2016 Honda HR-V

The new Honda HR-V is – technically – a subcompact. A notch down in size from the compact-sized CR-V (which Honda sells a bunch of).

But the difference between the two is mostly footprint-wise. The newest littlest Honda crossover is about a foot shorter overall than the CR-V.

Inside, though, the subcompact HR-V actually has more backseat legroom than its, er, bigger brother,.

Almost identical space up front, too.     

It has a bit less cargo room – but the difference isn’t huge (about 11 cubic feet) and if you can live with that, you can get the same basic concept that has made the CR-V such a success in a much easier-to-park  – and easier on your wallet –  package.   

WHAT IT IS

The HR-V is a downsized interpretation of the popular CR-V; similar in concept, layout and features – just a lot smaller on the outside while managing to be nearly the same size on the inside.

It stickers for $19,115 to start for a FWD LX with six-speed manual transmission. Upgrading to all-wheel-drive (and a CVT automatic, mandatory with AWD) brings the price up to $21,165.

EX and EX-L Navi trims are also available, with the most expensive HR-V being an EX-L with navigation, AWD and CVT automatic.

MSRP for this version is $25,840.

Nominally, the HR-V competes with other subcompact crossover SUVs like the new Fiat 500X, the Mazda CX-3 and the Chevy Trax – but it is the only model in this class that offers almost-mid-sized-interior space in a subcompact-sized body.

WHAT’S NEW

The HR-V is a new model for Honda, built to offer buyers something a bit less large (and less expensive) than the CR-V that’s also more space-efficient than direct competitors like the Fiat 500X, Mazda CX-3 and Chevy Trax.

WHAT’S GOOD

As roomy in first and second rows as larger (even mid-sized) crossover SUVs.

Class-leading cargo space. And not by a little bit, either.

Sharp steering; ultra-smooth CVT automatic (manual available, too).

The deal of the bunch – especially the AWD version.

WHAT’S NOT SO GOOD

Manual transmission not available with AWD.

Stylish interior (especially center console) sacrifices function to form when it comes to finding places to put smaller items. Storage cubbies are preposterously small/narrow/shallow.

USB port and 12V power point are semi-hidden under the center console

UNDER THE HOOD

The HR-V is propelled by a 1.8 liter, 141 hp four-cylinder engine that can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable (CVT) automatic.

All-wheel-drive is optional.

The manual is available in both the LX and the mid-trim EX versions of the HR-V. Several rivals don’t offer a manual at all (Mazda CX-3, Chevy Trax). Or they only offer it in the base trim (Fiat 500X).

The CR-V is automatic-only, regardless of trim.

On the downside – and like the Fiat 500X – the HR-V’s manual six-speed is not available paired with all-wheel-drive. If you want the AWD, you have to buy the automatic.

Probably, this is so because AWD adds a little weight – and rolling resistance – to the package, which causes the vehicle to use a bit more fuel. This is counteracted to some degree by the automatic, which is more efficient than the manual.

Note that the AWD/CVT-equipped HR-V gets 27 city vs. 25 for the FWD/manual version.

The FWD/CVT version does even better – 28 city, 35 highway (vs. 25 city/34 highway with the six-speed manual).

If it doesn’t seem like that big difference, you’re right – It’s not. On an individual consumer level. But Honda has to reckon with fleet average fuel economy numbers. A difference of 2-3 MPG per car factored over tens of thousands of cars can dramatically affect the brand’s overall fleet average. All car companies have no choice but to be conscious of this and build (and sell) their vehicles accordingly – else get hit with “gas guzzler” fines that must be passed on to buyers, with the expected not-good effect on sales.

Given this, it’s a little surprising that Honda didn’t think to offer the high-mileage HF package that’s available in the current Civic – which shares the same basic engine (and the same transmissions, too). The HF Civic sedan is capable of 31 city and 41 highway.

Imagine that in the HR-V, which is after all an SUV.

Or, how about an Si package?

Maybe next year… .

None of the models in this class are particularly speedy – but the Honda manages to not come in last. That “honor” falls to the Chevy Trax, which needs about 10 long seconds to get to 60 – vs. low nines for the HR-V.

