Honda HR-V (2015 – 2021) Review
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Honda HR-V (2015 – 2021) Verdict
Highly practical and versatile thanks to 'magic' seats. Strong i-DTEC diesel.
Not available with four-wheel drive. Drivers expecting sportscar performance won't get on with the CVT-7. Sport model is an odd fit.
Find out more about the Honda HR-V (2015 – 2021)
Insurance Groups are between 18–22
On average it achieves 84% of the official MPG figure
The HR-V is Honda’s take on the compact SUV. Although it revives a name from the early 2000s, this is a brand new model for Honda. Based on the clever Jazz, it packs practicality and features into a compact space, is good to drive and boasts affordable running costs. It makes a very strong case for itself as an all-rounder for small families.
The UK range is a simple one. The diesel option is the 1.6-litre i-DTEC - also found in the Civic and CR-V - which is powerful, smooth and on paper returns mid-50s mpg - a figure readers regularly beat, according to our Real MPG data. Impressive for a car of this size.
Petrol power is a 1.5-litre with or without a turbo. The standard 1.5 i-VTEC is available with a manual or CVT automatic gearbox and will suit most buyers with its satisfactory performance and early-40s mpg fuel economy.
The top-spec Sport model comes with a turbocharged version of the 1.5 engine. It's a weird combination, slightly at odds with the HR-Vs image as a sensible and practical crossover SUV. It's fairly quick, while fake noise piped into the cabin means it sounds sporty, too. But it's very low geared, meaning it's quite noisy at motorway speeds.
Practicality comes in the form of a generous 470-litre boot and the clever ‘magic seats’ from the Jazz, which have been its signature since it was first launched in 2002. Why magic? They fold flat like normal cars and also split, but you can also lift and secure the seat squabs themselves, freeing up space for all items like plants.
In the UK, the HR-V is only available with front-wheel drive. This will be fine for the majority of buyers, but those wanting to tackle unmade roads and farm tracks will need to look elsewhere.
Reviews for Honda HR-V (2015 – 2021)'s top 3 rivals
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Honda HR-V (2015 – 2021) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.5 i-VTEC to 1.6 i-DTEC
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 33–70 mpg
Small SUVs tend to fall into two camps. There are those that prioritise being sporty and engaging to drive, such as the Nissan Juke and Mazda CX-3. Or those that focus more on practicality, like the Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur.
Unless you opt for the Sport model (we'll come onto that...), the Honda HR-V is firmly one of the latter. It’s comfortable, feels safe and predictable out on the open road and generally fuss-free. The ride is smooth and well protected from all but the worst bumps in the road - something that’s particularly reassuring for those with young families, but the flipside to that is it rolls a lot more through corners than many of its rivals.
But if you’re driving an HR-V in way that causes bodyroll, you’re missing the point of the car. The steering is light, precise and a breeze to use whether you’re on the open road or manoeuvering into a parking space in town, again both bonus points as a family car.
Engines in the HR-V are a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel. Those going for the 130PS petrol option will find it capable of 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds as a six-speed manual gearbox and 11.4 seconds with the CVT automatic gearbox. The CVT is available for a £1000 premium over the manual.
Unfortunately the 1.5 petrol manual is low geared and the engine has a boomy, unpleasant note. The 1.5 petrol works better with the CVT-7 that brings higher gearing, calming the car down on the motorway. But drivers who can't get on with CVTs won't get on with this one. Press the accelerator too hard and it gets frantic. You have to accept that it only works decently when driven gently.
The 120PS 1.6-litre British-built i-DTEC diesel is well suited to the HR-V. It’s quick, responsive and offers good economy, both on paper and through submissions to Real MPG.
It may have less power than the entry-level petrol, but that doesn’t stop it being faster, getting to 62mph in 10 seconds. It’s not the quietest engine in the world, but it is eager, with plenty of torque on offer and lots of oomph for safe overtaking. The six-speed gearbox is a cracker, too, with short-throw precise changes, which add a welcome hint of of sportiness.
Talking of sportiness... the Sport model comes with a turbocharged version of the 1.5-litre petrol engine, combined with either the six-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox. On paper, the 182PS and 240Nm of torque is appealing, as are further upgrades including the performance suspension and a host of cosmetic upgrades.
