Used 2020 Honda HR-V

#2 in Best Subcompact SUVs of 2020

Subcompact-crossover SUVs are the new hotcakes and the 2020 Honda HR-V is one of the best examples. From basic LX to lavish Touring, there’s a wide range of models and equipment to choose from, so the HR-V doesn’t have to be a second car or merely a handy runabout. Especially when interior space is factored in.

There’s plenty of room for passengers and/or packages, more than the Mazda CX-3. The 2020 HR-V is thriftier with fuel than the Chevrolet Trax or Jeep Renegade. The Toyota C-HR and Nissan Kicks cannot offer all-wheel drive, but the HR-V can. Buyers will also be pleased by the steadfast Honda reliability and robust resale values down the road.

There are other tempting hotcakes, such as the Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Kona, plus the upcoming 2021 Kia Seltos (on sale early 2020). But the HR-V merits a place on anyone’s short list.

RELATED: Best Subcompact SUVs of 2020

Even though the 2020 HR-V has many good things going for it, power isn’t one of them. Making 141 horsepower from 1.8 liters is fairly respectable, but 127 lb-ft of torque (the amount of thrust experienced when accelerating) is on the weak side. The engine also needs to be worked quite hard to achieve maximum output.

Nothing else in the class is substantially more muscular, however, and the HR-V is at least small enough to dart around. The suspension, meanwhile, is pleasantly taut, adding to the vehicle’s agility.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is another component guaranteed to make an enthusiast think of something else, anything else — lentils, wallpaper, carpentry. The HR-V’s unit at least has simulated ratios, and the Sport trim has paddle shifters under the steering wheel to click through them. This trim also has a different electrically assisted steering setup to the rest of the range, delivering a firmer feel at high speeds, while making it easier during slower city driving — when maneuvering or parking, for instance.

The main attraction of the HR-V’s cabin is its space and how versatile that space can be. A young couple setting up their first home and making frequent trips to Ikea will find that the HR-V can handle a variety of shapes and sizes. Maximum cargo space is 58.8 cubic feet.

Remember, this is a subcompact-crossover SUV. The Volkswagen Golf is considered a spacious compact hatchback and only has 52.7 cubic feet. For taking passengers, the HR-V has more rear legroom than the Mazda CX-3 and Jeep Renegade, although the slightly sloping roof will affect headroom. Outward vision is generally good.

In common with other Honda vehicles, the 2020 HR-V has that “designed by committee” appearance. And that’s fine. It doesn’t try too hard to be interesting, nor does it offend. As is the current trend, there’s a coupe-like influence with the roofline and how the handles for the rear-passenger doors are hidden away by the window.

Sport trim is the first to liven things up. It’s the only version to have 18-inch alloy wheels (the rest roll on 17-inch alloys) and these include matte-black inserts. The Touring trim’s wheels come with Gloss Shark Gray inserts. The Sport also has side-mirror housings and underbody spoilers in Gloss Black, plus roof rails.

INTERIOR FLEXIBILITY
With its flip-up Magic Seat in the back, the HR-V can hold taller items that need to stand upright. A potted plant, for example. Offering almost 60 cubic feet of cargo space, the HR-V is one of the most commodious in its class.

HONDA SENSING
Standard in EX trim and above, this array of driver aids includes collision and road-departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. Honda’s LaneWatch also comes in at the EX level, employing a passenger-side camera to display vehicles in the driver’s blind spot when the turn signal is activated.

The most basic 2020 HR-V, the LX, still comes with the ingenious folding rear seats, cruise control and Honda’s Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and taillights, AM/FM radio, CD player, and a 5-inch infotainment display.

The Sport trim, the next level up, has a different steering ratio for faster responses. Plus a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with smartphone integration.

If it’s possible to stretch the budget to the EX trim, this feels like a far more substantial upgrade, bringing the driver aids, automatic climate control, heated front seats, power moonroof, satellite radio and a 6-speaker/180-watt audio system.

Apart from opting for all-wheel drive (standard in Touring), the way to obtain more equipment in a new Honda HR-V is to head toward the higher trim levels.

For example, Sport also brings gear-shifting paddles mounted beneath the leather-wrapped steering wheel, along with sport pedals and a body-colored rear spoiler. The EX-L adds leather seating surfaces and a self-dimming rearview mirror.

The plushest HR-V is Touring w/Navi. This includes an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED exterior lighting, and navigation with traffic updates.

Accessories include front/rear chrome exterior accents, and attachments to carry skis, snowboards or bikes.

No choices here. The sole engine propelling the 2020 HR-V is a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder unit generating 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque.

It’s linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is something of a cut-price automatic setup. However, this one has stepped gear changing for quieter operation at full throttle.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the default arrangement, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available from the lowest trim and standard in the highest. Like most car-based crossover SUVs, the HR-V isn’t meant for serious off-roading, but AWD can help in snow or on dusty trails.

Averaging 30 mpg with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is just a little thirstier), the HR-V is fuel-efficient and only requires regular unleaded.

1.8-liter inline-4
141 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
127 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/34 mpg (FWD), 27/31 mpg (AWD)