Honda's smallest SUV, the HR-V, has been known to pack a ton of utility and clever features into a compact package. And for 2023 it was completely redesigned. It's larger, more refined and more sophisticated-looking inside and out. But the extra-small SUV segment has gained some impressive offerings of late, and we're afraid the new HR-V hasn't evolved enough to compete with the best.
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
Pros
Roomy seating
Easy to get in and out of
Bigger cargo area than most other extra-small SUVs
Cons
Slow acceleration
Uncomfortable front seats
What's new
The HR-V carries over unchanged
Part of the second HR-V generation introduced for 2023
Overview
The subcompact 2024 HR-V is Honda's smallest SUV and the brand's most affordable vehicle. It's positioned below Honda's larger SUVs: the CR-V, Pilot and Passport. Last year's complete redesign brought new styling, updated tech and a bit more power. The little Honda boasts lots of passenger room, ample cargo space and is priced competitively. It also comes standard with Honda Sensing, an impressive package of advanced driver aids.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Honda HR-V LX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider before you commit to this pint-sized SUV, all of which you can read about in our test team's Expert Rating below. As part of your shopping search, we also suggest looking at some of its top competitors, including the Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek and Volkswagen Taos. Or if you have the budget for it, go for the larger CR-V, which is significantly better.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.5
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Honda's smallest SUV, the HR-V, has been known to pack a ton of utility and clever features into a compact package. And for 2023 it was completely redesigned. It's larger, more refined and more sophisticated-looking inside and out. But the extra-small SUV segment has gained some impressive offerings of late, and we're afraid the new HR-V hasn't evolved enough to compete with the best.
How does the HR-V drive? Our first driving impressions of the HR-V were mixed. We didn't love the artificial feeling of the slightly overly light steering but got used to it over time. The engine and transmission also felt relatively adequate while tooling around at town at low speeds but utterly gutless once you have passengers on board and are trying to makes moves at highway speeds. In fact, the HR-V requires more than 10 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph, which is leisurely even for this class.
The HR-V's most redeeming qualities are its smooth and responsive brakes and tidy handling. Even as one of the larger SUVs is the extra-small class, the HR-V delivers relatively light-footed movement that Hondas are typically known for.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the HR-V? The HR-V's front seat cushions are shockingly stiff. It's almost like sitting on a wooden bench. There is also no lumbar support adjustment, which is surprising and disappointing, especially on our fully loaded test car. It's rare that we find the rear seats to be more comfortable than the fronts, but that holds true for the HR-V. Thankfully things get better from here.
Ride comfort is great. The HR-V doesn't filter out all road bumps, but it does an admirable job of softening them without being overly floaty or lacking in body control. We also appreciate how quiet the cabin is. The HR-V does a good job of keeping road, wind and ambient noise to minimal levels, and if you aren't prodding the engine for speed, you don't hear much from the powertrain either.
The climate control had no issues cooling the cabin, but it oddly maintained too cold a temperature for our tastes in any setting we chose. Perhaps it's to help compensate for the lack of rear air vents, another strike against the HR-V's overall comfort score.
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How’s the interior? Putting aside the few comfort oversights, the interior of the HR-V is one of its greatest strengths. For one, it's one of the roomiest cabins in this SUV class, with ample space in both rows. We found it extremely easy to get in and out of thanks to larger door openings and accessible seat heights.
Honda's new touchscreen interface, which is making its way into many of the new models, is easy to acclimate to and simple to use. The steering wheel controls are also very natural to operate, and none of the gauges are obstructed or oddly placed. Seat adjustments for the driver are relatively limited in breadth, but the adjustments that are available offer a good range of motion. We also like how easy it is to see out of the cabin in all directions. Honda doesn't offer a surround-view camera system, but the rearview camera offers multiple viewing angles, which is a plus.
Technology
7.0/10
How’s the tech? Technology is not strong suit of the HR-V. We see the reason for forgoing a native navigation system in lieu of smartphone integration, which the HR-V does, but it's always a nice option for those who prefer it. The HR-V offers wireless CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity (a nice plus at this price point), a wireless charging pad, and three USB charge ports in the front cabin. But those will have to be shared with rear passengers because there are oddly no ports in the back. Audiophiles will likely be underwhelmed by the HR-V's sound system too.
