2020 Honda HR-V Review: The Practical Subcompact

With the HR-V, Honda aims to tackle the subcompact crossover realm the same way it did with the larger compact segment: complete and utter dominance. But with rivals in the form of the exceptionally fun Hyundai Kona and the funky-fresh Kia Soul, the small HR-V SUV needs to be brilliant. It's off to a flying start with compact levels of passenger space and one of the biggest cargo areas in the segment, while the Magic Seats mean versatility is second to none. But with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing a mere 141 horsepower and a CVT gearbox robbing the driver of all the fun, the HR-V proves to be a mixed bag of incredulous versatility and sub-standard driving dynamics. The practical subcompact, then, or is there more than meets the eye with Honda's stylish HR-V crossover?

What's the Price of the 2020 Honda HR-V?

Honda increased the base prices of all the HR-V models for sale by just a little for 2020, but the range still represents good value for money all-round. The base 2020 Honda HR-V LX trim carries an MSRP of $20,820 in FWD guise while stepping up to the Sport trim asks $22,520. Mid-tier in the lineup, the EX has an asking price of $23,970 while the EX-L asks $25,570. The top-of-the-range Touring - only available in AWD - asks $28,890 excluding Honda's $1,120 destination charge and any additional options. Equipping AWD to any of the preceding models adds a further $1,500 to the bill.

2020 HR-V Exterior

Dimensions

2020 HR-V Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Sharing underpinnings with the Honda Fit, the HR-V retains the taut suspension and eager handling of the subcompact hatch. But despite the extra suspension travel, the HR-V lacks the composure of the hatchback. It's all fine and well on smooth roads and highways, but broken tarmac is the undoing of the crossover, with a choppy ride, more than ideal levels of body roll, and dampers that don't respond quick enough to changing road conditions. Even on AWD models equipped with the upgraded De Dion rear suspension, the ride quality is still compromised.

While turn-in is sharp and the front end eager to follow instruction, mid-corner bumps easily unsettle the HR-V, quickly putting an end to any potential fun. A Hyundai Kona is vastly more talented and enjoyable when the roads get twisty, and a Kia Soul is more composed over broken tarmac, but the HR-V redeems itself somewhat with ample braking performance and decent steering. It's just a pity the rest of the package isn't as well resolved.

2020 HR-V Interior

2020 HR-V Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2020 Honda HR-V A Good car?

Subcompact crossovers like the Honda HR-V appeal to a broad market with no one recipe appealing to every buyer. This puts the HR-V in good light in many aspects, giving buyers a spacious, high-quality cabin and an abundance of storage space, along with high safety ratings (provided you buy a top trim) that will appeal to the small family. But it lacks the quirkiness of rivals like the Kia Soul and the performance of the Hyundai Kona, and the choppy ride quality, unrefined powertrain, and dimwitted CVT gearbox will be a frustration to those who feel a subcompact should be quick out the blocks and nippy when needed. That's the dilemma faced by the HR-V, as it's immensely practical but limited in a number of facets. If you're the kind of buyer prioritizing practicality over all else, it's a solid buy. But, if you're looking for a combination of style and substance from a crossover, you'd be better off looking at the Hyundai or Kia entrants into the segment.

What 2020 Honda HR-V Model Should I Buy?

With Honda Sensing unavailable on the LX and Sport trims, we'd skip straight past these two models entirely and opt for the mid-spec EX. Not only does it get the full suite of collision avoidance measures, but it also gets a larger seven-inch touchscreen and six speakers, as well as full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, SiriusXM, and HD Radio functionality. Heated seats and dynamic guidelines for the rearview camera are bonuses, too, and we're happy to forego the leather upholstery of the EX-L for the incredible value for money proposition posed by the EX. If you live in a cold-weather state, opting for AWD is worthwhile, but for anyone else, we'd stick with the FWD drivetrain for its improved gas mileage and additional ground clearance.

2020 Honda HR-V Comparisons

2020 Honda HR-V vs Honda CR-V

With a starting price of just over $25,000 in base trim, the larger compact CR-V is a genuine consideration for those eyeing an HR-V in EX-L spec. Both will seat five occupants, and both carry Honda's superb penchant for reliability. However, the CR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that's not only more potent with 190 hp, but equally as frugal in terms of fuel economy and yet more enjoyable to drive. Add to this the CR-V's consistently more spacious cabin and a trunk that's 15 cubic feet bigger with five seats in place, and the CR-V seems to have the deal sealed. A quick glance down the spec sheet confirms this, as the CR-V gets standard Honda Sensing across the range and a list of comparable features - albeit with only cloth upholstery. Where it loses out is on the absence of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay at a base level, but for an extra $2,510, the EX adds all that and more. The HR-V might initially seem like better value for money, but the CR-V is the real people's hero here. There's also a hybrid CR-V variant for those who want something a little greener.

2020 Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-5

It almost seems unfair to compare the HR-V to the compact Mazda CX-5 - the latter has the option of a potent 2.5-liter turbo engine, an upmarket cabin, and an extensive list of safety features - but at a base level this is significantly pared back, and with prices almost identical to mid-level HR-V's, the Honda has the edge with a cabin that provides more legroom in both the front and back of the cabin. But the CX-5 is bigger and has a towing capacity of up to 2,000 lbs, and has a trunk nearing six cubic feet larger than the HR-V. Its powertrains are more potent and more refined and transmission have a manual shift and sport mode, the interior is of a higher quality, and the chassis is an absolutely joy to drive on any road. While Honda certainly poses a better value for money option when it comes to sheer passenger space, the CX-5 is a comprehensive vehicle in a bigger, better segment, and is the clear winner. However, if your budget precludes you from buying a CX-5, the HR-V is a viable subcompact alternative.