An important note – in the Honda’s favor: It takes regular unleaded gas. The Fiat 500X (which comes standard with a heavily turbocharged 1.4 liter four cylinder engine) requires premium. If you’d prefer not to pay 20-30 cents extra per gallon for fuel – and want to drive the Fiat – you’ll need to upgrade to the optional 2.4 liter engine, which bulks up the price (and requires the automatic transmission).

Either pay ExxonMobil – or Fiat.

The Mazda CX-3’s standard 2.0 liter engine is a regular fuel engine. But if you want a manual transmission, you’re out of luck.

On the upside, the CX-3’s mileage is superb: 29 city, 35 highway.

ON THE ROAD

It worked out that I got to test drive the HR-V immediately after spending a week in one of its main rivals, the ’16 Fiat 500X (review here). The differences between the two were immediately obvious.

On paper, the Fiat’s got a lot more power – as much as 180 hp with its optional 2.4 liter engine. But it’s only marginally quicker (about half a second’s difference separates the two) and the Fiat feels like its working harder to get you there because of the clunky shifting characteristics of its mandatory (with the 2.4 liter, 180 hp engine) nine-speed automatic – which I recommend you avoid. Whether because of its programming or because it has so many gears, it shifts abruptly, frequently.

The Honda’s CVT is Harvey Dent to the Fiat’s Two-Face. Being a CVT, it does not shift at all  – unless you want to engage the “manual” function, which changes the programming to mimic up and down-shifting, the action controlled by the driver via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. But these are seamless – shockless – transitions. Engine RPM rises – and falls – but your coffee never spills. You can literally mash the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it there all the way to 100 MPH with an open-lidded Starbucks Tall in your hand and not risk a mess.

Do not try this in the Fiat.

High-speed handling is another HR-V plus. It corners flatter, with less body roll – and the steering is micrometer precise. Hondas (and Acuras, which are the same thing only more expensive) are known for this as much as they are for their rev-happy VTEC engines – and the combo makes the HR-V a fun driver, with more verve than you’d expect from only 141 hp.

The Fiat looks like it’d be more fun – but (as much as I hate to say it, because I want to like the car) it’s not. The awful nine-speed automatic does to it what a spoonful of mouse turds does to a gallon of otherwise delicious ice cream.

That leaves the Chevy Trax – which is a very nice toaster – and the Mazda CX-3, which is beautiful, but automatic-only and not nearly as practical as the Honda.

Let’s get into that now.

AT THE CURB

The genius of the HR-V is that it’s very small on the outside – like the others in this class – but much roomier on the inside than the others in this class . How much more so? Let’s start with the second row, where you’ll find almost 40 inches of legroom (39.3 to be exact about it).

For a subcompact, that is a lot of room.

More room, in fact, than in the CR-V, which is – nominally – an almost mid-sized crossover SUV, in terms of its exterior dimensions. But it’s got just 38.3 inches of second row legroom – not much for such a big-on-the-outside ride.

And check the HR-V’s numbers vs. its same-sized rivals. In the 500X, you’ll find just 34.8 inches of legroom (no need to get a vasectomy, guys; sterilize yourself for free by riding in the back seat of the Fiat). The CX-3 also comes up short. Just 35 inches back there – 4.3 inches less than in the virtually same-size-on-the-outside Mazda (169.1inches vs. 168.3 inches, respectively).

The Chevy Trax isn’t much better (35.7 inches).

Now, you’d assume that something’s got to give. The Honda’s got to have less cargo room… right?

Nope.

It has more.

With the second row seats in place, there’s 24.3 cubic feet of cargos space behind them. And if you fold them down, there’s just shy of 60 cubic feet (58.8 to be exact) which is almost boggling considering the outside size of this vehicle.

Again, for some sense of proportion, ponder the much-larger CR-V. It is about a foot longer overall than the HR-V (179.4 inches vs. 169.1 for the “littler” Honda) yet only has about 11 cubic feet more total cargo capacity (70.9) and – remember – less second row legroom.

