2018 Honda HR-V

Honda has offered plenty of features across the trim levels. The available three trims are LX, EX, and EX-L Navi. All models are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 141 hp. Power is delivered to the wheels via a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission.

Trims	LX	EX	EX-L Navi
MSRP	$19,570	$21,620	$25,040
Features	17-inch alloy wheels	Heated front seats and mirrors	Sirius XM and HD radio
	All-wheel drive	Smart entry	Leather-trimmed seats
	Multi-angle rearview camera	Push button start	Satellite-linked navigation system
	60/40 split 2row magic seats	Automatic climate control	Roof rails
		Honda lane watch

As far as the pricing is concerned, the company has tried to keep it quite competitive, The LX trim is available for $19,570, Ex for $21,620, and the top-spec trim EX-L Navi is available at an MSRP of $25,040.

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You will like the Honda HR-V EX trim level as it offers an array of modern conveniences, including heated seats, keyless entry, and dynamic rearview camera guidelines. The trim has been priced reasonably and carries a plethora of standard equipment.

“Honda’s 2018 HR-V subcompact-crossover SUV isn’t fast by any means, but it is fun to drive. Honda’s slick 6-speed manual is the preferred choice for enthusiast drivers, but it’s not offered on models equipped with all-wheel drive. In all likelihood, the vast majority of HR-Vs will come with Honda’s excellent CVT automatic.” — Kelley Blue Book

The 2018 HR-V comprises of a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder powertrain that delivers 141 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. The same engine is used by the Honda Civic. The HR-V uses a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission that offers crisp-shifting. Although, Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the native setup, while All-wheel drive is optional on AT models. 

Models	HR-V LX	Toyota CH-R	Chevrolet Trax	Mazda CX-3
MSRP	$19,570	$22,500	$21,000	$20,110
Engine	1.8 l   Inline 4	2.0 l   Inline 4	1.4 l   Inline 4	2.0 l   Inline 4
Fuel type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
Transmission	Manual	automatic	automatic	Automatic
Power	141 @ 6500 rpm	144 @ 6100 rpm	138 hp @ 4900 rpm	146 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	127 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm	139 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm	148 ft-lbs. @ 1850 rpm	146 ft-lbs. @ 2800 rpm

The competition also offers a similar power output. Mazda CX-3 offers the best in class power output at 146 horsepower which is closely followed by Toyota CH-R with its 144 hp output. At 138 horsepower, Chevy Trax offers the least power output in this comparison. 

Acceleration

The acceleration offered by 2018 HR-V is decent and follows the industry standards. The 141 hp engine does a 0-60 mph sprint in 9.3 seconds. Toyota CH-R does its naught to 60 mph run within a very long 11.0 seconds. Surprisingly, the Chevy Trax manages to keep up with the Honda HR-V's 0-60 mph time.

Models	HR-V LX	Toyota CH-R	Chevrolet Trax	Mazda CX-3
0-60 MPH	9.3 sec	11.0 sec	9.3 sec	N/A
Quarter mile	16.8	—	16.8	16.3
Engine	1.8 l	2.0 l	1.4 l	2.0 l
Emission   Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	6.3	6.0	6.3	5.7

Braking and Handling

Honda HR-V is equipped with 11.5-inch brake rotors at the front and 11.1-inch brake rotors at the rear. Still, the braking performance of the HR-V is below the segment norms. Under emergency braking scenario, the HR-V decelerated from 60 mph to a standstill within 127 feet. Competitors that are heavier are able to outperform HR-V's braking performance. 

Model	HR-V LX	Toyota CH-R	Chevrolet Trax	Mazda CX-3
Brake pads-front(in)	11.5	11.8	11.8	11.0
Brake pads Rear(in)	11.1	11.1	—	11.1
Curb weight(lbs)	2888	3300	2805	2809
60-0 MPH (ft.)	127	103.3	121	117

On the other hand, the CVT trims get a sport mode that changes ratios faster and effectively. The HR-V has been gifted with a front strut and rear torsion-beam suspension that balances the car in ride motion control. The HR-V looks very relaxed with the well-balanced steering.

 

The 2018 Honda HR-V returns fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while two-wheel drive CVT variants offer 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. On the other hand, All-wheel-drive models with CVT make it to 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The fuel economy offered by HR-V is highly competitive but the competitors also offer similar figures.

Model	HR-V LX	Toyota CH-R	Chevrolet Trax	Mazda CX-3
Mpg city	25	27	25	29
Mpg highway	33	31	33	34
Mpg combined	29	29	28	31

“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 HR-V cabin cannot be said superior but is certainly durable. The outward visibility is good and the passenger space is very much acceptable. Although, you will find luxury options missing on the HR-V.

Interior Seating and Comfort

Honda HR-V interior is spacious and makes enough space for five people. Rear seat passenger can expect enough room for comfortable seating. The front seats are also good for commutes. The interior has a solid build quality and is dressed up with upmarket materials.

Model	HR-V LX	Toyota CH-R	Chevrolet Trax	Mazda CX-3
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	100.1	83.8	—	86.3
Front (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg)   (In.)	39.5/53.1/56.8/41.2	38.1/53/49/43.5	39.6/51.7/54.1/40.8	37.6/52.3/53.5/41.7
Second (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg)   (In.)	38.3/47.4/54.5/39.3	38.3/48/52.5/31.7	38.8/50.7/52.8/35.7	37.2/49/50.4/35

Interior Features

2018 Honda HR-V comes featured with standard 5-inch color display integrated with Bluetooth, four speakers, infotainment system, and a multi-angle rearview camera. The heated rear seats are available as optional feature.

