yes! The Honda HRV is inspired by the Civic 2024 and seamlessly borrowed the framework components from the model. However, unlike the Honda Civic, the HRV lacks efficient power from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder. One of the reasons to blame this is the lack of sync from its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) system.
Other than this power improvement, we don’t think the HRV would need any major changes in 2024. Additionally, the 2024 Honda HRV could make some changes in its driving dynamics, and also to the fuel economy, it’s the personal opinion of many!
The rest of the modules could remain the same. The 2024 HRV is going to come packed with relaxed handling, a breathable cabin, and of course a wide list of standard amenities. Prior HRV users say everything gets better with the intuitive infotainment system of the HRV.
Honda HRV Lineup History
The Honda HRV was launched in 1998, initially, the target market was the Japanese and European automobile markets. However, it did take one year to be widely available for sale in Europe.
By 1999, the HRV became very popular for its subcompact size, creative design, and versatile interior. The HRV started as a 3 door crossover. For two years, the model continued like this until in 2001, a new facelift was introduced that replaced the 3-door version.
It was instantly replaced with a 5-door crossover. This change made the interior more breathable and spacious, having the second-row seats as foldable.
Up until now, the Honda HRV has successfully run three generations. The first generation of the Honda HRV boastfully promoted the Honda Logo. It also significantly prevailed in the competitive European, Japanese, and Asian Pacific automotive markets from 1999 to 2006, almost seven years.
The First Generation HRV (1998 – 2006)
The first-generation HR-V also came with a unique high roofline, followed by a spacious cabin and unique style. During this time, the crossover was available with different engine options. It impressively continued with the economical inline-four engines and you could also choose between the front wheel drive (FWD) or Honda’s real-time all-wheel drive system.
The Second Generation HRV (2013-2021)
The second generation of the HRV was released in 2013. It was initially considered as the Urban SV concept and had a debut at the North American International Auto Show.
Back then, a series of Honda’s global compact cars were released, including the Honda Fit Subcompact and the Honda City Subcompact Sedan. It has been in the news that the subcompact Honda HRV is mostly based on these two compact cars, according to Wikipedia.
For the HRV lovers, it was a proud return in 2013. Starting at the North American International Auto Show, Honda targeted the broad customer segment of North America.
The second generation of the HRV had a more traditional SUV design. However, the legacy Magic Seat system was continued. The vehicle offered multiple cargo and seating arrangements with the touch of modern technology.
Facelifts
Over the years, Honda has introduced some facelifts and updates to keep the HRV in line with contemporary style and tech trends. Updates include refreshing exteriors and improved infotainment systems with additional safety features.
FYI: Facelifts are common in the automotive industry. Often instead of major changes, the automobile companies introduce mid-generational refresh with minor model changes or updates.
It can be anything! However, the change won’t be of high magnitude. Such as life cycle impulse, a few changes in style during its production, new sheet metal or adding up interior elements, or some mechanical changes. Facelifts often allow the manufacturers to freshen up the car models without going through a complete redesign.
The Third Generation HRV (2021- Present)
Based on our research and data models, the 2021 Honda HRV is Honda’s smallest crossover SUV. However, it still is positioned below the CRV. The Honda HRV talks highly of the versatile and roomier interior. You can enjoy the handsome driving manners.
In 2021, the Honda HRV met a total global sales of 137,090 units in the USA only, according to a sales data report from goodcarbadcar.net. Although the number varies drastically from Canada.
In 2021, a total of 11,616 units of the Third Generation HRV were sold in Canada. We believe a lot of factors affected the global sales in Canada.
The 2021 model year also comes with high durability and better resale value. So if you put your HRV up for sale after a few years, you won’t be at a loss at all.
Now, let’s talk about the third-generation HRV. It is divided into two different models. Interestingly, the two models do not target one global market only. They are aimed at two different markets.
The first split was the RV model and it was introduced in 2021. It was produced in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Taiwan, China, and Pakistan. However, the European automobile market also put the HRV for sale.
On the contrary, things were different for the North American market. The market received a different and larger model than the regular RV. It had a code name, RZ, and was specially targeted to meet the unique needs of the US clients. Outside North America, people came up with a different name for the HRV, and that’s Honda ZRV.
The 2024 Honda HRV Review
The HRV just had a total redesign in 2023, as you know already. The redesign was too soon that it is confirmed that Honda will bring no changes in the 2024 model year version.
The 2024 Honda HRV is available in three trims – (1) the 2024 Honda HRV LX, (2) the 2024 Honda HRV Sport, and (3) the 2024 Honda HRV EX-L.
Out of the three available trims of the HRV, we believe it’s the HRV Sport that’s creating a buzz in customer’s minds. The exterior style is slightly violent and forceful. Why shouldn’t it be? It is the only trim among the three trims that features the 18-inch wheels.
If you are up for a class with the wide round styling option, let it be with the HRV Sport. Review coming soon.
The 2024 Honda HRV: Interior
Honda is always up to date with modern tech and features. It was not too long ago that Honda added wireless connectivity to some of its top-tier vehicles.
The same goes with the HRV sports too. The interior of the HRV comes stuffed with modern tech and copies the Civic interior style at its best. Once you put your hands on it, you can’t but accept that, it is both comfortable and ensures a safe support to your back and hip.
Take the HRV front seats for example. You can make a handful of adjustments with the front seats. We think the HRV cabins are somewhat severe. The cabin is dotted and well-developed with better storage capacity.
