The 2018 Honda HR-V is on sale with a starting price of $19,670. It is available in three trims levels - LX, EX, and EX-L. It is powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 141 hp and 127 lb-ft. of torque. This engine does not offer thriftier acceleration but it sprints from 0-60 MPH in 9.6 seconds. One of the strong points of this vehicle is its excellent fuel economy. The HR-V offers a towing capacity of just 1,100 pounds, which is really less.
2018 Honda HR-V front angle view
Moving to the interior, the HR-V offers class-leading passenger space and cargo volume. However, it falls short in terms of modern technological features. Speaking of features, the HR-V also fails to offer top driver-assist features, which is the biggest drawback of this SUV. It gets challenges from segment leaders such as the Toyota C-HR, the Hyundai Kona, and the Mazda CX-3. Check out our in-depth review to know more about the HR-V.
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The smallest Honda crossover packs big-car utility in a city-car package- Cargurus
The Honda HR-V is one of the best options in the subcompact SUV segment. It delivers a decent mileage, a generous passenger and cargo room, and snappy performance at a discounted starting price. But there are a few negative points of this vehicle. Those are the lack of advanced safety features and a dated infotainment system.
The ownership costs of the HR-V are on par with its rivals. That means it costs around $6,120 annually for its maintenance, fuel, repair, depreciation, etc. One thing that Honda was not able to improve is the HR-V's reliability. It scored 75 out of 100 in the J.D. Power's reliability test but has a great resale value. That's the reason you see a lot of HR-Vs on American roads.
Features
7.0/10
The Honda HR-V has the usual economy-car goods, but not much more- The Car Connection
The Honda HR-V comes in just three trims levels. These are LX, EX, and EX-L. The base LX starts at $19,670 while the top-spec EX-L trim is priced at $25,140, plus a $940 destination charge. A manual transmission is standard on the LX and EX trims whereas a CVT transmission is standard on the EX-L model and optional on the LX and EX trims.
2018 Honda HR-V three-quarter view
All the models come in both FWD and AWD configurations. At the top end, the HR-V is lower than many of its competitors but given the lack of electronic safety features and outdated infotainment system, the HR-V should deliver more for the money. Unlike its rivals, the HR-V doesn't offer any optional packages to upgrade its features.
Trims
LX
EX
EX-L
MSRP (FWD)
$19,670 (+ $800 CVT)
$21,720 (+ $800 CVT)
$25,140
MSRP (AWD)
$21,870
$23,920
$26,540
Key Features
17-inch alloy wheels
Adds/ Upgrades to LX trim
Adds/ Upgrades to EX trim
Remote keyless entry
7-inch touchscreen
Leather-trimmed seats
Cloth upholstery
Push-button start
Satellite-linked navigation system
4-speaker stereo
Automatic climate control
Roof rails
5-inch infotainment display
Honda LaneWatch
SiriusXM
Rearview camera
Heated front seats and exterior mirrors
HD radio
Manually adjustable front seats
6-speaker sound system
Leather steering wheel
Proximity keyless entry
Fog lights
Automatic on/off headlights
Moonroof
We Recommend
The EX trim is well equipped with features and hence, we advise you to go ahead with this model. This trim adds heated front seats, push-button start, a 7-inch touchscreen, heated side mirrors, a USB port, automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, Honda LaneWatch, a moonroof, fog lights, and automatic on/off headlights.
A lightweight chassis allows the HR-V's 141 horsepower to deliver decent acceleration especially with the CVT automatic- Kelly Blue Book
2018 Honda HR-V Engine and Transmission
Powering the Honda HR-V is just one engine which is a 1.8L four-cylinder engine that makes 141 hp and 127 lb-ft. of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX and EX trims which is a real treat because Honda manuals are known for their precise engagement and short throws.
2018 Honda HR-V engine
Otherwise, a CVT transmission is standard on the EX-L trim and optional on the LX and EX trims. AWD is optional on all three trims with FWD drivetrain standard. It's a different story with the CVT transmission. It may be more economical on paper but it's noisier and you need to work the engine harder to get the power you need from it.
