2022 Honda HR-V Review: Family Crossover King

Could there be a single subcompact crossover as versatile as the Honda HR-V? Honda redefined compact car practicality with its Magic Seats, first launched on the Fit nearly two decades ago. The seating arrangement in the first-generation Fit set a new standard for space and practicality in a small car, so it's no wonder the Japanese giant would fit the same Magic Seat arrangement in as many models as possible. Enter the HR-V, first launched for the 2016 MY as Honda's competitor in the hotly contested compact crossover segment. It took the class-leading practicality of the Fit and mixed it with the aggressive, chunky styling of a crossover. With crossovers quickly becoming the default car for most families, it made a lot of sense. Honda certainly delivered on the practicality front; both passenger and cargo space are highly impressive in the HR-V for a car of its size. The driving experience isn't up to par, however. The 2022 HR-V is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 141 horsepower. The CVT gearbox Honda chose to mate to this engine takes almost all of the joy out of the driving experience.

The question is, does it even matter? Does the practicality and usefulness of the HR-V SUV outweigh the underwhelming driving experience?

What's the Price of the 2022 Honda HR-V?

The cheapest HR-V is the base LX in front-wheel-drive configuration. With an MSRP of $21,420, it's only $200 more expensive than the 2021 model - a price increase that applies to all trims. The Sport model, with all of its unique touches, retails for $23,370. The EX model, with Honda Sensing, which adds all of the advanced safety features, retails for $24,620. The EX-L, with full leather trim starts at $26,220. The all-wheel-drive system is available on all models and costs an additional $1,500 above the sticker price of the HR-V. Honda's destination charge is $1,225.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The HR-V rides on the same platform as the Honda Fit. The Fit provides a decent and entertaining driving experience for what it is.

The sharp steering has been carried over, but the rest of the car doesn't behave as well as a Fit does. The added weight of the crossover body, combined with the higher center of gravity has resulted in a driving experience that's not as polished as the car it's based on. On smooth roads, it does an amicable job, but broken tarmac is its undoing. The higher center of gravity means it leans a lot more in the corners, while the dampers can't cope quickly enough with bad surfaces. It doesn't feel dangerous, but it also never feels 100% settled either. The all-wheel-drive model has an upgraded rear suspension, but even that doesn't do much to improve the ride quality. It's a pity because the HR-V could have been very close to class-leading if all the underpinnings worked together in harmony as they do in the Fit.

Verdict: Is the 2022 Honda HR-V A Good SUV?

This depends entirely on what your main priorities are: if you're in the market for a reliable, frugal, practical, and spacious subcompact crossover, the answer is yes. A new Honda HR-V ticks all the right boxes when it comes to practical motoring for a family of five. There's loads of room, the seats are comfortable, there's storage space aplenty, and it comes with a high safety rating if you buy the right model.

The main problem the HR-V has is its lackluster performance and substandard ride quality. Competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul do a much better job in this department.

Most of these subcompact crossovers also rely on a decent helping of style and quirkiness to help them get noticed, and the HR-V just doesn't have that. When you look at its main rivals, you'll see all sorts of unique design features, as well as a few shock-and-awe interior gimmicks. These are the kinds of things some people aspire to, and if you're one of them, the Honda simply won't do and you'd be better off waiting for the forthcoming brand-new 2023 model.

But if you're in the market for an honest, reliable crossover with space for five people, the 2022 HR-V will do.

What Honda HR-V Model Should I Buy?

As the new HR-V is aimed at families, we'd ignore both the LX and Sport models, and opt for the EX spec. It might be a mid-spec car, but it features Honda Sensing and the full suite of active safety features that come with it. It also comes with a larger touchscreen interface that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and SiriusXM. The heated seats will also be useful in colder states. The EX also represents a $1,600 saving when compared to the EX-L, which makes it exceptional value for money. We'd gladly forego the leather seats and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The optional all-wheel-drive system only really makes sense in cold-weather states. As it sits lower to the ground than the front-wheel-drive model, it's not meant for any serious off-roading. If you don't live in a cold-weather state, it's worth keeping the HR-V's standard front-wheel-drive setup, if only for the better performance and gas mileage.

2022 Honda HR-V Comparisons

2022 Honda HR-V vs Honda CR-V

Since buyers interested in the HR-V likely have space as one of the main considerations, it's worth comparing it to base-spec models from the compact crossover segment.

The first rival comes from within Honda's stable. Pricing for the 2022 Honda CR-V starts at $25,750, which is slightly less than the HR-V EX-L. With the CR-V you get even more room, a larger trunk, and a 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. Crucially, Honda Sensing is standard across the CR-V range, so you're not making any sacrifices when it comes to safety. You do lose out on the larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on the base model, and leather seats. The ultimate choice depends entirely on what your needs are. The HR-V is already an affordable spacious car, but looking at the CR-V line-up it appears to be even more of a value proposition.

2022 Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5, which is also a size up from the Honda HR-V crossover, is also an interesting alternative. The CX-5 is bigger than the HR-V, and the interior is a huge step up. All models in the CX-5 range come as standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. You do lose out on some of the safety features offered by Honda Sensing, but all CX-5s are equipped with radar-guided cruise control with stop and go functionality, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The CX-5's trump card is its engine and gearbox line-up. On entry-level cars the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is naturally-aspirated, but it does deliver 186 hp. This punchy engine is mated to a traditional six-speed automatic transmission with a manual override and a sport mode. If you can stretch the budget by another $4,000, you'll be able to get into a turbocharged 2.5-liter, which offers 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Out of the three, this car offers the most rewarding driving experience. It has a stunning chassis and is an absolute pleasure on all surfaces. If you can't stretch the budget that far, the HR-V remains a decent alternative.