Driving the 2016 Honda HR-V

If you’re looking for an SUV but your budget and parking space are small, Honda’s hoping you’ll check out its new HR-V. Based on the Honda Fit subcompact, the entry-level HR-V joins the category of smaller SUVs that may appeal to buyers seeking all-season traction in a versatile, urban-friendly package.

The HR-V will compete in a growing segment, populated by the Chevrolet Trax, Jeep Renegade and upcoming Mazda CX-3. Starting price for the Honda is likely to be under $20,000.

While slightly longer and taller than the Fit, the HR-V is smaller (and less costly) than the popular CR-V. And like the Fit, the HR-V gets a trick rear seat that flips up or folds down flat, which allows it to accommodate a surprising amount of cargo. It swallowed four garden chairs with space to spare.

Power comes from a 138-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, driving either the front or all four wheels. Most HR-Vs will be bought with a continuously variable transmission; only the front-wheel-drive version offers a six-speed manual.

EPA fuel economy estimates for the AWD model are 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

On the road, the engine has to work pretty hard getting the HR-V up to speed and it makes a noticeable racket when doing so.

The ride is reasonable for a small SUV — and better than we thought it would be from a subcompact vehicle. But the underlying basic small-car architecture rears its head when the HR-V is pushed toward its limits or rolling over ugly pavement.