2025 Honda HR-V

The HR-V has an edge over most subcompact SUVs — it’s built on the same foundation as the Civic, Honda’s class-leading compact car. The result is a spacious cabin and an overall refinement that some contenders might struggle to match. We’re also impressed by the top safety scores and the general Honda build quality. It’s not the quickest or most efficient entry in the segment, though.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact SUVs, including the Honda HR-V

Having been totally redesigned for 2023, this second generation of HR-V moves into 2025 unchanged.

Subcompact SUVs make up quite a vibrant and buzzy district of the automotive world. Other choices include the Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and the Subaru Crosstrek. They all start in the mid-$20K region. The CX-30 and Crosstrek both come with all-wheel drive as standard.

Before buying a new HR-V subcompact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Like many Honda models, HR-V resale values are above average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The 2025 Honda HR-V is motivated by a 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched with an automatic transmission and front—or all-wheel drive. This is not the smallest engine among subcompact SUVs, nor is it the most powerful. The Mazda CX-30, for instance, kicks off with 191 horsepower.

Despite the lack of punch, we’ve found the HR-V drives with more sophistication than its price would suggest. It corners confidently, and there’s just a splash of sportiness aided by steering with satisfying heft and predictability. We’ve found the HR-V at its best when moving leisurely about the world. Outward vision is good; it’s as comfortable on the highway as anything in the class, while its tidy dimensions are ideal for getting around town and negotiating parking lots. Like the Honda Civic on which it’s based, the HR-V’s pervasive refinement makes it one of the most pleasurable vehicles in its class.

Fuel Economy

The HR-V’s fuel economy is more acceptable than remarkable. With all-wheel drive (which most buyers choose), the HR-V achieves 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Compare this with the comparable AWD Toyota Corolla Cross, returning 30 mpg combined, and the Kia Seltos, returning 29 mpg. Front-drive versions of the HR-V are only a mile per gallon better.

We don’t expect to be dazzled by the interiors of mainstream subcompact SUVs. Yes, some are better than others. But for the most part, they’re functional and comfy enough. The HR-V’s cabin, however, is clearly among the nicest, with class-above materials, design, and fit and finish. Rear legroom is also better than most at 37.7 inches. Cargo volume of 24.4 cubic feet behind the back seats is about average.

Who would have thought that some of the most affordable new SUVs also sport really attractive designs? For example, we admire the looks of the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. And this Honda HR-V. Like the interior, it comes across as more expensive than it is. There’s a presence to it while not being polarizing. At 15 feet long, the HR-V is also one of the larger contenders in this subcompact class.

HondaLink
Download the HondaLink app, and a range of services will become available, such as stolen vehicle location, geofencing, automatic collision notification, and service appointments. This service is standard with every new HR-V.

Smart Entry with Walk-Away Auto Lock
“Did I lock the car?” This question invariably springs to mind just as your plane takes off and you see all the long-term parking lots becoming smaller. With this feature, which is standard in the top two trims, such angst becomes a thing of the past.

Honda Sensing
Standard on every HR-V, Honda Sensing is the bundle of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies. It includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and lane departure warning with steering assistance.

Rear side-impact airbags
In addition to the HR-V’s other eight airbags, rear side-impact airbags are standard across the lineup. That’s not always the case with rivals.

Active noise cancellation
We like how every HR-V comes with active noise cancelation that uses the audio system’s speakers to neutralize unwelcome sound waves. It makes the cabin feel more premium.

Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Available only on the EX-L, this brings music streaming and other apps from a phone into the infotainment system without cables.

One engine covers all three HR-V trims. It’s a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit without any turbocharging. Output is a modest 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This engine connects to an automatic transmission of the continuously variable (CVT) variety. Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is optional across the lineup.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The HR-V has a basic new-vehicle warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This protection is typical for mainstream companies like Honda, although Hyundai and Kia offer better terms. Honda also includes complimentary maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles, which Hyundai and Kia do not.

Safety Ratings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the HR-V the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also gave it a maximum 5-Star overall score.