Introduction
Honda HR-V pros and cons before you buy are essential to understand if you’re considering this entry-level SUV.
The HR-V’s compact size for city use is a hit in the entry level SUV segment which the brand presents. It is an excellent value which comes with a great array of features and performance. The HR-V is a good option for the family of four and urban driver because it feels like a compact car, but is an SUV nonetheless. As with any car out there the HR-V has pros and cons which potential buyers should research before purchase. In this article we examine how the HR-V handles in city traffic, fuel economy and interior space, all of which we claim it delivers, and also some of the problems that occur in real-world driving: bad acceleration and cabin noise.
Through our analysis of the HR-V we look at its compact size and Magic Seat feature as well as what you can expect in terms of service costs and resale value in doing so we present a full picture of how this SUV does in terms of power and space for your needs. We want to inform the buyer that we have a quality and budget friendly model that works very well in the urban environment, and also outline the benefits and drawbacks of opting for an entry level model.
HR-V’s Compact Size for City Use
The HR-V’s best feature is its performance in the urban environment. It has a small footprint which makes it easy to use in tight spaces such as streets, parking garages and between vehicles in traffic. This is a wonderful thing that the HR-V offers you when driving in the city, you have the space and utility of an SUV but in a much smaller package. This also is good for reducing stress when driving in urban areas. Honda trimmed a very tight turning radius into the HR-V and in the real world, this translates to the ability to make sharp turns and quick lane changes in stop and go traffic.
Since the HR-V has a small footprint, parking is an advantage. The size of the HR-V is a plus when on a busy street trying to fit into a tight parallel parking spot, or when in a multiple level garage with no room to spare. One of the stand-out features of this car is its excellent balance of contents and capabilities both inside and out. Also as reported on Honda’s official page for HR-V’s compact design which is for city use in particular, the design is tailored for the city which cements its image as a city car.
The Fuel Economy and Performance of Engines.
The HR-V is powered by a 4 cylinder engine which is more so on efficiency which it achieves at the cost of some raw performance. While it doesn’t accelerate very quickly this car does very well in terms of fuel economy. In the city which sees a lot of traffic the HR-V’s efficiency which in turn means lower fuel costs is a plus. It is not out to be a sporty SUV; instead the HR-V is a reliable choice for the daily commute which also does a great job at being practical and affordable.
If you are after best fuel efficiency and a smooth ride the HR-V is a great choice. However, if you prefer quick response and speed, you should consider other Honda models.
Magic Seat Flexibility
One of the stand out features in the Honda HR-V is the Magic Seat. We witness in this feature an innovation that exceed in storage solutions fold and flipping rear seats. This is a fantastic feature for the urban driver who wants to take groceries, sports equipment and even little furniture. It makes the HR-V extremely versatile, and more useful than many in the class.
The Magic Seat is also popular with small families who use it for child seats, pushchairs and suitcases. Honda puts forth a number of interior options which make the HR-V a transformable vehicle to fit what you need at the time. That’s quite attractive to first-time SUV buyers who want the best they can get without having to go to a more expensive, bigger SUV. It’s a smart design choice which sets the HR-V apart as a practical city vehicle.
Technology and Safety Features
Honda has equipped the HR-V with a wide range of the latest tech and safety features. In terms of trims we see touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and driver assist technologies like lane keeping and adaptive cruise control. These features which improve convenience and peace of mind do also especially for city drivers that deal with unpredictable traffic. The HR-V’s safety ratings also perform very well which makes it a great choice for families.
However we see that some owners report our company’s infotainment to be behind what the competition is putting out. While the system does work, it may not have that which latest tech in other cars has to offer in terms of finesse and response. At the same time though Honda does well to present safe products, the HR-V is a reliable buy at its price also in terms of the safety features. For those after dependability and protection you will see great value in what we provide.
Servicing Costs and Resale Value
Honda is known for the quality and low cost of their vehicles and we see that out in the HR-V. Easy care and also wide range of parts available which in turn keeps the prices down. Thus the HR-V is a great choice for those that are budget conscious and want to stay away from large out of pocket ownership costs. Also what we see in the case of Honda is an unmatched record in terms of vehicle durability which is second to none as compared to lesser known brands.
Resale appeal is also a feature of the HR-V. Thanks to Honda’s name which is a trust mark and the company’s focus on quality and durability the HR-V does well in the used car market. For people trading in the future this is a very important aspect. A car which doesn’t see large drops in value over time will save you a fortune in the long term which is the case with the HR-V and thus is a smart choice for careful buyers.
Owner Complaints: Slow increase in speed and cabin noise.
Despite we have only loved the HR-V we had issues with it. Owners say that it does not have a strong pick up. The engine does well for consistent driving, but it fails when the need is to go fast suddenly, that is a downer when you are on the highway trying to get past other cars or at a red light looking to speed up. That is very much an issue for people who are used for powerful engines. In the city it may not be an issue, but for the large scale use of high speed driving it is something to consider.
In another issue the HR-V’s cabin noise which at high speeds does better than some premium SUVs but still is a problem. Also, road and wind noise may become an issue which in turn reduces comfort on long trips. Although it does very well in terms of practicality it does so at the expense of performance and finish.
Final Verdict: Is the HR-V for you?
The Honda HR-V does very well for city drivers and families which are after practicality, efficiency and affordability. It is compact which makes it ideal for urban driving and the Magic Seat feature is a stand out in its class. Also it does well in the fuel economy department and comes with good safety features which adds to its appeal. Honda’s reliability is a plus which in turn gives buyers peace of mind. That said we do see slow acceleration and issues with cabin noise which may take away from the driving experience.
At the end the HR-V is the one which does best for people that value convenience and cost over performance. If you are in the market for a reliable entry level SUV that is easy to fit into the city, the HR-V is a good choice. But if you are after speed, luxury, or a quiet ride you may want to look at other models in Honda’s range or competitors’ options. By going through these pros and cons you’ll be better equipped to determine if the HR-V is the right buy for your lifestyle.