It's a slightly peculiar fit in the HR-V range. It feels quick - perhaps slightly sprightlier than its official 7.8 second 0-62mph time - but the tyres are easily overwhelmed by the amount of power on offer. Accelerate in a bend in second gear and it will spin the front wheels, while enthusiastic cornering creates quite a lot of body lean.
It's fun, if not the polished experience you'd get from a sporty hatchback with a similar power output. Like the standard 1.5, it's also weirdly low geared, meaning you can be in fifth gear in a 30mph limit. By the time you're at 70mph in sixth, the engine's running at around 3000rpm and providing quite a din - not a recipe for a relaxed long-distance cruiser.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 i-VTEC | 49–50 mpg | 7.8–10.7 s | 130–135 g/km |
| 1.5 i-VTEC Automatic | 50–53 mpg | 8.6–11.4 s | 122–137 g/km |
| 1.6 i-DTEC | 69–71 mpg | 10.0–10.5 s | 104–108 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Honda HR-V (2015 – 2021)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
84%
Real MPG
33–70 mpg
MPGs submitted
161
Honda HR-V (2015 – 2021) interior
- Boot space is 393–1533 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4294–4346 mm |
| Width | 2019 mm |
| Height | 1605 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2610 mm |
Smalls SUVs often suffer from surprisingly cramped interiors, but that’s not the case at all with the Honda HR-V. It’s based on the Honda Jazz and, as a result, has one of the smartest interiors of any car of this size, with the same space-conscious approach that it’s already brought to the Jazz and Civic.
Part of that is down to the face that the HR-V is a touch bigger than many of its peers and, although a rival for the Nissan Juke is only a shade smaller than the Qashqai. That means decent head and legroom all round, especially in the rear.
That abundance of space is down to how Honda has packaged the parts of the car that you don’t see. In most cars of this size, there’s a hump - the transmission tunnel - that runs down the middle of the car and eats up space. By moving this and the fuel tank, Honda has been able to introduce a flat floor and additional space.
That’s what allows the HR-V to have the ‘magic seats’. As well as splitting and folding flat like you’d expect - to accommodate items of almost 2.5 metres in length - the seat squabs also fold upward, exposing a fully flat floor that’s ideal for carrying taller objects like plants. With the seats in place, bootspace is 453 litres - decent in its own right - rising to 1026 litres when they are folded.
Behind the wheel, the driver gets a clear forward view of the road, but the sloping roof line means that the view out of the rear isn’t as good as you might expect, especially when there’s three in the back.
The stereo, air con and satellite navigation (where fitted) is controlled by a 7-inch touch-screen system that Honda calls ‘connect’. It takes a little getting used to and isn’t immediately intuitive, but is laid out logically and, once you’ve mastered its quirks, is easy to use on the move.
A disadvantage is that the spare wheel well is Jazz sized and cannot accommodate a 17-inch wheel with 215/55 R17 tyre. A Jazz spare cannot be used because the HR-V is five stud whereas the Jazz is four stud.
Standard equipment:
S cars car equipped with climate control, Honda’s City Brake system, cruise control and dusk-sensing automatic headlamps.
SE adds Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System, which uses radar sensors, plus forward- and rear-facing cameras. Technologies include Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning and High-beam Support System. rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors and a six-speaker audio upgrade. A ‘Smart Touch’ interior includes touch panel controls for the upgraded dual-zone climate control.
EX has a full leather interior, smart entry and start, and a rear-view camera, tilt-and-slide opening panoramic glass sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Sport features performance dampers, a high gloss black chrome trim and black honeycomb grille, a slim front splitter, side skirts, wheel arch mouldings and a unqiue rear bumper design, LED headlights, smoked rear tail lights, black and dark red part-leather seats.
