Used 2019 Honda HR-V

For those seeking compact-car dimensions, price and fuel economy in a SUV-like form, the 2019 Honda HR-V pushes all the right buttons. Loaded with features and now with more trim choices and options, the HR-V offers more passenger volume than the Mazda CX-3, better fuel economy than the Chevy Trax or Jeep Renegade and, unlike the Nissan Kicks and Toyota C-HR, the option of all-wheel drive. Clever features like the HR-V’s rear Magic Seat provide more cargo-carrying capacity than one might envision, while new driver-assist safety systems make the HR-V all the more attractive this year. Sadly, the manual-transmission option is no more, a feature you can still find on a Subaru Crosstrek.

Honda’s 2019 HR-V subcompact-crossover SUV isn’t fast by any means, but it is fun to drive. The HR-V’s 141-horsepower 1.8-liter engine has no problem delivering acceptable levels of acceleration and passing power for the 2,900-pound SUV, but a few more ponies would be nice. Delivering its peak power around 6,500 rpm, the HR-V’s engine works a bit less hard this year thanks to a revised continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that incorporates stepped gear changes like a traditional transmission. We found the HR-V’s nicely weighted steering and stiff suspension make it a blast to push through twisting curves, yet the overall ride is comfortable without feeling too soft. The new Sport trim features variable-gear-ratio, electric-power steering that varies steering response based on the vehicle’s speed. This setup delivers firmer steering at high speeds, while slower city driving results in more assist, making it easier to turn the wheel when maneuvering or parking.

The 2019 Honda HR-V gets a mild interior makeover this year, gaining a volume knob on the 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The base LX keeps its easy-to-use climate-control system, while all others still employ a touch-based setup that can sometimes be annoying to operate while the vehicle is in motion. The new Touring trim adds bolstered leather seating with an 8-way-power driver’s seat, while the new Sport trim gets a black headliner, gloss-black trim and sport pedals. In this class, the HR-V offers more rear-seat legroom than the Jeep Renegade or Mazda CX-3.

With its revised front end, the 2019 Honda HR-V now wears a sportier look more in line with the Civic, while the new Touring and Sport trims expand the HR-V’s wheel and exterior treatment options. Honda’s diminutive hauler is most its own when viewed from the side, where it sports a coupe-like profile thanks to a sloping roof, a rear-window treatment that slopes further still, and rear-door handles that sit flush where the window forms its arrow. The Sport rides on 18-inch wheels, while all others roll on 17s. The EX and above trims include a power moonroof, while roof rails, standard on Sport and higher trims, add versatility and rugged appeal.

INTERIOR FLEXIBILITY
With its Magic Seat flip-up rear seat, the HR-V can hold taller items, like a potted plant or lamp, that need to stand upright. In fact, with nearly 60 cubic feet of cargo volume, the HR-V is one of the most accommodating subcompacts you can buy.

HONDA SENSING
Standard on EX and higher trims, the Honda Sensing suite of driver assists includes collision and road-departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Honda’s LaneWatch is also standard, employing a passenger-side camera to display vehicles in the driver’s blind spot when the turn signal is activated.

Spend the least on a base Honda HR-V LX for 2019 and you’ll still get features like a rearview camera, cruise control and Honda’s Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system. Audio is via a 4-speaker/160-watt AM/FM/CD system with USB/auxiliary inputs and 5-inch color display. If you can swing the extra cost, the EX feels like a significant step up with its inclusion of Honda’s helpful LaneWatch side-view monitor, Honda Sensing, power moonroof, heated front seats, push-button start plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The HR-V EX also gets an upgraded 180-watt/6-speaker audio system with a larger 7-inch touch screen and touch-sensitive climate system.

Major options for the 2019 Honda HR-V are sorted by trim level. The new Sport brings 18-inch alloy wheels, steering-wheel paddle shifters, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, body-colored rear spoiler and sport pedals. The big kahuna here is the Touring model that adds a leather interior with 8-way-power driver’s seat, navigation plus LED headlights and fog lights. Honda’s Real-Time AWD all-wheel-drive system is available on any model and standard on the Touring trim. Accessories for the HR-V include front and rear chrome garnishes for a tougher look, and attachments to carry skis, snowboards or bikes.

The 2019 HR-V is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, similar figures to the engine used in the Honda Civic. This engine is paired with a revised CVT automatic transmission with stepped gear changing for quieter operation at full throttle. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is its native setup, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available across the model range. Like most unibody, car-based crossover SUVs, the HR-V isn’t meant for serious off-roading, but AWD can help it maintain traction in snow or on dusty trails. At up to 34 mpg, the HR-V is among the most fuel-efficient SUVs available. Furthermore, the HR-V sips good ol’ 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)