Honda's smallest SUV, the 2025 HR-V, has been known to pack a ton of utility and clever features into a compact package. This latest model largely delivers. However, the extra-small SUV segment has gained some impressive offerings of late, and the latest HR-V hasn't evolved enough to compete with the best.Read full review
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.
Pros
Roomy seating
Easy to get in and out of
Bigger cargo area than most other extra-small SUVs
Cons
Slow acceleration
Uncomfortable front seats
What's new
The HR-V carries over unchanged for 2025
Part of the second HR-V generation introduced for 2023
Overview
The HR-V is Honda's smallest and most affordable SUV positioned below the larger CR-V, Passport and Pilot SUVs. It has an affordable starting price for an SUV and provides roomy seating and an ample amount of cargo space considering its small stature. The HR-V's infotainment system is easy to use, but its standard 7-inch touchscreen is relatively small. The little Honda offers a lot, but it falls behind class leaders in acceleration, front seat comfort and fuel economy.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Honda HR-V LX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Every HR-V model comes standard with the Honda Sensing package of advanced driver aids. The safety package includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a lane centering system and more. A package like this doesn't come standard on many of the HR-V's rivals and makes its price look even more appealing. Blind-spot warning with rear-cross traffic warning is standard on all but the base model. Unsure what these features do? Read the "Honda HR-V models" section below for a description of each.
Competitors to consider
The HR-V is a solid choice for an extra-small SUV, but it's up against compelling rivals you should consider before heading over to your local Honda dealership. The Volkswagen Taos and Chevrolet Trailblazer are two of our highest-ranked extra-small SUVs that outperform the HR-V. The Mazda CX-30 is another worthy rival, and the recently redesigned Subaru Crosstrek is a notable competitor. Consider the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid if you want a hybrid, an uncommon option in this segment. If you want to know what our test team thinks of the HR-V, check out the thorough Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.5
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Honda's smallest SUV, the 2025 HR-V, has been known to pack a ton of utility and clever features into a compact package. This latest model largely delivers. However, the extra-small SUV segment has gained some impressive offerings of late, and the latest HR-V hasn't evolved enough to compete with the best.
How does the HR-V drive? Our first driving impressions of the HR-V were mixed. We didn't love the artificial feeling of the slightly overly light steering but got used to it over time. The engine and transmission also felt relatively adequate while tooling around at town at low speeds but utterly gutless once you have passengers on board and are trying to makes moves at highway speeds. In fact, the HR-V requires more than 10 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph, which is leisurely even for this class.
The HR-V's most redeeming qualities are its smooth and responsive brakes and tidy handling. Even as one of the larger SUVs is the extra-small class, the HR-V delivers relatively light-footed movement that Hondas are typically known for.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the HR-V? The HR-V's front seat cushions are shockingly stiff. It's almost like sitting on a wooden bench. There is also no lumbar support adjustment, which is surprising and disappointing, especially on our fully loaded test car. It's rare that we find the rear seats to be more comfortable than the fronts, but that holds true for the HR-V. Thankfully things get better from here.
Ride comfort is great. The HR-V doesn't filter out all road bumps, but it does an admirable job of softening them without being overly floaty or lacking in body control. We also appreciate how quiet the cabin is. The HR-V does a good job of keeping road, wind and ambient noise to minimal levels, and if you aren't prodding the engine for speed, you don't hear much from the powertrain either.
The climate control had no issues cooling the cabin, but it oddly maintained too cold a temperature for our tastes in any setting we chose. Perhaps it's to help compensate for the lack of rear air vents, another strike against the HR-V's overall comfort score.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? Putting aside the few comfort oversights, the interior of the HR-V is one of its greatest strengths. For one, it's one of the roomiest cabins in this SUV class, with ample space in both rows. We found it extremely easy to get in and out of thanks to larger door openings and accessible seat heights.
Honda's new touchscreen interface, which is making its way into many of the new models, is easy to acclimate to and simple to use. The steering wheel controls are also very natural to operate, and none of the gauges are obstructed or oddly placed. Seat adjustments for the driver are relatively limited in breadth, but the adjustments that are available offer a good range of motion. We also like how easy it is to see out of the cabin in all directions. Honda doesn't offer a surround-view camera system, but the rearview camera offers multiple viewing angles, which is a plus.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $1,299 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $1,299 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the EX-L trim.
How’s the tech? Technology is not the HR-V's strong suit. We see the reason for forgoing a native navigation system in lieu of smartphone integration, which the HR-V does, but it's always a nice option for those who prefer it. The HR-V offers wireless CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity (a nice plus at this price point), a wireless charging pad, and three USB charge ports in the front cabin. But those will have to be shared with rear passengers because there are oddly no ports in the back. Audiophiles will likely be underwhelmed by the HR-V's sound system too.