Models
2018 Honda HR-V
2018 Toyota C-HR
2018 Hyundai Kona
2018 Mazda CX-3
MSRP
$20,470
$22,500
$21,000
$20,110
Engine
1.8L Inline-4
2.0L Inline-4
2.0L Inline-4
2.0L Inline-4
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
CVT
6-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
Power
141 hp @ 6,500 RPM
144 hp @ 6,100 RPM
147 hp @ 6,200 RPM
146 hp @ 6,000 RPM
Torque
127 lb-ft. @ 4,300 RPM
139 lb-ft. @ 3,900 RPM
132 lb-ft. @ 4,500 RPM
146 lb-ft. @ 2,800 RPM
Both the Hyundai Kona and the Mazda CX-3 come with a traditional automatic gearbox, unlike the HR-V. But, the CX-3's peak torque can be achieved at 2,800 RPM which is really great. The Toyota C-HR is on the same level as the HR-V in terms of power but this engine is considered to be the weakest in this segment.
2018 Honda HR-V Acceleration
The Honda HR-V is not a sports SUV but still tries to offer good acceleration. It accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 9.6 seconds, which is very competitive in its segment. It further burns its tires to reach the quarter-mile mark in 17.4 seconds while the top speed is limited to 119 MPH. With the manual transmission, the acceleration is slightly better.
2018 Honda HR-V takes 9.6 sec to reach 60 MPH
At city speeds, the HR-V feels sprightly. Don't ask the HR-V to go quicker than the city speeds. At that point, the engine groans, and there simply isn't enough power to merge quickly onto a highway. The throttle is a little jerky off the line but once underway, it easily keeps pace with traffic. The CVT actually feels unobtrusive and actually feels sportier when you put it into Sport mode.
Models
2018 Honda HR-V
2018 Toyota C-HR
2018 Hyundai Kona
2018 Mazda CX-3
0-60 MPH
9.6 sec
11.0 sec
9.8 sec
8.9 sec
Quarter Mile
17.4 sec
18.4 sec
17.2 sec
16.9 sec
Engine
1.8L
2.0L
2.0L
2.0L
Top Speed
119 MPH
115 MPH
120 MPH
118 MPH
The 6-speed automatic in the Mazda CX-3 is the real reason behind its quick acceleration, not to forget its low curb weight. The Hyundai Kona gives a tight competition to the HR-V in both performance tests. The Toyota C-HR, on the other hand, offers sluggish acceleration due to its heavy curb weight and weak engine.
2018 Honda HR-V Ride and Handling
Out on the road, the HR-V definitely feels more of a comfortable cruiser than a sporty SUV. It's got a soft suspension and a smooth ride which really absorbs any lumps and bumps on the road. The HR-V makes a great car for limping around the town thanks to its light but responsive steering and excellent visibility.
2018 Honda HR-V front driving view
The steering is also complimented for its tight turning radius which comes in handy while parking at tight spots. The paddles on the steering wheel do a good job of mimicking gear ratios and that helps to control your speed when going downhill. The HR-V offers controlled handling around the corners while at speed.
2018 Honda HR-V Braking
The Honda HR-V excels not just in terms of acceleration but also with its braking capabilities. The front disc brakes measure 11.5 inches in size and they are ventilated while the rear wheels get 11.1-inch disc brakes. The HR-V achieves a braking distance of 114 feet, which is one of the best in this segment.
2018 Honda HR-V brakes
The brake pedal feels a little bit mushy but the stopping power is really good. The HR-V also comes with a hold a brake hold feature that will keep the electric parking brake applied at a stop so you don't have to hold down the pedal. It automatically releases the brake when you hit the gas pedal, which is a nice luxury.
Models
2018 Honda HR-V
2018 Toyota C-HR
2018 Hyundai Kona
2018 Mazda CX-3
Brakes Front
11.5 in
11.8 in
11.0 in
11.0 in
Brakes Rear
11.1 in
11.1 in
10.3 in
11.1 in
Curb Weight
2,902 lbs
3,300 lbs
2,890 lbs
2,809 lbs
60-0 MPH
114 ft.
122 ft.
115 ft.
118 ft.
The Hyundai Kona is right at the tail of the HR-V once again and this time due to its good braking performance. The brakes in the Mazda CX-3 fail to stop the vehicle earlier than the HR-V but the braking distance is not that bad either. With a braking distance of 122 feet, the Toyota C-HR's brakes have the worst stopping power.
Fuel efficiency is the HR-V’s other strong point- CarAndDriver
The Honda HR-V is a vehicle for those who prioritize fuel economy over other parameters. With a CVT transmission, the HR-V's fuel ratings are 28 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on a highway, and 31 MPG combined. Opting for the AWD configuration results in 29 MPG combined. These estimates are among the best in the segment.
