2018 Honda HR-V SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

All trims of the 2018 Honda HR-V are offered with the 1.8-liter inline-four engine. The output of the unit is 141 hp with 127 lb-ft of torque. It has a combined fuel-efficiency of 28/31 mpg. The power is distributed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The crossover is also available in an all-wheel drive system and CVT. Upon testing the 2018 Honda HR-V EX-L Navi with AWD and CVT, we found out that it was too slow in terms of its acceleration from zero to 60 mph. It covered that range in 9.7 seconds. The CVT particularly struggled as it kept on adjusting during climbs. Despite that, we loved the steering and braking of the crossover. The good handling of the unit certainly redeemed itself from its sluggish acceleration.

Technology

The HR-V received the tech found in the Fit. The standard equipment of the car include, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system, 4-speaker CD player with AM/FM, USB and auxiliary ports, 5-inch display and rearview camera. Going for the EX trim adds LaneWatch side-view monitor, power moonroof, front seat heating, SMS text-message assistance, added USB port and push button start. The infotainment system of the EX gets an upgrade as well in the form of 6-speaker audio, touch-sensitive climate control and 7-inch touch screen. The tech features of the crossover functioned well during our test drive of the EX-L but the touch screen was a bit sluggish and the graphics are low by today's standards. It would have benefitted from Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility for ease of access.

Safety

Thanks to the rearview camera and LaneWatch for the EX and EX-L trims, the blind spots of the 2018 Honda HR-V have been reduced. The seatbelts of the crossover also fit its occupants snugly and the child seat latch points are easy to reach. Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the vehicle has scored 5 out of 5 stars in crash tests. Honda mounts a rear-view camera to every HR-V, in addition the EX and EX-L models receive a wide-angle camera and a right-side camera allowing drivers a better view when changing lanes. However no adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking is provided.

Appearance

The 2018 Honda HR-V is available in three trims. LX is highlighted by 17-inch wheels and all the standard equipment mentioned above. The EX comes with a couple of tech upgrades and higher quality of leather covers. EX-L Navi is the top of the line trim of the crossover with all the goodies found in the EX plus better seat covers, more wheel design options, navigation system with voice recognition, auto-dimming in its rearview mirror to avoid glare plus satellite and HD radio. Furthermore, the range-topper gets the CVT as a standard fit. In terms of design, the Honda HR-V had not changed much since its second-generation range was introduced in 2015. A lot of the styling elements of the crossover came from the third-generation of the Honda Fit or Honda Jazz. After all, the two share the same platform. It should be noted too that the HR-V is not so different than its Japanese counterpart that came out in 2013, the Honda Vezel. However, over the years, the HR-V has seen major evolution as the present model is now sharper and sportier in appearance. There were no major changes from the 2017 and the 2018 models of the HR-V. The price was only updated by $105 more and a new selection of wheel designs were introduced for the EX and EX-L trims. Thanks to its high ride height and Fit/Jazz DNA, the 2018 Honda HR-V combines the winning formula found in both SUV and cars of its maker. It has the sexiness of an SUV coupe and the usefulness found in minivans. It is spacious, comfortable for everyday or long drives, safe and pretty affordable in comparison to many of its competitors. The crossover is fun to drive but you just have to settle for its low engine power and slow acceleration.

Comfort

The interior design of the HR-V mimics the layout of the Fit. The surfaces come with quality leather. The crossover beats the car with its more legroom and flexible cargo space though. The second row of seats of the HR-V can fit up to three adults. However, seat cushions feel a bit firm

Cargo

The HR-V measures 2,610 mm in wheelbase, 4,295 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width and 1,605 mm in height. The figures translate to a lot of space inside the crossover. Folding the rear seats will give you around 59 cubic feet of cargo space.