Honda HR-V (2015 – 2021) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4294–4346 mm |
| Width | 2019 mm |
| Height | 1605 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2610 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1249–1435 kg |
| Boot Space | 393–1533 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 90000 miles |
| Servicing | 12500 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £22,190–£27,880 |
| Insurance Groups | 18–22 |
| Road Tax Bands | B–E |
| Official MPG | 48.7–70.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.5iVTEC EX 5dr | £26,250 | - | 10.7 s |
| 1.5iVTEC EX CVT 5dr | £27,500 | - | 11.4 s |
| 1.5iVTEC S 5dr | - | - | - |
| 1.5iVTEC SE 5dr | - | - | - |
| 1.5iVTEC SE CVT 5dr | - | - | - |
| 1.5iVTEC Turbo Sport 5dr | - | - | 7.8 s |
| 1.5iVTEC Turbo Sport CVT 5dr | - | - | 8.6 s |
| 1.6iDTEC EX 5dr | £27,880 | - | 10.0 s |
| 1.6iDTEC S 5dr | £22,190 | - | 10.0 s |
| 1.6iDTEC SE 5dr | - | - | 10.0 s |
On sale until January 2020
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.5 i-VTEC Black Edition 5dr | £25,005 | 50.4 mpg | 10.4 s |
| 1.5 i-VTEC Black Edition CVT 5dr | £26,215 | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.5iVTEC EX 5dr | £25,595 | 48.7 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 1.5iVTEC EX CVT 5dr | £26,805 | 53.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.5iVTEC S 5dr | £19,795 | 49.6 mpg | 10.2 s |
| 1.5iVTEC SE 5dr | £22,750 | 48.7 mpg | 10.4 s |
| 1.5iVTEC SE CVT 5dr | £23,960 | 53.3 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.5iVTEC SE Navi 5dr | £22,270 | 49.6 mpg | 10.4 s |
| 1.5iVTEC SE Navi CVT 5dr | £23,480 | 52.3 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC Black Edition 5dr | £26,845 | 68.9 mpg | 10.2 s |
| 1.6iDTEC EX 5dr | - | 68.9 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6iDTEC S 5dr | - | 70.6 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 1.6iDTEC SE 5dr | - | 68.9 mpg | 10.2 s |
| 1.6iDTEC SE Navi 5dr | £24,110 | 68.9 mpg | 10.2 s |
Model History
- February 2015: Honda HR-V European specifications announced
- July 2015: Honda HR-V 2015 UK prices announced
- November 2015: Price increase
- July 2017: Honda HR-V Black Edition launched
- August 2018: Honda HR-V facelifted for 2019
- November 2018: Honda HR-V Sport launched
- February 2019: Prices announced for 2019 Honda HR-V Sport:
February 2015
Honda HR-V European specifications announced
130PS version of the 1.5 litre iVTEC petrol engine and a 120PS version of the 1.6 litre iDTEC engine.
Six-speed manual transmission, with option of 7-speed CVT automatic with 1.5iVTEC only (paddleshifts on higher grades). No 9-speed torque converter auto or hybrid in initial phase.
Fuel tank under the front seats and 'Magic Seat' configuration means ample, versatile space inside and a flat load deck when the rear seats are folded. Each of the 60:40 split Magic Seats in the rear can adopt numerous configurations to maximise the versatility of the spacious interior.
In ‘Utility' mode, the rear seat back folds forward as the seat base lowers to create a long, flat floor. In ‘Tall' mode, the rear seat base is locked in a vertical position to leave space from floor to ceiling. ‘Long' mode sees front and rear passenger seat backs fold forward to a horizontal position. 453 litre load deck (1,026 litres to window line with rear seats folded).
Interior features high quality soft-touch surfaces, subtly accented with brushed chrome highlights provide a premium ambience, while the dash design combines a solid feel with premium detailing, including a piano-black feature panel that emphasises the sense of sophistication.
Facing the driver is a three-dial instrument binnacle, the surround of each featuring ‘floating' illumination rings to further the sense of quality. Honda's ECO Assist function changes the backlight colour of the speedometer from white to green during efficient driving.
At the centre of the dash is a seven-inch Honda Connect touchscreen that is fitted as standard on grades above entry level (Sport and Executive) providing advanced connectivity and infotainment. A five-inch screen is available on the Comfort grade.
The new Honda Connect app-based in-car infotainment system is operated through a seven-inch touchscreen display in the centre of the dash, and offers access to internet browsing, real-time news, traffic and weather and music streaming services.