2018 Honda HR-V rear driving view
Stick-shift lovers will also suffer from a drop in fuel economy. The MPG figures include 25 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on a highway, and 28 MPG combined. When the 13.2-gallon fuel tank is filled with regular gas, the HR-V has a driving range of 409 miles and 382 miles for AWD models and manual transmission models.
Models
2018 Honda HR-V
2018 Toyota C-HR
2018 Hyundai Kona
2018 Mazda CX-3
MPG (City)
28
27
27
29
MPG (Highway)
34
31
33
34
MPG (Combined)
31
29
30
31
Fuel Tank Capacity
13.2
13.2
13.2
12.7
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)
370/449/409
356/409/384
356/436/396
368/432/400
The HR-V's fuel estimates are good but its rivals also boast a similar fuel economy. But, the Mazda CX-3 stands out from the crowd as it packs a small fuel tank but has great efficiency. Both the Hyundai Kona and the Toyota CH-R have similar ratings but the Kona's highway mileage is more which further results in a better range.
Although the interior looks nice, some of the trim pieces and the functionality of a few controls aren’t up to Honda’s usual high standards- Edmunds
2018 Honda HR-V Seating and Comfort
The Honda HR-V's cabin layout is clean and simple. The wide thin series of vents on the passenger's side is a nice touch of asymmetry. Only the base LX trim gets cloth upholstery while the other two trims are treated with leather seats. The front seats provide decent levels of comfort but the seat cushions are a bit firm. These seats can be adjusted manually but power-adjustability is not available. They are also heated from the EX trim onwards.
2018 Honda HR-V dashboard
Whilst it looks compact from the outside, there's loads of room inside. Six-foot drivers can sit comfortably without a hint of congestion. The second row is still large and spacious enough to accommodate a full-sized adult. Even when equipped with a moonroof, there is still lots of headroom. The legroom is great even if the driver's seat is set for a six-foot driver. However, when you squeeze into the middle seat, you will find that it's really a squeeze
Models
2018 Honda HR-V
2018 Toyota C-HR
2018 Hyundai Kona
2018 Mazda CX-3
Passenger Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
39.5/56.8/41.2
38.1/49.0/43.5
39.6/54.1/40.8
37.6/53.5/41.7
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.3/54.5/39.3
38.3/52.5/31.7
38.8/52.8/35.7
37.2/50.4/35.0
The Toyota C-HR offers the least legroom in the rear row. Therefore, this is not an ideal SUV for long-legged people. The short height of the Mazda CX-3 cuts of headroom in both rows. So, taller occupants may find sitting in the CX-3 uncomfortable. Even the Hyundai Kona offers less rear legroom but headroom is decent.
2018 Honda HR-V Interior Features
Some of the important interior and infotainment features of the HR-V are:
The base LX trim comes with a 5-inch display that supports basic features such as Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, and auxiliary audio port. A single-disc CD player is placed right below the screen. The EX and EX-L trims get HondaLink's 7-inch touchscreen display. It adds a voice recognition audio system, HD radio, and SiriusXM only on the EX-L trim. The main drawback of this infotainment system is the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2018 Honda HR-V infotainment system
Sound duties are handled by a 4-speaker stereo on the LX trim while the other variants upgrade to six speakers. The interface is clumsy and takes time to respond to user's inputs. Adjusting volume is also irritating as there is no traditional knob provided but instead, you have to slide your finger up and down to increase or decrease volume. The touch-sensitive climate controls and seat heaters look crisp and work well too. The power button is just at your fingertips.
2018 Honda HR-V Cargo Space
The Honda HR-V is the most practical small SUV that money can buy. With the second-row seats fully in place, you have 24.3 cubic feet of cargo-carrying capacity. Once you do fold them, that cargo capacity grows to a segment busting 58.8 cubic feet. These seatbacks do fold flat to create a large and usable load floor.
2018 Honda HR-V cargo volume
Also, the wide opening and low leftover height of the HR-V results in a remarkably usable cargo area. Regardless of which trim you take, the HR-V with the same innovative seats that the Fit gets. Basically, the second-row seat cushions can flip up to accommodate taller cargo. Besides this, interior storage is also great in the HR-V.
Models
2018 Honda HR-V
2018 Toyota C-HR
2018 Hyundai Kona
2018 Mazda CX-3
Cargo Volume (cu- ft.)
24.3
19.0
19.2
12.4
The HR-V offers the most cargo volume in this segment and is a leader in this field. Both the Toyota C-HR and the Hyundai Kona offer similar trunk volume with the rear seats up but once folded, the Konda takes the lead with 45.8 cubic feet. The Mazda CX-3 keeps up with the Kona with 44.5 cubic feet while the C-HR is the least practical vehicle here.
