2017 Honda HR-V

There are 2 different transmission modes available with the 2017 Honda HR-V SUV, manual and CVTBuick Encore, Chevrolet Trax SUV, and Mazda CX-3 SUV are prime competitors to the HR-V. Thanks to spacious and hi-quality interiors as well as an impressive cargo capacity, the ride is able to stay alive and strong amongst the fierce competition.

2017 Honda HR-V SUV is available in a total of 3 trims, namely LX, EX, and EX-L Navi. Each of the trim comes with an option to pick among FWD and AWD. Moreover, you can also choose between the manual and the CVT 6-speed transmission.

Trim	LX	EX	EX-L w/Navigation
MSRP (manual)	$19,365	$21,415	N/A
MSRP (CVT)	$20,165	$22,215	$24,840
MSRP (CVT)AWD	$21,465	$23,515	$26,140
Key Features	LED brake lights Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and streaming audio Illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls Tilt and telescopic steering column 12-volt power outlets (front/second row) Floor mats 60/40 split 2nd-row Magic Seat 160-watt audio system with 4 speakers 5-inch color LCD screen USB Audio Interface3 (front) Exterior temperature indicator	Auto-on/off headlights Fog lights Heated side mirrors with integrated turn indicators Rear privacy glass Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines Automatic climate control with electrostatic touch-screen Honda LaneWatch SMS text message function10 Push button start Heated front seats 180-watt audio system with 6 speakers 7-inch Display Audio with electrostatic touch-screen	Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob Automatic-dimming rearview mirror Leather-trimmed seats Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation SystemTM13 with voice recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic HD Radio SiriusXM® Radio Push button start Heated front seats 180-watt audio system with 6 speakers 7-inch Display Audio with electrostatic touch-screen

The LX trim comes with a smaller, though more functional, infotainment screen. It flaunts a 4-speaker audio system, while higher trims come with a 6-speaker audio system. The top trim, EX-L Navi comes with an impressive navigation functionality.

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Out of the three available trim options, the EX trim offers strikes a balance between luxury and safety features. It comes equipped with a 7-inch infotainment screen, multi-angle rearview camera, automatic climate control, and Honda Sensing. However, if navigation is your priority then the EX-L Navi trim is the ideal to opt for.

Power output from the HR-V's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is disappointing when any sort of urgency is required. When accelerating, the CVT further emphasizes this shortcoming with the loud drone that comes from the engine. Things improve only slightly in dense urban settings or when cruising on the highway thanks to the rather quick throttle response.- Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

2017 Honda HR-V SUV has an underpowered 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. Anyways, it is capable of forcing the ride to join a highway commotion. The engine produces 141 hp of power and 127 lb.-ft. of torque. For gear-shifting, the ride relies on a manual transmission or CVT automatic transmission.

Models	Honda HR-V LX	Chevrolet Trax SUV	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3 SUV
MSRP	$19,365	$21,000	$22,990	$19,960
Engine	1.8L 4cyl	1.4L 4cyl	1.4L 4cyl	2.0L 4cyl
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic
Horsepower	141-hp	138 hp	138 hp	146 hp
Torque	127 lbs.-ft.	148 lb-ft	148 lb-ft	146 lb-ft

The competition also offers a similar power output, Mazda CX-3 produces the maximum horsepower in this comparison. It is closely followed by Honda's 141 horsepower. 

Acceleration

2017 Honda HR-V LX accelerates to 60 MPH in 9.5 seconds. This is even slower than the 9.3 seconds necessitated by the Chevrolet Trax SUV. Nonetheless, Honda HR-V beats Chevrolet Trax SUV in covering a quarter-mile, though by a mere 0.1 seconds.

