The Honda HR-V (Hi-Rider Revolutionary Vehicle) is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) produced and sold by Honda since 1998. Even though there was a break from 2006 to 2013, the third generation of the crossover is now available. Honda made the HR-V for the first time in 1999, and they sold it in Europe, Japan, and the Asia-Pacific region until 2006. Most small SUVs are known for their outlandish designs, but Honda designed the HR-V to appeal to those who choose practicality above style.
History of the Honda HR-V
Honda HR-V First Generation (GH; 1998–2006)
The Honda HR-V is a crossover built on the Civic platform, following the success of the Honda CR-V in the SUV market. The HR-V debuted as the J-WJ concept, one of four J-Mover Series ideas presented at the 1997 Tokyo and 1998 Geneva Motor Shows. The HR-V was marketed only in Japan via Honda's Verno dealership network, aiming at a young clientele with few modifications from the prototype. When it came to crossovers, there wasn't much of one. There were just a few bids on the table, and the phrase was rarely utilized. When Honda made a risky bet with the compact recreational vehicle that featured an SUV-like appearance, a compact-segment engine, and an all-wheel-drive system as an option, it delivered. In February 1999, a three-door model with all-wheel drive became available. This model was internally identified as the GH2. It was in September 1999 that Honda unveiled a three-door, front-wheel-drive model. In March 2000, Honda unveiled the GH4 series of five-door sedans.
Facelift
In 1998, Honda launched the HR-V, and the automotive industry had not yet established the crossover market. However, the new HR-V is built on a tiny vehicle basis that has had its wheelbase enlarged, and a new body added. Because of its low operational costs, high seating posture, and four-wheel drive capability, it was an instant hit. On the other hand, the new model lacked a crucial feature: rear doors. So, later on, Honda addressed the issue. In 2001, the company provided a facelift for the whole line, and they discontinued the 3-door model.
Honda HR-V Second Generation (RU; 2013–Present)
The Urban SUV Concept, shown at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, served as a sneak peek of the second-generation HR-V. Honda's Global Compact Series, including the Fit subcompact and the City subcompact sedan, was claimed to be the inspiration for the concept model. The Vezel debuted at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show in November of that year. The Fit was Honda's smallest SUV under the CR-V at its release. There is a sloping roof and distinctive design elements like a concealed rear door handle in the crossover's exterior appearance, influenced by coupes.
Facelift
The HR-V crossover was given a makeover in 2018 by Honda. This wasn't just a case of getting new headlights and bumpers; it also debuted an all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain. The model also received a new front fascia featuring a wing design on the grille, modified bumpers, taillights, and the new 18-inch light-alloy wheels for the Sport trim level. The interior received a new instrument cluster for the driver, including a mounted speedometer and a digital tachometer on the left side. The infotainment system has also become Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
Honda HR-V Third Generation (RU; 2021–Present)
After eight years on the market, Honda withdrew the second-generation HR-V and debuted an entirely new generation in 2021. There are two distinct models of the third-generation HR-V. It was initially released in 2021, manufactured in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, and China, and sold in Europe. The model code for this vehicle is "RV." A new and bigger variant is geared toward meeting the particular demands of US customers. It will be available outside North America as the Honda ZR-V. On February 18, Honda launched a new Vezel/HR-V for countries outside of North America. Sales started in Japan on April 22, 2021, and they also unveiled the European-spec HR-V on the same day. The HR-V model is only available in Europe with a hybrid engine. The 2022 Honda HR-V caters to practical customers with its subtle design, pragmatic cabin, and innovative cargo-hauling features, whereas many small SUVs rely on unique aesthetics to entice buyers. The HR-V is currently Honda's smallest car, but its unique Magic Seat second-row lowers down to provide a vast space to store bulky objects that larger crossovers would struggle to fit. The HR-V will remain unmodified until 2022. We anticipate a completely rebuilt vehicle for the 2023 model year.
Price
Honda retails the 2022 Honda HR-V with a starting original MSRP of $23,115 for the LX trim (base model), $25,065 for the Sport trim, $26,315 for the EX trim, and $27,915 for the EX-L trim.
Features
Interior Features of the Honda HR-V
Similar to its engine, the HR-interior V's is dated. The interior isn't as out-there as a Hyundai Kona, but it's well-organized and well-made. Although the elegant and well-made cabin may not pique your interest, the vehicle's visibility and passenger volume are both enough. Those who want the most flashy features should go for the Touring variant. Honda used high-quality, soft-touch materials for the model's primary interface points. The Magic Seat on the HR-second V's row is a life hack. The backs of the rear seats fold flat when they are unfastened. It's a breeze to fill the cargo area with the low-load flooring. Even the tallest occupants won't feel cramped in the wide front seats, which provide plenty of head and legroom. Because of the sloping roof of the Honda HR-V, there's not as much headroom in the back seat. If you're looking for even more storage space, you can flip the bottom seat of the back seats upward, creating an even bigger hole between the front and back seatbacks. Gray, long-lasting plastic covers the remainder of the interior. However unappealing it may appear at first glance, its durability is undeniable—even in babies' hands.
Exterior Features of the Honda HR-V
The HR-V isn't very remarkable, but that's not always a drawback. It has the typical dimensions and ride level of a car in its class, with a few Honda design touches tossed in for added fun. The freshly styled alloy wheels are attractive on some variants, while privacy glass lends a dash of elegance to the Sport version. With its 18-inch matte black alloy wheels and its unique design, the 2022 Honda HR-V Sport stands out among all the others. The wheels on all other variants are 17 inches in diameter and finished in silver. Projector headlights are standard on all versions in the lineup, with brake and daytime running lights being all LEDs.
Standard Features of the Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V comes well-equipped across the lineup, but the top-of-the-line versions are the only ones with the most advanced safety measures. The base LX model comes standard with manual climate control, a rearview camera, and cruise control. There is just a USB port in the LX and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. An extra USB port and sports pedals are included with the Sport model, in conjunction with paddle shifters. Upgrade to the 2022 Honda HR-V EX level and enjoy heated front seats, Honda Sensing automated climate control, smart entry with push-button start, and a moonroof as standard equipment. Sophisticated safety systems like forward collision and lane departure warnings are included in the latter, as are automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The sports pedals, leather-trimmed steering wheel, and shift knob are removed from the EX. The EX-L model adds leather-trimmed seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and chrome speaker rings around the speakers.
Infotainment System of the Honda HR-V
- LX trim - a five-inch screen without touch functionality, a 160-watt four-speaker sound system, AM/FM, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Sport and upper trims - a 180-watt four-speaker sound system (Sport trim), a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- EX trim - SiriusXM, HD radio, 180-watt six-speaker systems
- EX-L - a 180-watt six-speaker system
Release Date
Honda released the first-generation models of the Honda HR-V in 1999, while they released the 2022 Honda HR-V in February 2021.