Standard/Optional Feature
Telescoping steering column	Standard
Tilting steering column	Standard
Heated steering wheel	NA
Power-adjustable steering column	NA
Power-adjustable pedals	NA
Memory driver’s seat	NA
Massaging front-passenger seat	NA
Power driver’s seat	NA
Power front-passenger seat	NA
Heated front seats	Optional
Heated rear seats	NA
Cooled front seats	NA
Cooled rear seats	NA
Head-up display	NA
Rear-seat entertainment system	NA

Infotainment

The 2018 Honda HR-X gets a 5.0-inch LCD display that comes integrated with Bluetooth phone, a four-speaker stereo system, and one USB port.

The optional items include:

• Navigation
• Real-Time Traffic
• Real-Time Weather

Cargo Space

Just similar to the Honda Fit subcompact hatchback, the five-seater HR-V offers a spacious cabin with comfortable accommodation for all passengers. The versatile second-row seat folds efficiently to make enough cargo room of 58.8 cubic feet which is very practical and highest among the competitors.

Model	Honda HR-V LX	Toyota CH-R	Chevrolet Trax	Mazda CX-3
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.)	24.3	19.0	18.7	12.4
Maximum Cargo Volume (cu. ft.)	58.8	36.4	48.4	44.5

"The debate over the 2017 HR-V’s exterior styling—some find it charming, others find it boring—rages on for 2018 with very few changes to the little ute’s look" -Caranddriver

The 2018 HR-V looks practical. From the side, Honda’s diminutive hauler looks similar to a coupe. Thanks to the sloping roof, and a rear-window treatment that provides a streamlined finish. All HR-V’s are offered with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Honda has paid attention to the details from the front to the end. The EX and EX-L models come with add-ons like include Roof rails and moonroof that add spectacular look.

Model	HR-V LX	Toyota CH-R	Chevrolet Trax	Mazda CX-3
Curb weight(lbs)	2888	3300	2805	2809
Length(in)	169.1	171.2	167.20	168.3
Width(in)	69.8	60.6	69.90	60
Height(in)	63.2	61.6	66.1	60.7
Ground clearance(in)	N/A	5.9	6.2	6.2
Wheelbase(in)	102.8	103.9	100.6	101.2
Track width(in) F/R	60.4/60.6	60.6/60.6	60.6/60.6	60/59.9

HR-V weighs in at 2888 lbs and offers average exterior dimensions. When we talk about the numbers, the HR-V doesn't stand out particularly. Toyota CH-R is the heaviest SUV in this comparison, it also offers the largest wheelbase and longest exterior length. 

Design and Styling

HR-V’s exterior styling will remind you of the Honda Fit as both of these cars share the same platform. HR-V gets sloping roofline and curved side contours that enhances the sporty look of the crossover. On the other hand, the EX and EX-L Navi trims feature tilting and sliding sunroof over the front seat. The practical add-ons offered by Honda include a rooftop bike carrier and roof-rack crossbars.

The 2018 HR-V has received all five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It has scored 5 stars in overall and side crash tests and four stars out of five in the rollover and frontal collision tests. HR-V has also managed to receive a good rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Only the Child seat anchor has received a marginal report.

NHTSA Crash Test Results

Overall rating	5*
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	4*
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	4*
Overall Side Crash Rating	4*
Side Barrier Rating	5*
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	5*
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat	5*
Rollover Rating	4*
Side Barrier Rating Driver	5*
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	4*
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	5*
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	5*

IIHS Report

Small overlap front driver side	Acceptable
Moderate overlap front	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good
Head light	poor
Child seat anchor	Marginal

Safety Features

You can find a multi-angle rearview camera across all trim levels of 2018 Honda HR-V. The EX trim and above comes with Honda LaneWatch that offers blind spot monitoring for passengers. It also combines sensors with a side view camera that gets activated by right turn signal. The adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking went missing on the HR-V.

2018 Honda HR-V LX Safety Features
VSA Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
Back-Up Camera
Rear Child Safety Locks
Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags

Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3

Mazda CX-3 is undoubtedly one of the best performing sub-compact SUV in the segment. It boasts a the peppy engine and sporty handling. But, overall it lacks cargo space in comparison to HR-V. It has got hefty safety features. The IIHS had named Mazda CX-3 as 2017 Top Safety Pick. It offers standard and standard safety features that are missing from the 2018 Honda HR-V.

Honda HR-V vs Toyota CH-R

Toyota CH-R has got a less roomy cabin and low-rent interior. The rear seats are small as well. The larger sibling of CH-R offers impressive features. So, you can consider Honda HR-V over CH-R as for now.

Honda HR-V vs Chevrolet Trax

Chevy Trax has an advantage over 2018 HR-V in performance, comfort, and mileage. However, both of them offer spacious cabin and better rear seat compartment in comparison to rivals like Toyota CH-R and Mazda CX-3.

If you look into the Subcompact SUV segment, 2018 Honda HR-V has got everything you search in a family car. Honda HR-V stands out in offering spacious cabin and cargo space. It is easy to drive and park in an urban setting. The ride quality offered by the HR-V is best suited for everyday commuters.

You should consider buying Honda HR-V if you are looking for ample cargo space and ferry passengers every day. It is a great choice for people living an active lifestyle. If you need sporty and fun drive then you may consider Mazda MX-3.