Models	Honda HR-V LX	Chevrolet Trax SUV	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3 SUV
0-60 MPH	9.5 sec	9.3 sec	7.8 sec	8.5 sec
Quarter mile	17.1 sec	17.2 sec	16.2 sec	15.8 sec
Engine	1.8L	3.0L	1.4L	2.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	9.3	6.3	5.7

Mazda CX-3 SUV shoots to 60 MPH in 8.5 seconds. Buick Encore, on the other hand, leads the pack by doing the same in just 7.8 seconds. The time required for covering a quarter-mile by Encore and CX-3 SUV is 16.2 and 15.8 seconds, respectively.

Ride and Handling

2017 Honda HR-V flaunts a handling that offers some sporty feel, especially going around turns. Nonetheless, the ride feels very weak even in regular driving scenarios. The CVT adjusts annoyingly to the engine rpm when driving up the hills. Anyways, the steering has a soothing and natural feel to it. Thanks to it, the ride is easy to drive around constricted parking spots.

The stability control system in the Honda HR-V rarely interferes when driving on public roads. A full-blown acceleration summons infuriating vibrations in the gas pedal as well as the steering wheel. Due to the non-linear responsiveness of the gas pedal, HR-V might feel jumpy and difficult to drive smoothly at times. Nonetheless, the ride is an excellent family wagon, if restricted to its limits.

Braking

Total curb weight supported by the 2017 Honda HR-V SUV is 2888 lbs. This is more than that supported by the Chevrolet Trax SUV as well as the Mazda CX-3 SUV. However, Buick Encore is even bulkier with a total curb weight of 3237 lbs.

Model	Honda HR-V LX	Chevrolet Trax SUV	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3 SUV
Brake Front (in.)	N/A	11.8	11.8	11.0
Brake Rear (in.)	11.5	11.8	10.6	11.1
Curb Weight (lbs.)	2888	2805	3237	2809
60-0 MPH (ft.)	125	119	119	117

Despite being bulkiest of them all, Buick Encore is capable of coming to a complete halt in 119 feet. Comparatively, HR-V SUV requires 125 feet for stopping when decelerated continuously from 60 MPH. Mazda CX-3 SUV requires the least distance of 117 feet for coming to a full stop.

2017 Honda HR-V SUV offers 25 mpg in cities and 33 mpg in highways. Overall, the ride delivers 28 miles per gallon of gasoline. Buick Encore, as well as the Chevrolet Trax SUV, also offers a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg.

Model	Honda HR-V LX	Chevrolet Trax SUV	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3 SUV
MPG (city)	25	25	25	29
MPG (highway)	33	33	33	34
MPG (combined)	28	28	28	31

Mazda CX-3 SUV offers the most combined fuel economy of 31 mpg in the segment. The ride offers 29 mpg in cities and 34 mpg on highways.

The 2017 Honda HR-V has a stylish interior with an upscale layout. There are quality, soft-touch materials and a handsome design throughout the cabin. It is also very quiet, with little outside noise coming in. The center console has a logical layout and the base infotainment system is easy to use. However, the upgraded infotainment system only has touch controls, which can be difficult to master. - cars.usnews

Seating and Comfort

The interior of 2017 Honda HR-V is spacious. HR-V can accommodate 5 people, comfortably. The ride flaunts 39.5 and 41.2 inches of front headroom and legroom, respectively. Chevrolet Trax SUV and Mazda CX-3 SUV lead the pack with the most headroom and legroom of 39.6 and 41.7 inches, respectively.

Model	Honda HR-V LX	Chevrolet Trax SUV	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3 SUV
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.5/56.8/41.2	39.6/54.1/40.8	39.58/54.18/40.82	38.4/53.5/41.7
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.3/54.5/39.3	38.8/52.8/35.7	38.78/52.55/35.75	37.2/50.4/35.0

Unlike its class rivals, Honda HR-V is spacious at the rear too. The ride has 38.3 and 39.3 inches of rear headroom and legroom, respectively. The headroom is merely 0.5-inch less than the league-leading 38.8 inches offered by the Chevrolet Trax SUV. Nonetheless, the rear legroom offered by the 2017 Honda HR-V SUV is the maximum amongst its class rivals.