The Advanced Driver Assist System package, which employs a camera and mid-range radar, incorporates a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies, some of which are new to the crossover segment.
The Honda Connect touchscreen also displays vehicle information - such as trip meter, fuel economy and journey time
In addition, the Honda Connect system syncs with smartphones and other multimedia devices through MirrorLink, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI and USB.
The Executive grade also offers owners a one-touch opening tilt and slide panoramic sunroof. A sliding sunshade that opens automatically with the roof and can be closed manually to block sunlight.
Comprehensive active safety systems combine data from radar sensors and forward and rear facing cameras. Other than the entry-level model, all grades will be fitted with Honda's Advanced Driver Assist System as standard. This suite of safety technologies includes Intelligent Speed Assist, City Brake Active Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition system, and High-beam Support System.
July 2015
Honda HR-V 2015 UK prices announced
Honda HR-V 1.5 iVTEC S manual: £17,995
Honda HR-V 1.5 iVTEC SE manual: £19,745
Honda HR-V 1.5 iVTEC SE CVT: £20,715
Honda HR-V 1.5 iVTEC SE Navi manual: £20,355
Honda HR-V 1.5 iVTEC SE Navi CVT: £21,325
Honda HR-V 1.5 iVTEC EX manual: £23,195
Honda HR-V 1.5 iVTEC EX CVT: £24,165
Honda HR-V 1.6 iDTEC S manual: £19,745
Honda HR-V 1.6 iDTEC SE manual: £21,495
Honda HR-V 1.6 iDTEC SE Navi manual: £22,105
Honda HR-V 1.6 iDTEC EX manual: £24,945
Orders from July 2015. First UK deliveries September 2015.
November 2015
Price increase
Pricing for the HR-V rose by 4.4% on average with the 1.5 i-VTEC S starting at £18,495.
July 2017
Honda HR-V Black Edition launched
Upgrades on the standard SE include black running boards, skid plates front grille and mirror caps and 18-inch alloys while inside owners get some nice touches including special edition leather and carpets.
Arriving on dealer forecourts this month, the entry level model 1.5 i-VTEC manual comes in at £25,000 OTR, an automatic CVT version at £26,210 OTR, and the manual diesel at just £26,820 OTR.
August 2018
Honda HR-V facelifted for 2019
Honda has released details of its facelifted HR-V crossover ahead of deliveries starting in October - with prices expected to start below £20,000.
With revised looks, a tweaked interior and new technology, Honda describes its revised HR-V as 'its most sophisticated subcompact SUV to date'.
On first impressions, the boldest change is the new chrome panel that sits above the grille at the front of the crossover. The headlights have been updated, too, with new lenses - while the standard LED daytime running lights have been redesigned.
The rear looks more conventional, with a new piece of slim, chrome trim above the number plate, along with darker lenses for the rear lights.
Higher-spec models are now available with a new 17-inch alloy wheel design, while the exhaust tailpipe is fitted with a new chrome finisher. They also feature new front and rear LED lights.
Buyers will get a choice of eight exterior colours, including new Midnight Blue Beam metallic.
Inside, the front seats have been redesigned with changes to the seat cushion and back rest, providing more support than those fitted to the outgoing model. The standard fabric upholstery is now harder-wearing than before, while top-spec models feature leather as standard.
From launch, Honda will be offering the HR-V with the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which has been tweaked to be more efficient, with fuel economy under the new WLTP tests starting at 53.2mpg and CO2 emissions from 121g/km. With 130PS and 155Nm of torque, the petrol HR-V will hit 62mph in 10.2 seconds when paired with the six-speed manual gearbox, or 10.9 seconds with the CVT automatic.
Extra sound proofing compared to its predecessor means refinement levels should be raised, while new active noise cancellation uses audio signals played through the speakers to cancel out low-frequency noise.
Production of the new HR-V has started with deliveries of the petrol model beginning in October. A sportier, turbocharged petrol will follow in spring 2019, along with a 1.6-litre diesel. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but we expect them to remain broadly the same as the current model, which starts at £19,555.
