Yahoo Autos 2025 Honda HR-V Review: Checks boxes, does not pull heartstrings
Pros: High-end cabin; it’s basically a big Civic; top safety scores; Honda dependability and resale
Cons: Slow for the segment without a fuel economy bonus; bare bones base infotainment; so-so cargo area; no sporty or outdoorsy trim levels
Opting for the 2025 Honda HR-V is a very sensible choice. It has top safety scores, loads of space, a well-made cabin, sold feature content for the money and carries Honda’s well-earned reputation for reliability and resale value. As simple, dependable transportation for those wanting to sit up a bit higher and needing some extra versatility, the HR-V checks the boxes. Perhaps it’s not surprising that the HR-V is so popular with first-time and Gen Z car buyers who, no doubt, want to make sure their first go at this car thing doesn’t go awry.
As they may eventually find out, however, there’s more to a car purchase than checking boxes. While the HR-V is certainly sensible, it is also incredibly dull. Competitor subcompact SUVs offer distinctive style, better performance, more enjoyable driving experiences and can cater to certain niches with sporty or off-road variants. Importantly, those rivals are plenty sensible in their own right, with interior volumes, fuel economy and/or prices that better the HR-V.
Which rivals? Well, the list is awfully long (Chevrolet Trax, Buick Envista, Kia Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Niro hybrid, Hyundai Kona, Volkswagen Taos, Mazda CX-30), which speaks to just how low on the pecking order we place the HR-V. So, by all means check out Honda’s small SUV, but know you can find something that checks boxes and pulls on heart strings just as well.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2025?
Once again the HR-V carries over unchanged, albeit with a roughly $1,000 price increase.
What are the HR-V interior and in-car technology like?
Apart from its unique high-mounted “floating” center console, the HR-V’s handsome design and above-average materials are largely in keeping with the Honda Civic. That’s a great thing. The most obvious Civic cue is the wheel-to-door air vent plated by a metal-look honeycomb pattern. There may come a day when Honda overuses this design element but, for now, it’s exceptional. You can read our deep dive review of the HR-V EX-L interior here, and see what the mid-grade Sport looks like above with its distinctive, almost plaid-like fabric upholstery.
The touchscreen interfaces differ in size (7 inches in LX and Sport, 9 inches in EX-L) as well as user interface, with the bigger one possessing more features and colorful graphics. Now, are those screens better than those of the HR-V’s rivals? The bare-bones small screen is definitely worse, and when compared to the Kia Seltos and Chevy Trax/Buick Envista twins, the 9-inch one is unlikely to be preferred as well. It’s not demonstrably worse, though, and seems unlikely to be a dealbreaker.
Three USB-A ports also reside in the center console, and the range-topping EX-L trim level gets wireless charging to go with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Wired versions come standard.
How big is the HR-V?
The current HR-V grew to meet the bigger subcompact SUV standard now met by everything else in the segment. Passenger space is among the best in the group, and along with the Taos, Trax and Envista, is one of the more family friendly as a result.
In terms of cargo space, there is 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s only mid-pack, with the Seltos, Taos and Bronco Sport having more. More importantly, we found the HR-V's angled liftgate opening makes it difficult to load luggage inside and reduces functionality compared to not only those more-voluminous-on-paper competitors, but others like the Buick Envista and Subaru Crosstrek. The HR-V does at least boast a back seat that folds totally flat thanks to a smartly engineered, multi-hinged seat bottom that dips down into the footwell. No dual-level cargo floor necessary.
What are the HR-V fuel economy and performance specs?
There is only one engine and transmission combo available: a 2.0-liter inline-four good for 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque that’s connected to a continuously variable transmission. Front- and all-wheel drive are available. Its output is below average for the segment – many of which offer even more powerful upgrades.