The HR-V features a pretty comprehensive set of driver aids, but a lot of them are tuned too conservatively. Adaptive cruise control is slow to accelerate and stops overreactively, and the blind-spot warning system often issued alerts for vehicles that we thought were too far away. We couldn't really use them with passengers on board.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? The ability to haul stuff is important for an SUV, and the HR-V is among the top in its class when it comes to that. The rear cargo area feels more generous than its numbers suggest (24.4 cubic feet) since the space is very usable and easily accessible. The rear seatbacks can also be folded virtually flat with the cargo floor to facilitate transport of longer items. And if you have car seats to install, it's a breeze. Generous rear legroom, large doors, and easy-to-access LATCH anchors and top tethers all help to make your life easier. One small caveat: There is no top tether for the middle position, so front-facing car seats have to be installed in an outboard seat.
Storage for small items in the cabin is pretty good but not great. We like the rubberized bridge compartment behind the shifter, where you can store a smartphone for charging, and the center armrest bin is fairly deep. Otherwise door pockets are fairly small and the glovebox average. We're also a bit bummed Honda did away with the cool and clever rear flip-up seat bottoms (aka Magic Seat).
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The all-wheel-drive HR-V gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in combined driving (25 city/30 highway), which is just marginally less than many of its closest competition, some of which have more powerful engines. After driving it on our 115-mile evaluation loop, however, we saw an impressive 31.6 mpg under fairly light traffic conditions. We suspect having passengers on board will tax this underpowered engine more than most.
Value
7.5/10
Is the HR-V a good value? Honda did a great job of putting the money where it counts with the HR-V interior. All the touch points are soft or cushioned, and the controls feel like they have a nice quality to them. Aesthetically this is also a big step up from the previous car and a strong showing relative to the rest of the class. Pricing for the HR-V is also surprisingly competitive, with our top-level model coming in at just over $30K, which is less expensive than a lot of competitors. The big fly in the ointment, however, is the HR-V's anemic powertrain. And with no other engine options, it's hard for us to call this a well-rounded package for the money.
Honda's warranty remains fairly unremarkable compared to what other manufacturers offer. The HR-V has three years/36,000 miles of basic and five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
Wildcard
7.0/10
If there's a world where Honda makes its excellent 1.5-liter turbo engine available to the HR-V, that's a world we'd want to live in. Until then the HR-V will likely remain lost among a sea of other more interesting subcompact SUVs. As far as design goes, the car has definitely matured over its predecessor and sports a much more substantial and upmarket feel. But it also doesn't break any new ground in our eyes. It's ... safe.
Which HR-V does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend going for the Sport trim if you want the best value. In addition to what comes standard on the base LX trim, you get a sportier look plus some helpful extras, such as heated front seats and proximity keyless entry.
Honda HR-V models
The 2024 Honda HR-V crossover SUV is available in three trim levels: LX, Sport and EX-L. All are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (158 horsepower, 138 lb-ft of torque) connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Keep reading for our rundown of the HR-V's significant standard and optional features.
LX
The entry-level HR-V LX starts you off with:
17-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Push-button start
Single-zone automatic climate control
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Four-speaker audio system
7-inch touchscreen
Three USB ports
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Every HR-V comes with a number of advanced driver aids, including:
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the HR-V back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Honda and the car in front)
Sport
Upgrades the HR-V with:
18-inch gloss-black wheels
Remote engine start
Distinctive grille
Tinted rear windows
Keyless entry
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Heated front seats
Six-speaker audio system
EX-L
The most well-equipped HR-V comes with the Sport's equipment, minus that trim's styling upgrades. It also has:
17-inch alloy wheels
Sunroof
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Ambient interior lighting
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Leather upholstery
9-inch center touchscreen
Eight-speaker audio system
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
The only option available for the HR-V is a blind-spot monitor that comes with rear cross-traffic warning. It's optional on the Sport and EX-L.
I went from a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB with all the bells and whistles with AMG stlyling, which I loved, to the HRV Sport. The HRV Sport has the kind of style I loved about my Mercedes and an impressive interior fit and finish for the price. It’s a great car for my daily commute and I appreciate the AWD in case of poor weather conditions. If you are looking for a great standard commuter … vehicle with some added style and a nice ride, you will not be disappointed in the HRV. I also appreciate the blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control and automatic headlights with the auto brights feature as well.
