Slotting in under the CR-V, the HR-V is Honda's little-est SUV and received a comprehensive redesign just last year. Now based on the popular Civic, the HR-V gained some much-needed rear legroom and a more upscale interior. But there are a few things it's missing that Honda may address for the 2024 model year.
The biggest issue, and it's the one we think Honda should prioritize, is the lack of power. Even though the HR-V shares its underpinnings with the Civic, the HR-V uses its own engine, an underwhelming non-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Its meager 158 horsepower means the HR-V can only stroll to 60 mph in a leisurely 10 seconds. On our wish list is the Civic's optional, and more powerful, 180-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, which would go a long way toward improving the overall HR-V experience.
Even with its lackluster engine and the lack of a navigation system (something else we think Honda should and could address for 2024), the HR-V is a useful little SUV, though it currently doesn't quite run with the top competitors in its class like the Volkswagen Taos, Chevy Trax and Mazda CX-30.
