2025 Honda HR-V overview | CarExpert

Honda’s smallest SUV is a novel selection in Australia’s fashionable automotive market.

Accessible in solely three variants – one petrol, two hybrid – it stays a wise various to one thing just a little larger like Honda’s personal ZR-V, and like that mannequin it has the benefit of being accessible with a refined hybrid powertrain.

It’s additionally well-built and well-presented, even when a whole lot of the nicer stuff isn’t accessible on the very backside of the vary.

If you would like most of that although, the least you’ll pay is $39,900 drive-away for the keys to the Honda HR-V e:HEV X on take a look at right here.

This mannequin variant is the most recent addition to the front-wheel drive HR-V vary and solely arrived in October final yr, bridging the hole between the non-hybrid entry-level Vi X and the extra premiium e:HEV L flagship to supply a extra sensible various to a few of the different section heavy-hitters.

WATCH: Paul’s video overview of the 2022 Honda HR-V e:HEV L

One such mannequin is the Toyota Yaris Cross. Toyota’s smallest SUV is obtainable in Australia with solely a hybrid powertrain, and it’s classed in a smaller automobile class to the HR-V on the VFACTS gross sales charts (mild SUV), so it prices a lot much less.

Even so, it discovered 8206 houses final yr, whereas the HR-V managed simply 3350. For comparability, the Hyundai Kona – additionally accessible as a hybrid – outsold each vehicles in 2024 with 17,374 deliveries.

Then there’s the Subaru Crosstrek, which is Subaru’s smallest SUV and in addition accessible with a hybrid powertrain. It additionally bought properly with 11,545 deliveries all through 2024, leaving a whole lot of floor to make up for the endearing Honda.

Does the HR-V deserve extra consideration, particularly in hybrid kind, or is it simply not what patrons are after?

How does the Honda HR-V evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Honda HR-V in opposition to equally sized automobiles.

Honda

HR-V

How a lot does the Honda HR-V price?

At $39,900 drive-away, the HR-V appears dear – particularly when you think about a few of the competitors.

The Yaris Cross is hybrid-only and prices as little as $30,900 earlier than on-roads, whereas the most affordable Hyundai Hybrid is priced at $36,500 earlier than on-roads – although the latter will probably work out to be roughly the identical as this HR-V as soon as it’s in your driveway.

For $38,590 earlier than on-road prices you possibly can decide up the most affordable Crosstrek Hybrid, although once more that’ll find yourself costing greater than the HR-V.

Given the e:HEV X is technically the bottom-spec hybrid HR-V, its normal gear checklist might not seem to justify the practically $40,000 price ticket – however we’ll get into that beneath.

To see how the Honda HR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

What’s the Honda HR-V like on the within?

Plain and easy, however in case you’re acquainted with Honda you’ll really feel proper at house.

There are similarities between the inside of the HR-V and the ZR-V/Civic pair, although it’s understandably far more stripped-back on this cheaper mannequin.

You’ll subsequently discover extra plain surfaces and easy designs, and we like that right here. It’s a lot much less intimidating than in lots of different new vehicles and also you’ll rapidly determine the place every part is and what it does, plus you get the bonus of Honda’s distinctive construct high quality and satisfying, tactile buttons.

Headlining the entrance of the cabin is the 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, which could sound comparatively small on paper however doesn’t look that compact from behind the wheel.

It’s easy in presentation but has crisp decision, whereas additionally responding persistently to inputs each by way of contact and when utilizing the handful of bodily buttons on the right-hand bezel.

There could also be a touch of aftermarket head unit right here, however we will admire Honda’s easy strategy when all of it works reliably.

As a bonus you get wi-fi smartphone mirroring, which had no points with throughout our week with the automobile.

A great thing about the HR-V line-up is the truth that whereas the e:HEV X is a mid-range mannequin, patrons of the range-opening Vi X hardly miss out on any of the important thing options discovered all through its cabin – past the hybrid powertrain absent below the bonnet.