Great for price and reliability, but minor complai
4 out of 5 stars
Adelyn, 10/11/2023
2024 Honda HR-V Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I will first say that I do not regret my purchase. However, if we are comparing this vehicle to other brands that are known to have a lot of bells and whistles, with less reliability, then yes, buyer beware. I love the spaciousness of the trunk area. I love the style, especially in black and the sports trim that comes with the black rims and I will say the overall drive of it is … beautiful. It is not a supercar, so don’t even try to think of comparing it to that. If you are someone that drives comfortably and cautiously, as most should, then the whole, not having super speed would not be an issue to you. There are very minor complaints that I have about the overall style and feel of this car but again I would not regret my purchase. I will say one of the things that I do not like is the fact that it does not have many regular USB ports for the CarPlay or in the front in general it only has two additional USB-C ports in the middle part of the console which most of us are still working off a USB so I don’t know if this is just ahead of our time. I will say one of the other things that maybe I’m missing - I hope to be missing to be honest - is the fact that it does not have the ability to check your current tire pressure. Thank goodness it does have a current oil life meter. One of the other things that I will say, is that for some odd reason Honda in general, and this applies to even other models, such as the CRV, is the fact that their seatbelt buckle anchor if you will, for the driver and passenger seats are angled inwards, which, if the seat is not positioned in the right spot, it will end up kind of pushing into your hip if you are wide set. When I think about comfortability of the seats, I’m not gonna say it is the absolute most comfortable seat I’ve ever sat in but when you get used to it and I’ve even adjusted by adding a middle console pillow cushion, as well as one on the door frame, this helps. I do not like that it only has a cigarette port that is located in the trunk, took me a while to find it. I do not like that the back seat does not have a middle pull down cupholder or vents, which to be honest, I could care less because there is rarely anybody in the backseat, and another thing I will say I don’t know if it is just a fluke but I’ve been having an issue where the back right passenger seatbelt warning will come on at random times when I have turned that option off and there is nothing in that seat so it could just be that I have to reset the system but I hope that it’s not a prolonged issue. With that being said, most people that do buy Honda buy it for the reliability and because there are a lot more people that work on Honda vehicles, something related to maintenance may not be as big of a deal as if you had one of the other brands that are not known for reliability, and may cost you more in the long run. So again, if you’re an average individual who mainly drives alone and doesn’t need a ton of space, but is looking for a stylish vehicle, so far it has been all that.
Coming from a 2018 HRV, I was hoping for more!
3 out of 5 stars
Matthew Protano, 10/16/2023
2024 Honda HR-V LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Going into my first legitimate car purchase at 25 I wanted the car equivalent of a toaster. I was in search of an appliance like no drama type user experience, but not something comply devoid of soul. My partner and I had a 2018 HRV for a 2 year lease a fee years ago, so it only made sense to take a look at the new generation HRV since I was back in the car market. I walked into my local … Honda dealer and 4 hours later walked out with Fabienne, my metallic grey 2024 HRV LX AWD.
I have a tendency to ramble, so to name the pros: firstly, I love my two tone light interior with the digital gauges, I think it makes my base model LX look much more premium. Also the usage of interior space/ergonomic design are usable yet very stylish. Secondly, I really enjoy the lane keep assist system and how easy it makes long distance driving. It is a bit sensitive and follows weird divots in the road sometimes, but works great for the most part. Third, I really appreciate dramatic evolution in ride quality compared to last generation. My surefooted ‘24 feels MUCH more substantial and composed; vital for commuting these terrible NY roads.
As for cons on my HRV: my first and biggest issue with this car is the way the stereo makes the the interior rattle and shake like a late 90s Kia. I have to have the bass set all the way down and still the cheapy speakers crunch and rattle the door panels. It really takes away from driving enjoyment and becomes distracting and almost punishing, I cant believe honda didnt work this out during quality testing. I love being in the car and listening to music, so its a shame it sounds and feels SO terrible. Second, the fact carplay is only accessible through the one single USB in whole car under the center stack is insane to me. When I first was leaving the dealer, I was pretty shocked that there was no wireless carplay, but even more so when I realized that neither USB-C ports found on the center console were usable for carplay either. This ties in to my third con about Honda cheaping out in general. Honda made it scary apparent how much they were cutting costs in these cars with the lack of USB/12v outlets, no lights in the fold down vanities, and no center armrest/vents for rear seat. I just feel there were many unnecessary choices made that cheapen this car for no reason. I also take issue with the fact that theres only one single 12v port in trunk and not even ONE household style 3 prong outlet; Its honestly shameful in the SUV category. Lastly I miss the paddle shifters found on the previous generation of HRV. They were a great help when merging and helped keep the rpms where I wanted for predictable driving. I find myself wishing for the paddle shifters back quite literally every time I get behind the wheel of my ‘24.
