2019 Honda HR-V Review

By the very nature of their size, subcompact crossover SUVs can't offer the practical benefits as larger SUVs. Check the spec sheets and you'll find that many don't even have as much cargo space as similarly priced compact hatchbacks. The 2019 Honda HR-V is one vehicle that does a great job of overcoming its size limitations, however. A thoughtful interior layout that includes the second-row Magic Seat that can flip up so you can carry tall items gives the HR-V more passenger room and greater storage space than others in the class.

Honda has also made improvements this year. New front and rear styling cues differentiate the 2019 HR-V from the last year, but you'll probably more interested in the expanded list of features. This includes a volume knob (the car had an annoying-to-use touch-sensitive volume slider before) and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality for the 7-inch touchscreen. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver safety features is another new addition for EX trims and above. Shoppers looking for additional luxuries will be pleased with the new Touring trim, which bolsters the HR-V with LED headlights and foglights, alongside a power-adjustable driver seat and navigation system.

Unfortunately, The HR-V's underpowered engine is the same for 2019. Though fuel-efficient, the HR-V is slow and noisy when you mash the gas. Honda has also discontinued the manual transmission. We doubt many people were opting for it, but it helped make the most of the HR-V's available power. Overall, though, the HR-V's exceptional utility makes this pint-sized Honda a top pick in the class.