November 2018
Honda HR-V Sport launched
New trim level announced for 2019 Honda HR-V with turbocharged 182PS 1.5-litre engine also used in the latest Civic. It can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or optional CVT auto, while performance dampers improve handling.
Cosmetic upgrades include a honeycomb grille, a slim front splitter, 18-inch alloy wheels and dual exhaust pipes. Deliveries set to start in Spring 2019.
February 2019
Prices announced for 2019 Honda HR-V Sport:
£27,595 for the manual and £28,845 for the CVT-7. (Premium paint adds £525 (inc. VAT) to the OTR price.) Powered by the 1.5 VTEC Turbo engine with 182PS. All feature bespoke suspension and ‘Performance Damper’ tuning, alongside variable ratio electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion system and Honda Agile Handling Assist technology to create a sportier, more agile and engaging driving experience.
182PS developed at 5,500rpm in the manual and 6,000rpm in the CVT-7. The manual achieves a WLTP-compliant fuel economy rating of 47.9 MPG and CO2 emissions of 135 g/km. The CVT offers 47.1 MPG (WLTP) and emits 137g/km CO2. Top speed is 134 MPH and 0-62 MPH is reached within 7.8 seconds.
HR-V Sport models have a unique, high gloss black chrome trim and black honeycomb front grille. Further styling elements include a slim front splitter, side skirts, wheel arch mouldings and a specific rear bumper design with sharper lines, all finished in black to create a more aggressive overall body shape. LED headlights, indicators and daytime running lights are standard, and the tail lights are enhanced with a dark ‘smoked’ effect and black inner bars.
New black & dark red part-leather seats for the driver and front passenger provide improved support in the seat cushion and back rest. As with the rest of the HR-V range, Honda SENSING is equipped as standard. This comprehensive suite of safety features includes collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition. Honda CONNECT with GARMIN navigation, 7” touchscreen display and internet browsing capability is fitted as standard.
What to watch out for
Honda dealers want £225 for a 17-inch space saver spare wheel and tyre kit. A full size 17-inch wheel and tyre will not fit the wheel well.
14-08-2017:Complaint of original front tyres of Honda HR-V wearing significantly by 12,000 miles. Recommended swapping front to back and lowering the cold pressures to 2.1bar all round.
20-08-2017:Report of whine from manual transmission of Honda HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC. Dealer dismissed it as a "characteristic". Complaint of hesitancy when pulling away after a cold start. May be due to the quality of fuel being used. (Later turned out to be a piece of insulation missing from the body structure in the vicinity of the transmission.
06-10-2017:Report of engine failure of 2016 Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC at 21,000 miles. Dealer replaced the cylinder head to no effect. After 13 weeks with the dealer the car was returned with a new engine. It transpired that "two of the main couplings joining the crank shaft to the engine in the big end cap were not fully done up. The resultant vibration/movement had cause wear and hence the noise."
19-03-2018:Report of Garmin satnav in new HR-V more than 3 years out of date, not showing fixed speed cameras, and not showing speed limits.
19-11-2018:Report of stop/stasrt failng on a Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC. Dealer bettery tester showed 75%, a level at which the very clever charging circuit would prevent the auto stop working. Owner told to drive some more. When fault persisted he returned for further investigation, and the resulting test indicated a battery test of 75% charge and a recommendation to change the battery. Convinced this was the problem, they changed the battery even thiough a further test with the same battery trester still showed a 75% charge on the new battery. The fault still remained and owner arranged another visit, having studied the battery test printouts, with a suggestion that a more in depth investigation was required. This they did, with a software update and re-initialisation of the stop-start software, which, up to now, has fixed the fault.
23-01-2019:Report of front suspension of 2015 Honda HR-V having become rattly.
26-02-2019:Report of "shocking" build quality of Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC bought new on a PCP in 2016. Off the road for 13 weeks before it was 2 years old and had to have a new engine.
29-04-2019:New Honda HR-V EX purchased end January 2019 developed a loud knocking noise when it went over a bump within 30 days. Dealer told owner it was simply a “trim rattle”, not a structural concern. No courtesy car means a 2 week delay getting it into the dealer. Now 4 weeks later car stripped down in bodyshop and rattle not identified.