But the more apt comparison is vs. same-sized (outside) rivals like the 500X and CX-3 and Chevy Tracker. They all come up short.

The Fiat especially.

It tops out at 32.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. Put another way, the Honda – same overall size – has almost twice the cargo capacity.

The Mazda CX-3, meanwhile, only has 12.4 cubic feet of space behind its second row, due to the stylistically dramatic nose-long (and short-tail) design of the thing – which looks great but dramatically compromises the interior space.

The Chevy Trax splits the difference, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 48.4 with them folded flat.        

Its not just the raw numbers, either. The available space inside the HR-V is further maximized by clever features such as a folding-flat (well, almost) front seat, which makes it possible to take a surfboard with the rear liftgate closed. Or, a mountain bike sideways (in the second row) courtesy of the fold-up seat bottoms. Honda adapted design elements previously seen in the…er, Element.. and the aptly-named Fit (which is a neat vehicle in its own right that you might want to cross-shop if you don’t need or want AWD).

That’s the objective stuff.    

Here’s some subjective stuff:

This car is not as cheerful on the inside as the Fiat or the Mazda. 

It seems very serious.

You won’t find body-colored trim plates, as in the Fiat. Or silly – but fun – features such as ambient mood lighting that dances to the beat of whatever song you’re listening to on the stereo. A frigid-sounding woman’s voice admonishes you to “buckle up” vs.  a much more perky-sounding beep-bop-beep in the Fiat. The  AC/heater and infotainment systems are controlled by flat-screen touchscreen displays (five or seven inches, depending on trim) that are functionally hard to fault but which have the tactile appeal of a microwave oven’s keypad.

On the other hand, I like the straightforward (analog, not digitally-rendered)  main gauge cluster and smart detail features such as the secondary controls for the audio system (especially the volume control) on the steering wheel, and the up and down and forward and back adjustability of the steering column.

This is a very non-fussy, quiet and comfortable car to drive – and ultimately, that matters more than a “happy” layout.

It’s also generously equipped, even the base LX trim – which includes the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 17 inch (not 16 inch) wheels and tires, the 5 inch flatscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and AC, power windows, locks and cruise control. EX trims get upgraded to a larger (7 inch) LCD and get three more speakers (seven vs. the standard four) and an additional USB port, plus heated front seats.

The EX-L Navi adds (surprise) GPS navigation, leather seating, high-definition radio and roof rails.

THE REST

Nits?

Just two.

First, I am not a fan of the “split glass” (Euro-style) door mirrors. They give me vertigo. Several car companies (Ford is another) are installing these things – as standard equipment – on their new cars. Basically, you have the normal mirror and a wide angle mirror, like RVs have. In the Honda, they are mounted side by side, in a single sheet, with just a thin line separating the two sections. When you glance at them, your eyes (well, my eyes) have to try to adjust to these two differing perspectives – and it can be confusing as well as slightly nauseating.

They should be be optional – or designed differently.

Second, the HR-V has plenty of cargo space, but space for “incidentals” is lacking. The center console arches upward like the back of a porpoise and looks marvelous (and feels good as a place to rest your arm) but the main storage compartment is preposterously small and located too far to the rear. On either side of the center console, there are cutouts for putting things but they tree more stylish than functional. The USB plug and 12V power point are down under – and far forward.

Good will hunting.

Luckily, the HR-V has plenty of room elsewhere.

Final observation – and praise – for the HR-V: It is a smoking good deal. You can pick up an AWD-equipped LX for $21,165 that has more back seat room, almost as much cargo room – and gets better gas mileage than the $23,445 to start FWD CR-V.

The AWD-equipped HR-V LX is also priced $3,035 less than the least expensive AWD-equipped version of the cute-but-not-cheap Fiat 500X ($24,200). The Chevy Trax and Mazda CX-3 are priced more competitively, but they are lacking in critical areas such as back seat (and cargo) room and (Trax) fun-to-drive-ness.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Honda’s biggest worry here is that the HR-V is likely to cannibalize sales from the CR-V.

But I suppose the money ends up going to the same place.

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