Overall I absolutely adore this little suv, but it in no way has the soul or is representative of the previous generation. I really enjoy the simplicity of the driving experience, but find myself sometimes wishing I took a peak at a Mazda dealer before I viewed my HRV; Especially after hearing about the tons of people dealing with their new HRV’s rear windows spontaneously shattering. I expect some sort of recall incoming soon…hopefully😅
SUPER FLY
5 out of 5 stars
Anthony, 12/26/2023
2024 Honda HR-V Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
2024 HR-V Sport with the Urban Peal color is absolutely stunning. It is a mix of an Audi/BMW/Lexus style with a trim package that has multiple features. Why drop 50-70 k or more???? Around 30k this vehicle speaks for itself.
Battle of the Baby SUVs | 2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross | Subcompact SUV Comparison
NOTE: This video is about the 2023 Honda HR-V, but since the 2024 Honda HR-V is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
In this heated battle of super-small SUVs, we put the redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V head-to-head with the newly introduced 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross to see which is the better buy. Join Edmunds’ Lauren McCay as she walks you through an overview of each vehicle from top to bottom, as well… as gets them out on the road to see how they drive in the real world. Which one of these tiny SUVs will be victorious? This is our comparison test to find out!
Volkswagen launched its smallest SUV for the 2022 model year. It's one of the most competitive in its class. The Taos is quicker and more comfortable than the HR-V, and it provides superior tech. The Volkswagen also has more cargo space and is more fuel-efficient, especially the front-wheel-drive model. Both SUVs offer lots of passenger room and have similar starting prices, but the Taos' higher trims are pricey.
The CX-30 is a stylish and sporty alternative to the HR-V. It packs a more powerful engine and comes standard with all-wheel drive. As with most Mazdas, it's fun to drive and boasts a chic interior. It's not as roomy as the HR-V but provides better seat and ride comfort. A package of advanced driver aids comes standard on both rivals. The CX-30 has a lower starting price, but its higher trims with the base engine are more expensive than the HR-V's. The optional turbo engine is powerful but will set you back a lot more.
The HR-V's big brother is a superior SUV in almost every way. Even though it's larger and more powerful, the CR-V is surprisingly more fuel-efficient as well. It's also more comfortable and has the advantage in tech. Of course the CR-V is more expensive, but the base LX trim costs about as much as the HR-V's top EX-L trim. The CR-V's well-equipped EX trim is only a few thousand more and is worth the premium if you can afford it.
Slotting in under the CR-V, the HR-V is Honda's little-est SUV and received a comprehensive redesign just last year. Now based on the popular Civic, the HR-V gained some much-needed rear legroom and a more upscale interior. But there are a few things it's missing that Honda may address for the 2024 model year.
The biggest issue, and it's the one we think Honda should prioritize, is the lack of power. Even though the HR-V shares its underpinnings with the Civic, the HR-V uses its own engine, an underwhelming non-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Its meager 158 horsepower means the HR-V can only stroll to 60 mph in a leisurely 10 seconds. On our wish list is the Civic's optional, and more powerful, 180-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, which would go a long way toward improving the overall HR-V experience.
Even with its lackluster engine and the lack of a navigation system (something else we think Honda should and could address for 2024), the HR-V is a useful little SUV, though it currently doesn't quite run with the top competitors in its class like the Volkswagen Taos, Chevy Trax and Mazda CX-30.
Edmunds says
The HR-V doesn't need a V8 swap (although who would we be to complain?) but it does need more power. We'd like to see Honda add the Civic's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine to the HR-V's option list for 2024.
FAQ
Is the Honda HR-V a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 HR-V both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.5 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 HR-V gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 42 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the HR-V has 24.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Honda HR-V. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Honda HR-V?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Honda HR-V:
The HR-V carries over unchanged
Part of the second HR-V generation introduced for 2023
To determine whether the Honda HR-V is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the HR-V. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the HR-V's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Honda HR-V a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Honda HR-V is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 HR-V and gave it a 7.5 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 HR-V gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 42 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 HR-V is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Honda HR-V?
The least-expensive 2024 Honda HR-V is the 2024 Honda HR-V LX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $24,600.
Other versions include:
LX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $24,600
LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,100
Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,150
Sport 4dr SUV w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,700
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $27,650
EX-L 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,150
Sport 4dr SUV AWD w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,200
EX-L 4dr SUV w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,700
EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $29,650
EX-L 4dr SUV AWD w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $30,200
If you're interested in the Honda HR-V, the next question is, which HR-V model is right for you? HR-V variants include LX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT), LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and Sport 4dr SUV w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (2.0L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of HR-V models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more