Equally, patrons of this automobile received’t go begging in comparison with the e:HEV L. The small worth distinction between the 2 e:HEV fashions mirror that, however in fact there are some creature comforts you don’t get elsewhere, like added aspect mirror performance, an influence tailgate and rain-sensing wipers.

One of many techniques that’s constant throughout the vary is local weather management, discovered beneath the infotainment show. As is typical of Honda it’s solely bodily, comprised of a easy mixture of dials and buttons, whereas the vents themselves are simply managed by separated particular person dials.

All of the settings are proven on the small built-in display, and it’s simple to work with on the transfer. The dials rotate with a pointy, notchy motion – extremely satisfying to work together with.

In entrance of the motive force is a properly sized, leather-wrapped steering wheel. It’s not unexpectedly primary, however is solely applicable for the HR-V, and once more it’s the identical as what you’ll discover throughout the remainder of the vary.

The one grievance is that its spokes are completed in gloss black plastic, together with the buttons on both aspect. After some time behind the wheel, fingerprints and smudges will turn into painfully obvious.

On the word of supplies, the wheel’s centre pad can be completed in a scratchy textured plastic, which stands out from the cabin’s different flat surfaces. It’s a minor factor, however doesn’t match fairly as properly with the remainder of the inside.

It’s however reassuring that the buttons on the wheel are all simple to make use of given their clear markings. Even when one thing isn’t instantly apparent, there’s no hurt performed by poking at a number of to see what pops up.

Most of that will likely be seen on the instrument cluster forward, which raises a number of factors inside the context of each the HR-V’s worth level and the remainder of Honda’s catalogue.

The very first thing you’ll discover about it’s how easy it’s in look. That’s partly as a result of Honda’s graphics are inherently minimalistic, nevertheless it additionally has quite a bit to do with the actual fact it’s not solely digital.

The left gauge and centre parts are each digital, which lets you scroll by means of completely different menus to search out all of the driving-related info tucked away. We don’t thoughts that, nevertheless it’s the actual fact the speedometer on the appropriate continues to be analogue that’s attention-grabbing to us.

Given I’m used to older vehicles, I’m a fan of analogue gauges, so it’s by no means a grievance in cheaper vehicles that fall below the $30,000 mark.

The issue is the HR-V begins at $34,900 drive-away. At that worth we will nearly forgive a cluster that’s solely partly digital, however when you begin pushing $40,000 as with the HR-V e:HEVs, it turns into considerably disappointing.

A number of years in the past this might’ve been completely fantastic, particularly on the backside of the vary. Now, our tester prices simply $300 lower than the bottom ZR-V – which includes a 10.2-inch absolutely digital instrument cluster.

We nonetheless suppose it seems good and it’s completely useful, so we will perceive why individuals won’t thoughts.

Transferring additional down, you’ll discover the massive conventional gear selector surrounded by extra gloss black plastic. Fortuitously, there are not any buttons to press on this space, however we count on mud will start to gather and scratches will present after a number of months of day by day driving.

Following the 2 silver streaks backwards brings you to the centre console, completed in exhausting plastic. Right here you’ll discover two giant cupholders and a small array of controls for drive mode, hill descent management, parking brake, and auto-hold.

Sadly, the exhausting plastic is just about the identical as on the steering wheel, however given it’s principally out of the motive force’s line of sight we don’t suppose it’s as huge of a deal right here. We no less than like how easy every part is on this space, and none of those controls precipitated any hiccups.

Storage up entrance isn’t excellent, nevertheless it does the job. There are these cupholders, in addition to an honest centre storage field and two cubbies forward of the gear selector.

Moreover, there are bottle holders within the doorways and a typical passenger-side glovebox, in addition to the 2 USB ports up entrance. To prime it off, the HR-V hybrids are each fitted with Honda’s extra premium leatherette-and-fabric upholstery versus the full-cloth look within the base mannequin.

The seats are tremendous snug because of this, and simple to get positioned up entrance even when the adjustment is barely guide. I had no drawback with its seating place at roughly 172cm in top, however taller individuals might run into points with headroom.