The HR-V features a pretty comprehensive set of driver aids, but a lot of them are tuned too conservatively. Adaptive cruise control is slow to accelerate and stops overreactively, and the blind-spot warning system often issued alerts for vehicles that we thought were too far away.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The ability to haul stuff is important for an SUV, and the HR-V is among the top in its class when it comes to that. The rear cargo area feels more generous than its numbers suggest (24.4 cubic feet) since the space is very usable and easily accessible. The rear seatbacks can also be folded virtually flat with the cargo floor to facilitate transport of longer items. And if you have car seats to install, it's a breeze. Generous rear legroom, large doors, and easy-to-access LATCH anchors and top tethers all help to make your life easier. One small caveat: There is no top tether for the middle position, so front-facing car seats have to be installed in an outboard seat.
Storage for small items in the cabin is pretty good but not great. We like the rubberized bridge compartment behind the shifter, where you can store a smartphone for charging, and the center armrest bin is fairly deep. Otherwise door pockets are fairly small and the glovebox average.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The all-wheel-drive HR-V, which is what we tested, gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is just marginally less than many of its closest competition, some of which have more powerful engines. After driving it on our real-world evaluation route, however, we saw an impressive 31.6 mpg under fairly light traffic conditions. We suspect having passengers on board will tax this underpowered engine more than most.
Value
7.5/10
Is the HR-V a good value? Honda did a great job of putting the money where it counts with the HR-V interior. All the touch points are soft or cushioned, and the controls feel like they have a nice quality to them. Aesthetically this is also a big step up from the previous car and a strong showing relative to the rest of the class. Pricing for the HR-V is also surprisingly competitive. The big fly in the ointment, however, is the HR-V's anemic powertrain. And with no other engine options, it's hard for us to call this a well-rounded package for the money.
Honda's warranty remains fairly unremarkable compared to what other manufacturers offer. The HR-V has three years/36,000 miles of basic and five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
Wildcard
7/10
If there's a world where Honda makes its excellent 1.5-liter turbo engine available to the HR-V, that's a world we'd want to live in. Until then the HR-V will likely remain lost among a sea of other more interesting subcompact SUVs. As far as design goes, the car has definitely matured over its predecessor and sports a much more substantial and upmarket feel. But it also doesn't break any new ground in our eyes. It's ... safe.
Which HR-V does Edmunds recommend?
The top EX-L model offers a lot for the money, but for the price, a base HR-V might make more sense. We recommend opting for the midlevel Sport model. It includes the standard features from the base LX and adds some notable features such as heated front seats and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning. The Sport also includes styling features like a unique grille and dark 18-inch wheels.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Honda HR-V models
The 2025 Honda HR-V crossover SUV is available in three trim levels: LX, Sport and EX-L. All models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (158 horsepower, 138 lb-ft of torque) connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Keep reading for our rundown of the HR-V's notable features.
LX
The entry-level LX starts you off with:
17-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist
Push-button start
Single-zone automatic climate control
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Four-speaker audio system
7-inch touchscreen
Three USB ports
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Every HR-V comes with several advanced driver aids, including:
Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Honda and the car in front)
Road sign assist (detects certain road signs and displays them on the instrument panel)
Sport
Upgrades the HR-V with:
18-inch gloss-black wheels
Remote engine start
Distinctive grille
Heated side mirrors
Keyless entry
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Heated front seats
Six-speaker audio system
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
EX-L
The most well-equipped HR-V comes with the Sport's equipment, minus that trim's styling upgrades. It also has:
17-inch alloy wheels
Sunroof
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Ambient interior lighting
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Leather upholstery
9-inch center touchscreen
Eight-speaker audio system
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking and can apply the brakes to prevent a collision)
There aren't any optional feature packages for the 2025 HR-V besides protection and styling packages. For a distinct look, the LX and EX-L trims offer bronze and black 17-inch wheels.
I went from a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB with all the bells and whistles with AMG stlyling, which I loved, to the HRV Sport. The HRV Sport has the kind of style I loved about my Mercedes and an impressive interior fit and finish for the price. It’s a great car for my daily commute and I appreciate the AWD in case of poor weather conditions. If you are looking for a great standard commuter … vehicle with some added style and a nice ride, you will not be disappointed in the HRV. I also appreciate the blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control and automatic headlights with the auto brights feature as well.
Cross Country Road Trip
4 out of 5 stars
Jared, 03/30/2024
2024 Honda HR-V EX-L 4dr SUV w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
From Washington State to Upper Michigan to Nashville Tennessee
Very relaxing total fuel cost was $260.00
The driver seat a little uncomfortable but will see if i can put more cushion in it not sure due to heated but will find out
Over all prety good for my 1st Honda top trim level
Oh and beware only 14 gallon tank coming from a bigger suv i almost ran out in middle of Montana so keep … your eye on level
Park bench front seats
3 out of 5 stars
Bob, 12/28/2023
2024 Honda HR-V Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Nice car for the price, the seats feel like a slab of wood.