Infotainment System

The infotainment system in 2017 Honda HR-V SUV is fairly easy to use. Moreover, the center console flaunts a logical layout. Nonetheless, the upgraded infotainment system, in the EX and EX-L Navi trims, boasts only touch controls, which certainly takes time to get accustomed to. The base trim LX comes with a 5-inch color LCD display bundled with a 4-speaker audio system. The higher trims boast a 7-inch infotainment screen with 6-speaker audio system.

Connectivity options are available via Bluetooth and a single USB port. Furthermore, a CD stereo is available for tuning to your favorite music via a CD in the higher trims. Other notable features of the infotainment system available in higher trims include HD radio, satellite radio, a navigation system, and an MP3. Though acceptable, the infotainment system doesn’t live up to its present-day competitors.

Interior Features

HR-V SUV flaunts a stylish interior as well as a chic layout. Throughout the cabin, there is the use of only high-quality materials. Moreover, the cabin is quiet, with very little noise from the outside making its way to the cabin. Chief interior feats belonging to the 2017 Honda HR-V SUV are:

• Comfy, firm front seats
• Heated front seats (Optional)
• Leather upholstery (Optional)
• Magic Seat
• Reclining backrest with the rear seat
• Standard cloth upholstery
• Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel

Cargo Capacity

Honda HR-V SUV comes with the acclaimed Magic Seat feature. The feature allows the 2^nd-row seat to fold as well as a flip in order to provide a multitude of seating and storage configurations. There is 24.3 cubic feet of storage space available in the HR-V with the rear seat up.

Model	Honda HR-V LX	Chevrolet Trax SUV	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3 SUV
Cargo Volume rear seat up (ft.3)	NA	18.7	18.80	12.4
Cargo Volume rear seat folded (ft.3)	24.3	48.4	48.40	44.5

With the second row flat, maximum storage capacity available to HR-V SUV is 58.8 cubic feet. This is maximum amongst its class rivals. The second in line is Chevrolet Trax SUV with 48.4 cubic feet of the same space.

The HR-V doesn't look like a lifted car or a shrunken CR-V. In size and shape, Honda's newest crossover SUV again splits the difference. Honda's diminutive hauler is most its own when viewed from the side, where it sports a coupe-like profile thanks to a sloping roof, a rear-window treatment that slopes further still, and rear-door handles that sit flush where the window forms its arrow. - KelleyBlueBook

Dimension and Weight

Honda HR-V boasts a length, width, and height of 169.1, 69.8, and 63.2 inches, respectively. Neither too much, nor too less, the dimensions are just typical of the segment to which the 2017 Honda HR-V SUV belongs. The ride boasts a total curb weight of 2888 lbs. It is, therefore, heavier than the Trax SUV and the CX-3 SUV but lighter than the Buick Encore.

Model	Honda HR-V LX	Chevrolet Trax SUV	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3 SUV
Curb weight (lbs.)	2888	2805	3237	2809
Length(in)	169.1	167.6	168.41	168.3
Width(in)	69.8	69.9	69.85	69.6
Height(in)	63.2	64.8	65.26	60.7
Ground clearance (in)	6.7	6.2	6.22	6.1
Wheelbase (in)	102.8	100.6	100.60	101.2
Track width (in) F/R	60.4/60.6	60.6/60.6	60.62/60.62	60.0/59.9

Chevrolet Trax SUV has the most width of 69.9 inches in the segment. Buick Encore, on the contrary, has the maximum height of 65.26 inches in the segment. Honda HR-V LX has an impressive ground clearance of 6.7, which also happens to be the most in the league. The ride also flaunts the most wheelbase of 102.8 inches among its class rivals.