The Honda HRV makes sure you along with your family can travel comfortably in this car. The cargo area is deep enough to bear seven suitcases, tested and proven. After all, usability is one of the most impactful parts of the HRV’s characteristics.
The big part is yet to come! Fold the rear seats, and you can easily fit 22 carry-on suitcases following the front row.
The 2024 Honda HRV: Fuel Economy
Available both as FWD and optional AWD, fuel economy is a win with the front-wheel-drive models. It rises to 26 MPG for the city roads and 32 MPG for the broad highways.
Since its first generation, the HRV allows you to select between the FWD and the AWD. Go for the all-wheel drive, and you can ride at 25 MPG on the city roads and 30 MPG on the highway.
The car and driver ran a test drive on a 75 MPH highway fuel economy test route, the test results were successful. It overcame its EPA by 2 MPG at best. Guess what? It took only a single gas tank to fill the road. You can get the details here.
The 2024 Honda HRV: Performance & Powertrain
The powertrain segmentation varies dramatically for different regions. In Europe, the HRV runs a hybrid powertrain that’s been seamlessly inspired by the Honda Accord. However, in the USA, it comes with a different version.
The USA version is equipped with the conventional gasoline-based 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers 158 HP.
Sounds familiar? That’s because it’s the same engine that powers up the base powertrain of the Civic series. The total power delivery is about 141 – 158 horsepower and the max torque is about 127 to 138 lb-ft, based on any of the three HRV trims.
This is the reason we have better dynamics with the HRV, which is utterly reliable. However, the acceleration testing might not seem so impressive for you. The HRV had a lazy start. It took 9.4 seconds to rise to 60 mph when the acceleration test was going on.
Sadly, it’s more than a second than its evergreen rival the Mazda CX 30. Many have to say that the 2.0-liter four-cylinder is a bit sluggish and loosely confident. However, that’s the last thing you have to worry about!
It’s about time that the 180 HP turbocharged 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain would fulfill the lineup in 2024, and it’s up for a schedule. For now, it’s not that bad to settle with the front-wheel drive and CVT, with an optional selection for the AWD, applicable for all trims.
The 2024 Honda HRV: Connectivity
The wireless connectivity feature is still in progress. Honda has selectively integrated the feature to some of its top-tier models. However, we expect to see wireless Honda cars soon, regardless of their different variants.
Good for you! You get either a 7.0-inch touchscreen or a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment based on the trim you choose. All trims feature the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
However, the 9.0-inch infotainment system offers the wireless connectivity system, but it’s only restricted to the EX-L trim, which is on top of the HRV trim. The EXL trim also gets the wireless smartphone charging pad, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. That’s a lot to take in, right?
The 2024 Honda HRV: Safety
Honda has never compromised safety. Ever since Honda launched the auto vehicles, every car has been integrated with high safety features of its time.
The HRV is no different than this. It features the latest driver assistance technologies. Like other Honda models, the car is associated with an adaptive cruise control system and lane-safety features.
Other features also include – Standard automated emergency braking, Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and Standard adaptive cruise control. You can have more information on the HRV’s safety results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also clarifies some information about the HRV’s test results.
Trim Levels and Price
As you know already, the Honda HRV comes in three trim levels – LX, Sport, and EX-L. The front-wheel drive is standard, however, the all-wheel drive comes optional. Keep in mind that front-wheel drive vehicles offer better fuel economy than the all-wheel drive models.
In terms of HRV trims, the EX-L lies on top of other trims. It also has most of the Honda’s tech features that also come with a larger touchscreen.
As Honda is integrating wireless connectivity with some of its top-tier vehicles, the EX-L is one of them. You have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad with the EX-L model.
Additionally, the touchscreen supports premium audio and tons of active safety features. Hence, we would vouch for the FRX EX-L trim of the HRV.
You should also know that the EX-L comes at a lower price than the most trending Honda model in the market now. We are talking about the CRV.
In 2024, you will have an inflation of only in a small amount for the HRV model. That too comes in at $25,395, including a destination charge of $1,295. If you select the AWD, it will add up to $1,500, the same for all lineups.
The base EX-L model starts at $30,195 and may vary around $30,590 if you select the Nordic Forest Paint. It will cost you an extra $395.
Pros and Cons
We are almost at the final round of our article. It’s wise to learn both the pros and cons of the Honda HRV 2024. Let’s start with the pros at first.
Pros
- Gets Honda’s strong active safety suite.
- The interior is balanced and proportioned.
- It’s a smooth and calm ride with better handling balance.
- The cabin design is linear and clean.
- Four adults can sit comfortably in the passenger cargo.
- The infotainment is user-friendly and comes with seamless connectivity, all from one place.
Cons
Here are what we don’t specifically like about the Honda HRV and that are,
- Acceleration is dull and noisy when you pull it hard.
- The cargo is fine but it lacks some versatility.
- It consumes comparatively more fuel for its size
- The fuel economy is discouraging and flat.
Final Verdict
After what we have written so far, we can seamlessly confess that the 2024 Honda HRV is a great catch for its value. It’s a beautiful small crossover that uproots the style difference between SUVs and hatchbacks, that also comes in minimum affordability.
The HRV is not fast or quick. However, a lot of people select comfort over speed. And the HRV makes a good deal out of it. It is exceptionally smooth for handling, riding, and braking as well. You would have a bold sensory experience, and that’s confirmed.
So, what do you think of the Honda HRV 2024? Let us know in the comment section. Also, share our article with your friends who are interested in the HRV model and most likely to buy it next year. Stay tuned with us for more.
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