Great for price and reliability, but minor complai
4 out of 5 stars
Adelyn, 10/11/2023
2024 Honda HR-V Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I will first say that I do not regret my purchase. However, if we are comparing this vehicle to other brands that are known to have a lot of bells and whistles, with less reliability, then yes, buyer beware. I love the spaciousness of the trunk area. I love the style, especially in black and the sports trim that comes with the black rims and I will say the overall drive of it is … beautiful. It is not a supercar, so don’t even try to think of comparing it to that. If you are someone that drives comfortably and cautiously, as most should, then the whole, not having super speed would not be an issue to you. There are very minor complaints that I have about the overall style and feel of this car but again I would not regret my purchase. I will say one of the things that I do not like is the fact that it does not have many regular USB ports for the CarPlay or in the front in general it only has two additional USB-C ports in the middle part of the console which most of us are still working off a USB so I don’t know if this is just ahead of our time. I will say one of the other things that maybe I’m missing - I hope to be missing to be honest - is the fact that it does not have the ability to check your current tire pressure. Thank goodness it does have a current oil life meter. One of the other things that I will say, is that for some odd reason Honda in general, and this applies to even other models, such as the CRV, is the fact that their seatbelt buckle anchor if you will, for the driver and passenger seats are angled inwards, which, if the seat is not positioned in the right spot, it will end up kind of pushing into your hip if you are wide set. When I think about comfortability of the seats, I’m not gonna say it is the absolute most comfortable seat I’ve ever sat in but when you get used to it and I’ve even adjusted by adding a middle console pillow cushion, as well as one on the door frame, this helps. I do not like that it only has a cigarette port that is located in the trunk, took me a while to find it. I do not like that the back seat does not have a middle pull down cupholder or vents, which to be honest, I could care less because there is rarely anybody in the backseat, and another thing I will say I don’t know if it is just a fluke but I’ve been having an issue where the back right passenger seatbelt warning will come on at random times when I have turned that option off and there is nothing in that seat so it could just be that I have to reset the system but I hope that it’s not a prolonged issue. With that being said, most people that do buy Honda buy it for the reliability and because there are a lot more people that work on Honda vehicles, something related to maintenance may not be as big of a deal as if you had one of the other brands that are not known for reliability, and may cost you more in the long run. So again, if you’re an average individual who mainly drives alone and doesn’t need a ton of space, but is looking for a stylish vehicle, so far it has been all that.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Honda HR-V, so we've included reviews for other years of the HR-V since its last redesign.
Battle of the Baby SUVs | 2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross | Subcompact SUV Comparison
NOTE: This video is about the 2023 Honda HR-V, but since the 2025 Honda HR-V is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
In this heated battle of super-small SUVs, we put the redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V head-to-head with the newly introduced 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross to see which is the better buy. Join Edmunds’ Lauren McCay as she walks you through an overview of each vehicle from top to bottom, as well as gets them out on the road to see how they drive in the real world. Which one of these… tiny SUVs will be victorious? This is our comparison test to find out!
The subcompact HR-V is Honda's most affordable and smallest SUV offering, but don't let its diminutive stature fool you — this vehicle packs quite a wallop when it comes to utility. Clever packaging and an efficient use of space give the HR-V 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind its back seat, which expands up to 55.1 cubic feet with those seats folded down. The HR-V got a full redesign recently, so it's unlikely to undergo big changes for the 2025 model year.
Edmunds spotlight: Safety technology
Coming standard on all HR-V models is Honda Sensing, a suite of safety technologies that include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and automatic high beams. These features are not standard on all of the HR-V's competitors and give it an extra bump in this value-minded segment.
Competitors to consider
Speaking of this segment, the HR-V goes up against a deep field of competitors that include the Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross and Volkswagen Taos. The HR-V has bit more hatchback-esque styling than these other vehicles, with its raked-back windshield, but competes well when it comes to standard features and cabin quality.
Edmunds says
The HR-V proves that budget-minded vehicles can offer a strong set of standard features, and we like that its small footprint feels maximized when it comes to utility and passenger room. As vehicles get increasingly expensive, an affordable, practical choice like the HR-V just feels more and more appealing.
FAQ
Is the Honda HR-V a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 HR-V both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.5 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 HR-V gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 73 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the HR-V has 24.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Honda HR-V. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Honda HR-V?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Honda HR-V:
The HR-V carries over unchanged for 2025
Part of the second HR-V generation introduced for 2023
To determine whether the Honda HR-V is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the HR-V. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the HR-V's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Honda HR-V a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Honda HR-V is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 HR-V and gave it a 7.5 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 HR-V gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 73 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 HR-V is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Honda HR-V?
The least-expensive 2025 Honda HR-V is the 2025 Honda HR-V LX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $25,400.
Other versions include:
LX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $25,400
LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,900
Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $27,500
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $29,000
EX-L 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $29,500
EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $31,000
If you're interested in the Honda HR-V, the next question is, which HR-V model is right for you? HR-V variants include LX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT), LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of HR-V models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more