Transferring to the rear reveals the identical upholstery, and there’s a good bit to unpack right here when you climb by means of the slim door opening.

First up is the actual fact there are solely two seats, resulting from ADR stipulations that require top-tether youngster seat anchors to be fitted to rear seats with a seatbelt. Markets like Japan and the UK don’t have that requirement and Honda received’t produce a bespoke setup for Australia, which suggests we miss out on the three-person bench.

Honda’s Magic Seats stay although, and they are often folded in quite a lot of configurations to accommodate varied objects of difficult sizes.

If we miss out on a centre seat, we will no less than admire the inventive performance we nonetheless get right here.

To maintain passengers snug there’s solely a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders. Rear-facing air vents and twin USB-C ports are locked away in solely the top-spec e:HEV L, with a pair of storage nooks fitted as a substitute. No less than the seats are snug and there’s loads of house all spherical.

Boot capability with the rear seats up is quoted at 304 litres, which is down on rivals just like the Kona (407 litres) and Yaris Cross (390 litres), however nonetheless greater than you get in a Crosstrek (291 litres).

That will not appear unimaginable, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a useable house because of its principally sq. dimensions and two small cubbies on both aspect. With the rear seats folded the ground stays nearly completely flat.

Sadly there’s no spare wheel, and patrons will as a substitute must make do with a tyre restore equipment. Past a slim house on the very rear of the boot there’s additionally no under-floor storage to be discovered.

For privateness you do get a canopy on the prime, which might latch to the tailgate to remain out of the best way when loading and unloading. Utilizing the boot is made even simpler by the inclusion of lights on both aspect.

All up, it’s a properly put-together inside, even whether it is extra primary than another new Hondas. There are in fact some shortcomings that, if resolved, would elevate this automobile additional, nevertheless it’s completely habitable as is.

To see how the Honda HR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

What’s below the bonnet?

Each Honda HR-V e:HEV fashions are powered by the identical 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid system, mated with a constantly variable transmission (CVT). Complete system outputs are quoted at 96kW of energy and 253Nm of torque, although Honda doesn’t checklist a capability for its lithium-ion battery pack.

For context, the non-hybrid HR-V Vi X is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 89kW and 145Nm.

It maintains the CVT and front-wheel drive supply, although the dearth of a battery pack reduces its kerb weight by greater than 100kg in comparison with the hybrids. Gas financial system is quoted at 6.2L/100km.

In our week with the automobile we couldn’t match Honda’s gas financial system declare, however the determine we noticed was nonetheless aggressive within the context of different hybrids.

Our driving primarily concerned freeway and freeway use, so we count on urban-focused journey would deliver the quantity nearer to Toyota’s benchmark with the Yaris Cross.

To see how the Honda HR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

How does the Honda HR-V drive?

With stunning confidence, although not in fairly as refined a way as a few of its siblings.

Its hybrid-ness makes itself obvious nearly instantly, given the HR-V will begin up in electric-only mode and solely fireplace up the combustion engine in case you sit stationary for an extended time frame with the air-con blasting.

Setting off is quiet as properly; the one issues audible are the outside warning sound and a really faint motor noise. When it’s time for the engine to kick in, it’ll achieve this with out making itself recognized.

The transition from electrical to combustion energy is nearly seamless, and the cabin is insulated properly sufficient to the purpose that you just in all probability received’t even hear the engine operating. You’ll have to concentrate to the ‘EV’ mild on the sprint to note.

At low velocity the engine could also be just a little extra apparent than on the freeway, however in metropolis driving the automobile will prioritise electrical driving and solely fireplace up the engine when battery cost is getting low. While you’re trundling round in cease/begin site visitors, cost ought to final for a good whereas too.

That’ll assist it get near Honda’s city effectivity declare of simply 2.9L/100km, although with predominantly freeway driving the engine must function extra of the time.

It’s in a position to cruise alongside in electrical mode at 80km/h with out an excessive amount of hassle, although the battery rapidly discharges and requires the engine to complement its energy. Likewise, inclines could have the HR-V calling on its petrol energy far more typically.

