As new car prices have soared over the past two years, it’s become challenging for many shoppers to afford a well-equipped car. But there’s another trend working against that idea. The smallest vehicles keep growing and getting longer equipment lists.
The 2024 Honda HR-V, for instance, is classified as a subcompact SUV and is one of just 10 new vehicles for sale in 2023 with starting prices under $25,000.
But it’s not truly subcompact. It’s built on the same platform as the larger Honda Civic. That gives it a more sophisticated suspension (read: a smoother ride) than most competitors, and more passenger and cargo space than you might expect.
Honda sells the HR-V in three trim levels. All start as front-wheel drive, but can be purchased with grippy all-wheel drive (AWD). Every HR-V gets the same 158-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and continuously variable automatic transmission.
Because the HR-V’s starting price is quite low, even a top-of-the-line model is relatively affordable. The 2024 HR-V EX-L brings with it many high-tech modern features, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even luxuries like leather seating surfaces – all for under $30,000. The 2024 HR-V EX-L with added all-wheel drive starts at $29,150.
Honda dealers can add a few options packages that push the price tag over the $30,000 mark. But not by much.
Let’s take a closer at what you get with a 2024 Honda HR-V EX-L.
Features include:
- 9-inch color touchscreen
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Leather-trimmed seats
- 8-way power power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- One-touch power moonroof
- All-wheel drive
- Remote engine start
- Collision mitigation braking system
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Low-speed braking control
- 8-speaker audio system
Added Tech Features
Lower-priced HR-V trims come with a 7-inch color touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The EX-L gets a larger 9-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets Qi-compatible wireless phone charging and Wi-Fi capability.
Rugged Package or HPD Package for Added Visual Appeal
Buyers can change the look of their 2024 Honda HR-V EX-L with either of a pair of trim packages. The HPD package (that’s Honda Performance Development) adds sporty-looking exterior trim all around and HPD emblems. The Rugged Package, meanwhile, adds scratch-resistant lower body cladding to protect your HR-V from dents and scratches, particularly if you’re taking it off paved roads.
Blind Spot Information System
To Honda’s credit, nearly every safety system available on the HR-V is standard equipment even at lower price points. The standard Honda Sensing safety suite includes collision mitigation braking that can detect pedestrians and help stop the vehicle, and road-departure mitigation technology that can provide steering assistance to help keep you from crossing lane lines inadvertently. There’s just one safety system that costs more – an available Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic monitor. It adds just $550 to the purchase price.
More Honda HR-V
Build and price your own 2024 Honda HR-V to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see Honda HR-V models for sale near you.