The HR-V doesn’t look like a lifted car or a shrunken CR-V- Kelly Blue Book
2018 Honda HR-V Dimensions and Weight
Honda introduced the HR-V for the 2016 model year and nothing has changed on its exterior since then. Underneath the skin, it's basically a Honda Fit with a different engine and a higher ground clearance. The rear door handles mounted high next to the C-pillar give the HR-V a coupe-like profile. It's well proportioned with short overhangs, a low roof, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The HR-V 's wheelbase measures 102.8 inches, which is on par with its segment rivals.
2018 Honda HR-V three-quarter view
At the back, LED taillights also come standard but fog lights, mirror-mounted turn signals, and roof rails are optional. There are only four exterior colors on the LX and EX trims but there are eight on the EX-L model. So, if you like blue, green, or purplish-black called mulberry, you want to order that trim. Overall, the HR-V's exterior design isn't as aggressive or refined as other Honda products but next to the stubbier Fit, there is some elegance in this design.
Models
2018 Honda HR-V
2018 Toyota C-HR
2018 Hyundai Kona
2018 Mazda CX-3
Curb Weight (lbs)
2,902
3,300
2,890
2,809
Length (in)
169.1
171.2
164.0
168.3
Width( in)
69.8
70.7
70.9
69.6
Height (in)
63.2
61.6
61.0
60.7
Ground Clearance (in)
6.7
5.9
6.7
6.1
Wheelbase (in)
102.8
103.9
102.4
101.2
Track Width (in) F/R
60.4/60.6
60.6/60.6
61.4/61.7
60/59.9
The Toyota C-HR has the lowest ground clearance in this competition. Therefore, getting in and out of the vehicle is easy compared to its rivals. The Mazda CX-3 is shorter than the other competitors and this affects its headroom. The Hyundai Kona's overall length measures only 164 inches and hence, its cargo volume is less.
2018 Honda HR-V Exterior Features
The main exterior features of the HR-V are as follows:
Although Honda’s LaneWatch blind-spot camera is available, there are no accident avoidance tech features- Autotrader
The Honda HR-V scored a perfect safety rating of 5 stars from NHTSA for its excellent performance in all crash tests. In the case of IIHS, not all crash tests were conducted and hence, the HR-V didn't win the Top Safety Pick. However, it did receive 'Good' ratings in a few categories. It also received an 'Acceptable' rating for the driver's side crash test and the lowest 'Poor' rating for its headlights.
2018 Honda HR-V IIHS crash test
Compared to its rivals, these ratings are mediocre in the segment but the HR-V is surely a safe car. In terms of safety technologies, this is where the HR-V ranks low. The only standard advanced safety feature in this vehicle is a rearview camera while Honda's LaneWatch is an optional feature. There are no other driver-assist features available in the HR-V. The standard six airbags assist to improve the HR-V safety factor.
Competition
7.0/10
2018 Honda HR-V vs 2018 Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 is similarly powered as the HR-V but offers a sportier ride quality and quicker pace that appeals to a lot of buyers. In terms of fuel economy. both the SUVs share the same stage. The rear seats of the CX-3 are less accommodating due to less passenger space while the cargo space is also on the lower side. The main plus point of the CX-3 is its great safety ratings and plenty of available driver aids.
2018 Mazda CX-3
2018 Honda HR-V vs 2018 Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR is slightly priced higher than the HR-V. It houses a weak engine that results in sluggish acceleration but stays in touch with the HR-V when it comes to fuel economy. The C-HR offers very little rear-row space and cargo capacity in this segment and that is its biggest drawback. But the strongest point of the C-HR is a long list of standard driver assistance features.
2018 Toyota C-HR
2018 Honda HR-V vs 2018 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona offers nimble handling and is fuel-efficient as the HR-V. Its cabin is less roomy than the HR-V and also offers small maximum cargo space. But, it packs an intuitive infotainment system and more standard features than the HR-V. On the safety front, the Kona won the Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and also comes with the best driver assistance features and that is its main highlight.
2018 Hyundai Kona
Final Verdict
The 2018 Honda HR-V is a simple small crossover. It's handsome, rides well, and has a quality interior. But it feels old next to recently designed crossovers like Honda's own CR-V and it lacks some of the premium features that its competitors offer. Therefore, the HR-V could be your perfect pick if you want a spacious and practical cabin.
