HR-V

Make
Honda
Segment
SUV

The Honda HR-V has been on sale in America since 2016 and recently ended production. Thankfully, the next-generation model is just around the corner, and it will be designed specifically for the US market. To give us a tantalizing preview, Honda lifted the wraps off the new HR-V that will go on sale in Japan, where it's known as the Vezel, back in February.

Now, the European version of the new HR-V has broken cover, retaining its Japanese sibling's sleek coupe-style design. This is a very attractive, clean-looking SUV, featuring short overhangs, a long hood, a 0.7 inch lower roofline, and an additional three inches of ground clearance compared to its predecessor.

Slim LED headlights, a unique body-colored grille, and a distinctive lower mesh grille give the HR-V a fresher face, while larger 18-inch wheels now come as standard for all trims and a shoulder line runs from the rear to the front headlights. We can only hope the US version looks as good as this.

An air curtain slit at the front bumper, a rear side sill lip, and a rear side spoiler also improve the stability without sacrificing the sleek design.

Inside, Honda claims the new HR-V offers "levels of comfort and practicality unrivaled in the sub-compact SUV segment." Despite having similar exterior dimensions, the interior offers more shoulder space and 1.3 inches of extra rear leg room.

Thanks to a higher driving position, a horizontally orientated instrumental panel, and windows that allow more light into the cabin, the interior offers more outward visibility. A minimalist dashboard enhances the feeling of spaciousness, incorporating a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air update support, along with a seven-inch TFT screen.

As part of Honda's strategy to electrify every mainstream model in Europe by 2022, the only engine option available is an efficient and responsive "e:HEV" powertrain, combining two electric motors and a 1.5-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine. Combined, this setup generates 129 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. Three driving modes are available: Sport, Normal and Econ. At cruising speed, the HR-V switches to electric mode and seamlessly changes to hybrid mode when required or activates the combustion engine when "driving at higher, more constant speeds."

For the first time, the 2022 Honda HR-V includes Honda's Sensing suite, which has been upgraded with a wider front camera. Standard driver assists include adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, cross-traffic monitor, and a hill descent assist.

In Europe, the new Honda HR-V will go on sale later this year, with pricing details to be confirmed closer to the on-sale date. Hopefully, it won't be long until Honda unveils the new HR-V for the US market.