Due to the hybrid increase the HR-V continues to be pretty peppy off the road, because it’s in a position to rapidly scoot away earlier than the engine kicks in. On a decline, the automobile may even stand up to the velocity restrict solely on electrical energy – supplied you don’t step on the throttle too aggressively.

While you do, the petrol engine will do nearly the entire heavy lifting, bringing with it extra of the noise you’d affiliate with a small displacement engine mated to a CVT. That noise is way from insufferable although, very similar to the minimal tyre noise you’ll hear on common roads.

At excessive revs the CVT will simulate gears to really feel extra like a torque converter auto, which brings a little bit of life to a transmission kind that’s in any other case recognized for its dreariness. Switching into Sport mode may even assist with this, making the HR-V really feel far more alive within the context of its economical focus.

It’s not fairly as quick because the bigger, higher-output ZR-V, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel strained.

There’s additionally an Eco driving mode that may prioritise electrical energy in all settings and minimise the usage of the engine. Energy output can be barely dulled, whereas the transmission is adjusted to forestall the engine from revving to rev too excessive when it’s operating.

You’ll discover a ‘B’ on the gear selector bezel too, which Honda labels as ‘regenerative braking mode’ in each hybrid HR-Vs. On this mode, the motive force is granted full management over the automobile’s regen braking, permitting for a little bit of ‘engine’ braking and extra cost to be recuperated whereas on the transfer.

It’s not fairly one-pedal driving, however in its strongest setting it’ll nonetheless gradual the automobile considerably with out having to make use of the brake pedal. The energy of the regenerative braking impact depends on how a lot cost the battery has, because it’ll be far more subdued if the battery is generally full.

Additional, the energy of the regen braking is managed utilizing paddles on the wheel. Within the non-hybrid HR-V these paddles are used for ‘shifting’, however their repurposing to be used right here improves the on-road expertise.

It’s nonetheless potential to regulate the extent of regenerative braking whereas in Drive as regular, however solely briefly.

So far as consolation and ergonomics go, the HR-V has it nearly nailed. The steering is appropriately weighted and offers good suggestions because the tyres journey over imperfections within the highway, whereas the throttle and brakes are properly calibrated and aren’t too sensitive nor too delicate.

The seats show to be snug on longer drives, whereas the journey high quality is sweet sufficient for bumps and holes to trigger little hassle.

That mentioned, it doesn’t fairly really feel as stable as one thing just like the ZR-V in a manner that’s exhausting to explain. The place the ZR-V feels chunky, planted and sturdy, the HR-V tends to lean just a little extra on the ‘flimsy’ aspect – for the dearth of a greater phrase.

That might be a results of its stilted stance and comparatively slim tyres. That’s to not say it feels prefer it’s going to fall over or bounce away in bends as a result of it corners fairly properly, however the dealing with deficit to its Honda siblings is unquestionably noticeable.

The hybrid HR-V continues to be loads positive of itself and can deal with turns higher than a lot of its rivals, however it’s possible you’ll discover the odd unsettled second on tough rural roads.

Its on-road security tech is well-calibrated too. Each HR-V e:HEVs share in the identical security gear and add techniques like blind-spot monitoring in comparison with the bottom Vi X, which is infinitely useful given the poor rearward visibility brought on by its obstructive rear-end packaging.

Participating and controlling adaptive cruise management is definitely performed utilizing the buttons on the appropriate of the steering wheel. The HR-V will maintain its lane confidently and match the velocity of vehicles forward with no situation, making it a breeze to journey alongside lengthy stretches of freeway.

Solely sometimes did its passive lane-keep system flare up, however solely on narrower regional roads. Normally it took situation with us drifting out of our lane to keep away from a pothole, nevertheless it wouldn’t steer us again into the lane with drive – as a substitute maintaining it to audiovisual warnings within the cabin.

Its reversing digicam is probably not terribly high-resolution, however when paired with parking sensors it’s nonetheless simple to park and manoeuvre in tight areas like carparks.

