2016 Honda HR-V

Priced at $19,215, the 2016 HR-V is an all-new model in the brand’s lineup. It is commodious, partly luxurious, and pleases the buyers with its specifications. However, it loses out due to its slow-moving nature that is devoid of an athletic aura. In its segment, the Honda HR-V competes head-on with the likes of the Mazda CX-3, Subaru Crosstrek, and Jeep Renegade.

The 2016 Honda HR-V is available in three trims: LX, EX, EX-L. It falls in a price range that extends from $19,215 to $25,990 for the top-tier trim. While the base variant is only adequately equipped, the EX-L trim adds a plethora of luxurious features. Though there is a standard engine option, it offers both an FWD and AWD option.

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All the trim levels of the 2016 HR-V are closely priced. So, you need to figure out all the features which you expect from your subcompact SUV and then make a calculated choice about which trim level to go with. If we were to choose, we would go with the highest trim level with All wheel drive as the feature list seems adequate for the price point.

The Honda HR-V boasts of a 1.8-Liter inline-4 engine that can produce a power of 141 hp and a torque of 127 lb.-ft. It comes with an option of choosing either a 6-speed manual gearbox or Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). The Honda HR-V's CVT is quick in downshifting the gears in normal mode. On the other hand, the Sport mode makes the throttle response snappier.

If you are someone who enjoys the feel of shifting your gears, you will be happy to know that the manual gearbox offered scores slightly higher than the CVT. So, you can happily go with the manual transmission. Similarly, you can either opt for an FWD or AWD variant, however, the latter is available only with the CVT unit.

The 2016 Jeep Renegade is the most powerful and torquiest option available in the segment. It belts out a healthy 160hp and 184lb.-ft of torque. However, its performance statistics are not yet known. In the absence, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 and Subaru Crosstrek are the fastest and slowest options in the segment, taking 8.6 and 10.3 seconds to 60mph, respectively.

The Honda HR-V is the best small SUV when it comes to fuel efficiency. However, these best ratings are earned by the CVT-equipped HR-V. With the 6-speed manual transmission and Front-wheel drive, the car manages to get EPA ratings of 28 mpg combined. A CVT equipped HR-V with an FWD setup returns 31 MPG. The same transmission with all-wheel drive sees a slight dip to 29 mpg combined. In addition, it features a standard 13.2-gallon fuel tank which when equated with its efficiency allows the SUV to cover a total range of 369 and 448 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

When compared to its rivals, the Mazda, Subaru, and Jeep all manage higher combined efficiencies and are rated at 31, 26, and 27 MPG, respectively. While the range delivered is almost similar with minimal differences, the 2016 XV Crosstrek features the largest fuel tank of 15.9 gallons. On the other hand, the 2016 CX-3 and 2016 Renegade have an equal fuel capacity of 12.7-gallons, only.

The 2016 Honda HR-V offers abundant space to the passengers belonging to both rows. The rear seats particularly are one of the most spacious in the segment. The cabin is made up of a good mixture of soft-touch materials and hard plastics. Coming to the standard features, it gets automatic climate control, a moonroof, navigation, and a 7-inch touchscreen display.

The ingress and egress to the 2016 Honda HR-V interiors are easy. The subcompact SUV can seat five passengers comfortably. There is ample under-thigh and knee support for each occupant and both upholstery options feel adequately pleasurable. Even its cargo capacity is best-in-class with a total trunk volume of 24.3 cubic feet, which feels ample to fit baggage for a family weekend getaway.

When compared to the competitors, each contemporary car can seat five passengers and interior space and comfort is seldom a problem with any of them. However, the cargo capacities differ considerably. While the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has 22.3 cubic feet of space, the Jeep Renegade and Mazda CX-3 manage lower spaces of 18.5 and 12.4 cubic feet, respectively.

Some of the salient interior features include:

• Single Zone Front Air Conditioning
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Front and Rear Cupholders
• Interior Air Filtration
• Steering Mounted Controls

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2016 Honda HR-V?

Being the latest inclusion in the market, one expects Honda’s infotainment system to be utterly responsive and intuitive. While that is the case, the unit available with the 2016 HR-V feels a tad bit old-school in its design. However, the feature load is adequate as per price. The base LX trim features a 5-inch touchscreen unit, which makes way for a 7-inch unit on the higher trims. Some of the salient infotainment features include:

• 4/6-speaker sound system
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
• USB Connection
• AM/FM Stereo
• Satellite Radio

Though the Honda HR-V shares its design dynamics with the likes of Fit and CR-V, it doesn't look completely similar to either of them. It has its own unique demeanor that differentiates it from the rest of the line-up. It looks like a Coupe from the sideways because of the descending roofline and a smooth rear window profile. 17-inch alloys are standard on all the HR-V's and we have a power moonroof in the EX and EX-L trims. On the highest trim, you also get roof rails which add to the rugged look of the car.

The 2016 Honda HR-V’s dimensions conform to the segment standards. It is 169.1 inches long, 69.8 inches wide with a wheelbase that measures 102.8 inches. It sports a total ground clearance of 6.7 inches and stands at a total height of 63.2 inches.

Statistically and visually, the 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek is the longest SUV in the segment measuring 175.2 inches and sports a wheelbase of 103.7 inches. It is also the heaviest in the segment weighing 3,109 lbs. On the other hand, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 weighs the lightest 2,809 lbs, while the Jeep Renegade is the widest and tallest having a total width and height of 74.2 and 66.5 inches, respectively.

Some salient exterior features include:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Heated side mirrors
• Moonroof
• Roof Rails
• LED Brake Lights

The 2016 Honda HR-V comes equipped with a large number of standard features. While it gets 5-star ratings by the NHTSA, the IIHS ratings do feel underwhelming with “Poor” to “Acceptable” ratings in a couple of aspects. It makes use of a 4-wheel ABS and can come to a halt at 124ft when decelerating from the 60mph mark. Some of the salient safety features include:

• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Multi-angle rearview camera
• Smartvent Airbags
• Vehicle Stability Assist with Speed Traction Control
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Rearview Camera

The 2016 Honda HR-V is one such car that meekly fits into the spot between Honda Fit and Honda CR-V. With its incredible cargo space and roomy seats, it will be the primary choice for family buyers. It even has the best-in-class gas mileage and with the Japanese carmaker’s trust, the subcompact SUV is extremely likable.