The Smallest Honda Crossover
The 2020 Honda HR-V, refreshed in 2019, continues to be a good value with a roomy interior and 30+ mpg. The subcompact crossover category is crazy competitive with a model from just about every manufacturer, and the HR-V is Honda’s case for you to add it to your shopping list.
One Engine; One Transmission; AWD Optional
Honda makes it simple as the HR-V is available with one engine and one transmission. The 1.8-liter non-turbocharged four-cylinder engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters. Performance numbers are 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, driving the front wheels with all-wheel drive an option.
but can be challenging out on the road
For the all-wheel drive version, which Clean Fleet Report had for a week, the transmission is part of the Honda Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control. Real Time senses when your vehicle is losing traction, and automatically activates the rear differential to drive the rear wheels. When AWD isn’t needed, the system switches back to front-wheel-drive. This computer-operated system automatically and seamlessly makes the power transfers without notice to the driver.
Running on 87 octane and with the aid of underbody spoilers, the EPA rates the HR-V AWD at 26 mpg city/31 highway/28 combined. If you opt for the front wheel drive HR-V, the fuel economy numbers are 28/34/30. In 245 miles driving throughout Southern California, we averaged 28.6 mpg, but on a 120-mile all-freeway run with the adaptive cruise control set at 65 mph, we averaged 32 mpg. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience. Your numbers may differ.
Hitting the Open Road
The 1.8L in the HR-V AWD performed well, but with zero-to-60 times around 10 seconds, merging into 70 mph freeway traffic can be an adventure. With two driver-selectable drive modes of Normal and Eco, it takes just one highway on ramp to figure-out which one to be in for maximum acceleration.Wind and road (tire) noise was low, but at times the engine was noisy during stress, such as aggressive acceleration or climbing a grade, but quiet and smooth when highway cruising or in-town driving. SoCal’s concrete freeways increase the noise inside almost any car, but the HR-V held its own minimizing cabin noise about as good as any of its compact crossover competitors.
The HCR-V AWD was smooth on the highway, but at times it could wander as the electric power steering was a bit too light. The 3,150-pound curb weight was well-managed by the AWD and the 215/55 Michelin Primacy all-season tires, which were mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels. The balance was good; the fine line between a cushy ride for comfort and a stiff ride for handling was pretty neutral. The handling is not sporty, but Honda does not tout the HR-V as being a sport crossover. What you get is good traction, predictable cornering, little tire slippage when cornering hard, and only mild body lean on the most severe corners. Stopping was consistent by the power-assisted anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution and the ventilated front and solid rear discs.
Freshened Exterior
Now in its second generation, the 2020 HR-V is the smallest of Honda’s four crossover SUVs. Going up the size chart from the HR-V are the CR-V, Passport and Pilot. Clean Fleet Report drove the HR-V AWD Touring, which carries-over a redesigned exterior from 2019. Exterior features included a black-out grille, dark chrome trim and LED head, daytime running lights and fog lights. Overall, the HR-V has a safe design that before this recent refresh has been around since 2015, so expect an all-new design in the coming years. Honda’s designers created a body that is smooth and without unneeded cladding, but also included some sharp edges for personality.
Available in eight colors, our HR-V was painted in Orangeburst Metallic with the body color-keyed bumpers, door handles, shark fin antenna, power heated exterior mirrors and rear window spoiler, offset by black front fascias. Sparingly used chrome showed up on the roof rack rails and the nose. The 2020 HR-V is understated and not flashy.
Spacious Interior
Climbing inside, Clean Fleet Report’s HR-V AWD Touring’s all-black interior had the seats, shift knob and steering wheel trimmed in leather. The heated driver and passenger seats have eight-way power adjustments for the driver and four-way manual adjustments for the passenger. Lumbar adjustments, at least for the driver, would have been a beneficial feature. The thigh bolsters were good, with the manual tilt and telescoping steering column helping the driver find a comfortable driving position. The one-touch tilt and slide power moonroof opens the cabin to the great outdoors.
The rear seat room welcomes grown humans, holding two comfortably and three for short jaunts. Honda calls its rear seat the Magic Seat. This 60/40-split rear seat folds into various seating and cargo configurations to maximize carrying capabilities. Was it magical? We will give it—convenient and versatile. The low sill step-over into the cabin was appreciated, which opened the rear seat area to ample leg, shoulder and head room.The HR-V is near the top of its competitors in rear passenger leg room and in the middle of the pack for headroom. Regardless of where it falls, rear seat occupants will be in for a pleasant experience.
For storage, when folded flat, the Magic Seat really does accommodate your cargo, including a bicycle. Check-out this short video on how the Magic Seat configures. Overall, the interior build and material quality are at an above-average level for this category of crossover with soft surfaces on the dash and door panels and a low profile dash aiding in good forward vision.
The cockpit design is driver-friendly with digital gauges and an infotainment system that comes with a base LCD color 5.0-inch screen. The upper trim levels, such as our Touring model, have a 7.0-inch high-resolution color touchscreen, which housed the navigation and the premium audio system. This good-sounding audio system was powered by 180 watts through six speakers for the HD radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One want is for Honda to have a system with more than 12 radio channel presets, as others we have tested have more than 30. Having a larger number of presents means channels can be scrolled-through by the controls on the steering wheel, so the driver’s eyes never leave the road. This is both convenient and aids driver safety. The audio system also lacked a channel selection knob, which would have accompanied the volume knob to make the system more user-friendly.
Safety and Convenience
All HR-V models come standard with active and passive safety features such as front and side air bags with rollover sensors and Honda Sensing, the company’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Safety technologies include forward collision and road departure mitigation, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Additional safety and convenience features include remote keyless entry, a security system, push button start/stop, 12-volt power outlets, USB audio and charge ports, a tire pressure monitoring system, automatic climate control, an automatic dimming rearview mirror equipped with Homelink, Bluetooth and voice recognition and an electric parking brake.
The 2020 HR-V is a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the US Government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded it its highest rank–a Five Star rating.
Pricing and Warranties
The 2020 Honda HR-V comes in five trim levels–LX, Sport, EX, EX-L and Touring and either FWD or AWD for each trim. Base pricing ranges from $22,040 to $30,110. All pricing includes the $1,120 destination charge.
All 2020 HR-V models come with these warranties.
- Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
- Basic – Three years/36,000 miles
- Anti-perforation – Five years/Unlimited miles
- Roadside Assistance – Three years/36,000 miles
Observations: 2020 Honda HR-V AWD Touring
The 2020 Honda HR-V AWD is easy to live with. It isn’t quick, but is economical and has a spacious interior. The Magic Seat just may be the selling point for you.
The 2020 HR-V offers comfort for five while handling their gear, has an AWD option for sloppy road conditions, has a full suite of advanced safety systems, and has all the creature comforts that make a quality small five-passenger crossover so desirable.
The HR-V is a true international crossover. The engine comes from America, the transmission from Indonesia with various parts sourced from Canada, Japan, and Mexico. This all leads to a final assembly point of Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico. So what does this mean to you, the buyer? Only that Honda’s well-earned reputation for quality is the result of this being a true world car.
Treat yourself to a lengthy test drive at your Honda dealership, and see for yourself how the HR-V AWD fits into your lifestyle.
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Whatever you end up buying, Happy Driving!
Story & photos by John Faulkner; additional photos supplied by the manufacturer.
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Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
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