2026 Honda HR-V

Honda elevated the HR-V above many competitors when it launched the second generation in 2023, securing it to the same foundation as the Civic. This transformation brought with it a more spacious cabin and a notably higher level of refinement. We like the HR-V for its user-friendliness, Honda dependability, comfy cabin, and safety scores.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact SUVs, including the Honda HR-V.

The 2026 model year will be the HR-V’s mid-cycle freshening. Although we believe the powertrain will still involve the current  4-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), we could see a horsepower boost. There will be some significant upgrades inside and out. Exterior enhancements may include a bolder grill flanked by more streamlined headlights. A similar futuristic approach may apply to the tail. We expect a somewhat sweeping, tech-intensive redesign of the cabin to include a larger touchscreen.

You can add all-wheel drive (AWD) to any of the three HR-V trims for $1,500. Historically, buyers seem most fond of the LX and Sport trims, with all-wheel-drive models selling in greater quantities than front-wheel-drive versions.

Because subcompact SUVs are wildly popular, the segment is crowded with competent competitors like the Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and the Subaru Crosstrek. They all start in the mid-$20K region. The CX-30 and Crosstrek both come with all-wheel drive as standard.

Before buying a new HR-V subcompact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Like many Honda models, HR-V resale values are above average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The HR-V is usually about mid-pack in terms of horsepower and acceleration. The CX-30 is the king of the hill in this regard with its standard 191 hp.

Although the pony count is currently in question, we suspect whatever the horsepower increase might be, it won’t shoot the HR-V to the top of the subcompact-SUV performance chart. However, we think the driving dynamics will remain the same, which is good news. We’ve found the HR-V drives with more sophistication than its price would suggest. It corners confidently, and there’s just a splash of sportiness aided by steering with satisfying heft and predictability.

However, in our experience, the HR-V is at its best when moving leisurely about the world. Outward vision is good; it’s as comfortable on the highway as anything in the class. Its tidy dimensions are ideal for getting around town and negotiating parking lots. Like the Honda Civic on which it’s based, the HR-V’s pervasive refinement makes it one of the most pleasurable vehicles in its class.

Fuel Economy

Although it may change for 2026, the HR-V’s fuel economy is more acceptable than remarkable. With all-wheel drive (which most buyers choose), the last HR-V achieved 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Compare this with the comparable all-wheel-drive Toyota Corolla Cross, returning 30 mpg combined, and the Kia Seltos, returning 29 mpg. Front-drive versions of the HR-V fared one mpg better.

The HR-V has an inviting, comfy cabin with the ideal blend of style and function. It reigns among the top-tier passenger areas in the segment. Rear legroom is also better than most at 37.7 inches. Cargo volume of 24.4 cubic feet behind the back seats is about average.

Who would have thought that some of the most affordable new SUVs also sport really attractive designs? For example, we admire the looks of the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. And this Honda HR-V. Like the interior, it comes across as more expensive than it is. There’s a presence to it while not being polarizing. At 15 feet long, the HR-V is also one of the larger contenders in this subcompact class.

HondaLink
Download the HondaLink app, and a range of services will become available, such as stolen vehicle location, geofencing, automatic collision notification, and service appointments. This service is standard with every new HR-V.

Smart Entry with Walk-Away Auto Lock
“Did I lock the car?” This question invariably springs to mind just as your plane takes off and you see all the long-term parking lots becoming smaller. With this feature, which is standard in the top two trims, such angst becomes a thing of the past.

Honda Sensing
Standard on every HR-V, Honda Sensing is the bundle of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies. It includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and lane departure warning with steering assistance.

Rear side-impact airbags
Among the HR-V’s eight airbags, rear side-impact airbags are standard across the lineup. That’s not always the case with rivals.

Active noise cancellation
We like how every HR-V comes with active noise cancelation that uses the audio system’s speakers to neutralize unwelcome sound waves. It makes the cabin feel more premium.

Automatic Climate Control
We appreciate a climate control system you can simply set and forget, letting the system automatically adjust the controls to maintain the preset temperature. A single-zone system is on the lower trims, it is a dual-zone system on the EX-L.

One engine covers all three HR-V trims. It’s a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit without any turbocharging. We are unsure of any performance increases for 2026; however, we expect the output to remain modest. This engine connects to an automatic transmission of the continuously variable (CVT) variety. Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is optional across the lineup.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The HR-V has a basic new-vehicle warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This protection is typical for mainstream companies like Honda, although Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi offer better terms.

Safety Ratings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2025 HR-V the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also gave it a maximum 5-Star overall score.