The 2025 Honda HR-V: A Mixed Bag for the Modern Driver
Strengths and Weaknesses
Pros: Upscale cabin, essentially a larger Civic, top-tier safety ratings, and Honda’s hallmark reliability and strong resale value.
Cons: Sluggish performance with no trade-off in fuel economy, basic infotainment system, limited cargo space, and lack of sporty or outdoor-specific trims.
Choosing the 2025 Honda HR-V can be a very astute decision. The vehicle excels with top safety scores, ample space, high build quality, an impressive array of features for its price point, and Honda’s sterling reputation for reliability and resale value. For those in need of a simple, dependable vehicle that offers a higher seating position and increased versatility, the HR-V is an appealing option. It’s no wonder the HR-V is a favorite among first-time car buyers and Gen Zers eager to make their initial car purchase a significant investment.
Beyond First Impressions
However, as any seasoned car buyer knows, purchasing a vehicle involves more than just ticking boxes. While the HR-V is a sensible choice, it can come off as rather mundane. Competitors in the subcompact SUV market often provide distinctive styling, better performance, a more enjoyable driving experience, and niche variants catering to sporty or off-road enthusiasts. These rivals frequently surpass the HR-V in interior space, fuel efficiency, and price, making them worthy of consideration.
Stiff Competition
The HR-V faces formidable competition from a long list of rivals including the Chevrolet Trax, Buick Envista, Kia Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Niro Hybrid, Hyundai Kona, Volkswagen Taos, and Mazda CX-30. Given these options, the HR-V might not be your best bet unless it perfectly fits your specific needs.
What’s New for 2025?
The HR-V remains unchanged for 2025, aside from a price increase of approximately $1,000.
Interior and In-Car Technology
Aside from its unique high-mounted "floating" center console, the HR-V’s interior is stylish and crafted with high-quality materials reminiscent of the Honda Civic, which is a significant endorsement. The standout feature from the Civic is the metallic honeycomb design spanning the wheel-to-door vents—a current novelty that adds flair to the cabin.
Interestingly, the infotainment touchscreen varies by trim: a 7-inch screen for the LX and Sport and a 9-inch screen for the EX-L. The larger display offers more features and vibrant graphics but doesn’t quite rival those of competitors like the Kia Seltos or Chevrolet Trax.
Standard tech includes three USB-A ports, with the EX-L trim adding wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with their wired counterparts.
Size and Cargo Capacity
The current HR-V has grown to align with the segment’s larger subcompact SUVs, offering generous passenger space that ranks among the group’s best for family use. However, cargo space is only about 24.4 cubic feet, putting it midrange in the segment. The liftgate opening is angled, complicating luggage loading compared to rivals like the Buick Envista and Subaru Crosstrek. On the plus side, the back seat folds flat, facilitating easy storage.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2025 HR-V is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, its power output is below average for the segment.
Fuel economy stands at an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined for front-wheel drive, dropping slightly for all-wheel drive. These figures are less impressive compared to more powerful competitors.
Driving Experience
The HR-V’s performance is best described as sluggish, especially at low speeds where torque is lacking. Competitors like the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envista, despite similar 0-60 mph times, feel significantly quicker. The CVT is competent but overly eager in Sport mode and lacks paddle shifters for manual control.
On the bright side, the HR-V offers a refined ride for its class. Its suspension, partly borrowed from the CR-V, allows for controlled body roll and responsive steering. However, the turning ratio is slower than expected, making driving on twisty roads less engaging compared to lively rivals like the Mazda CX-30.
Comparative Reviews
2023 Honda HR-V First Test Drive
Our initial drive highlighted how the new HR-V differentiates from its predecessor, including the choice to forego a turbocharged engine.
Honda HR-V Luggage Test
A detailed look at the HR-V’s cargo limitations, especially in comparison to its more versatile predecessor.
Honda HR-V EX-L Interior Review
A deeper dive into the top-tier EX-L trim, scrutinizing its interior materials, storage options, technology, and space.
Honda HR-V vs. Toyota Corolla Cross
A comparative analysis of two top contenders in the segment, emphasizing why it’s wise to consider additional options.
2025 HR-V Pricing
Pricing begins at $26,450 for the base front-wheel-drive LX trim and goes up to $30,550 for the top-tier EX-L. While these prices are competitive, models like the Chevy Trax and Buick Envista offer considerable value for less. Notably, the HR-V lacks special trims catering to sporty or off-road enthusiasts, although the Sport trim adds minor aesthetic flair.
- LX: $26,450
- Sport: $28,550
- EX-L: $30,550
All configurations include a $1,350 destination fee and offer an all-wheel drive option for an additional $1,500.
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2025 HR-V boasts standard safety features including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane centering, and rear side airbags. The Sport and EX-L trims add blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the HR-V a five-star rating for overall, frontal, and side-crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ for its exemplary performance in crash tests and prevention features.
Conclusion
The 2025 Honda HR-V remains a solid choice for those prioritizing safety, reliability, and a well-built interior. However, prospective buyers should note its sluggish performance, limited cargo space, and lack of specific trim options tailored for sporty or off-road settings. While it stands out in certain areas, many rivals offer compelling alternatives that might better align with individual needs and preferences.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