Normally, the HR-V is a stable little performer on-road, and can cowl your day by day commutes with out an excessive amount of sweat.

To see how the Honda HR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

What do you get?

There are three grades of HR-V accessible in Australia, and the e:HEV X sits proper within the center.

2025 Honda HR-V Vi X gear highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Tyre restore equipment
• LED headlights
  • Auto dusk-sensing
  • Auto high-beam
• LED daytime operating lights
• LED tail-lights
• Rear privateness glass
• Energy-adjustable aspect mirrors
• Matte black wheel arch cladding, aspect skirts, entrance and rear bumper trim
• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• 2 USB ports
• 7.0-inch LED driver info interface
• 4-speaker sound system
• Single-zone local weather management
• Black fabric upholstery
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather-based-wrapped gear selector
• Paddle shifters
• Handbook entrance seat adjustment
• Rear Magic Seats
  • 60/40 cut up, fold down and tip up
• Sensible keyless entry

HR-V e:HEV X provides:

• Auto-levelling headlights
• LED entrance fog lights
• LED energetic cornering lights
• Gloss black wheel arch cladding, aspect skirts, entrance and rear bumper trim
• Acoustic windscreen
• 6-speaker sound system
• Heated entrance seats
• Black leatherette and fabric upholstery

Is the Honda HR-V secure?

The Honda HR-V has a four-star security ranking from ANCAP, based mostly on testing performed in 2022.

Customary security options embrace:

• 6 airbags
  • Entrance
  • Entrance aspect
  • Full-length curtain
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Oncoming motorbike collision detection
  • Pedestrian and bicycle entrance cross-traffic collision
• Lane-keep help
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise management
• Site visitors Jam Help
• Site visitors signal recognition
• Reversing digicam
• Entrance, rear parking sensors
• Hill descent management
• Tyre strain monitoring
• Computerized walk-away door locking

HR-V e:HEV X provides:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Clever velocity limiter
• Rear cross-traffic alert

How a lot does the Honda HR-V price to run?

The Honda HR-V is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, plus 5 years of roadside help, and is obtainable with 5 years of capped-price servicing.

Honda additionally features a five-year complimentary navigation map replace and a five-year Honda Join subscription with new HR-V purchases.

To see how the Honda HR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

CarExpert’s Take Honda HR-V e:HEV X

The HR-V is an effective factor, and this e:HEV X variant might be the decide of the bunch.

It’s economical and quiet, whereas additionally being simple to drive in a manner that units it aside from a whole lot of different new vehicles on sale proper now. Higher but, Honda high quality shines by means of in each side of the automobile, which suggests it’ll probably maintain up because the kilometres mount.

The seamless and economical hybrid powertrain has sufficient punch for what it must do, and we all the time admire well-calibrated security gear. Its infotainment provisions are additionally top-notch, if not just a little small-screened for some individuals, however I’m within the perform over kind camp and it’s exhausting to argue with a system that has no faults.

We are able to additionally admire the HR-V’s instrument cluster for its simplicity, although it nonetheless appears just a little unusual that the bottom ZR-V has a totally digital cluster for a virtually equivalent worth.

If you may get previous the dearth of 5 seats, a considerably small boot and no spare wheel, you’d do properly to get behind the wheel of the e:HEV X.

The Vi X is cheaper however lacks hybrid tech and a bunch of nicer gear like heated seats, fog lights and an honest sound system, and in our opinion it doesn’t look as sharp resulting from its matte black exterior cladding.

The e:HEV L, in the meantime, is basically the identical automobile however costlier, and possibly not price the additional cash until you contemplate creature comforts like rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone local weather management, and a heated steering wheel to be make-or-break gear.

It’s possible you’ll get a automobile that would higher fit your wants with one thing like the bottom ZR-V, however you received’t get hybrid tech in that automobile until you pay extra and transfer additional up the vary.

The one actual criticism is that it’s on the dear aspect, but when you may get previous that the HR-V e:HEV X is properly price a glance.

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