Exterior Features

Honda gave a contemporary coupe-like styling to the 2017 Honda HR-V. This is apparent by the sweeping rear roof pillar as well as the embedded rear door handles. Main exterior features boasted by the 2017 Honda HR-V SUV include:

• A backup camera
• Arched roofline
• Curved fenders
• Power Moonroof [Optional]
• Rear roof pillar with an upward sweep
• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels

Though the 2017 Honda HR-V SUV receives a 5-start overall rating from the federal testing agency. HR-V also scores well on the test conducted by IIHS. 

IIHS Rating

Small overlap front driver side	Acceptable
Small overlap front passenger side	Not rated
Moderate overlap front	good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good
Front crash prevention	Not available
Headlights	Poor
Child seats anchors (LATCH)	Marginal

NHTSA Rating

Overall rating	5 star
Overall frontal barrier crash rating	4 star
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	5 star
Overall side crash rating	5 star
Side barrier rating	5 star
Side pole rating driver front seat	5 star
Combined side rating rear seat	5 star
Rollover rating	4 star
Side barrier rating driver	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	5 star
Combined side rating front seat	5 star
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat	5 star

 

Safety Features

The ride comes with several airbags, a rearview camera, and the tire pressure monitoring system as standard safety features. Optional features include LaneWatch side view camera system. Unfortunately, there is no availability of automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Moreover, blind spot monitors aren’t available either.

• Electric parking brake with automatic brake hold
• One-touch turn indicators
• Front side airbags feature SmartVent technology designed specifically to help protect the driver’s or front passenger’s upper torso in the event of a side-impact collision.
• VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA®) WITH TRACTION CONTROL
• Anti-lock brakes (ABS) help prevent wheels from locking up when braking hard
• The Honda-exclusive Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACE) body structure helps distribute frontal crash energy more evenly in the vehicle to better protect passengers

Honda HR-V vs Buick Encore

Flaunting a 1.4L 4-cylinder engine, Buick Encore comes with an initial price-tag of $22,990. The ride boasts 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque at its disposal. For gear-shifting, the ride relies on a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Buick Encore is quickest in the league in terms of 0-60 MPH acceleration. The ride is also the bulkiest ride in the competition with a curb weight of 3237 lbs. Encore offers a decent fuel economy of 28 mpg and a maximum cargo capacity of 48.4 cubic feet.

Honda HR-V vs Chevrolet Trax SUV

Another major rival to the 2017 Honda HR-V SUV is the Chevrolet Trax SUV. Featuring a 1.4L 4-cylinder engine, the ride has 138 hp of power and 148 lb.-ft. of torque to spare. The ride makes use of a 6-speed automatic transmission for switching gears.

Chevrolet Trax SUV has super-sluggish acceleration. The ride takes 9.3 seconds for accelerating to 60 MPH. Anyways, this is better than the 9.5 seconds required by the 2017 Honda HR-V SUV. The ride is the least bulky ride in the competition with a curb weight of 2805 lbs.

Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3 SUV

With an impressive combined fuel economy of 31 mpg, Mazda CX-3 SUV leads the segment. The ride boasts a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, capable of producing 146 horsepower in addition to the same amount of torque. The ride has a 6-speed automatic for gear-shifting.

Pricing options for the Mazda CX-3 SUV start from $19,960. Though the ride takes 8.5 seconds for accelerating to 60 MPH, it covers a quarter-mile the most quickly in the segment. Mazda CX-3 SUV has the best-in-class front legroom of 41.7 inches.

2017 Honda HR-V SUV is an excellent family car. The ride is ideal if commuting is the main purpose. The underpowered engine restricts the driver to enjoy some liberties. Nonetheless, as an everyday commuter, the ride offers an excellent cargo capacity as well as airy interiors.

The pocket-friendly 5-figure price tag is certainly one of the important selling points for the 2017 Honda HR-V SUV. For those looking for sheer performance, it’s better to look at a higher segment. However, if utility and family-friendly drive is the main concern, then HR-V is just the right deal to grab.