2016 Honda HR-V

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Rating7.7

Ranked #3 in 

Subcompact SUV
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$19,215 - $25,990
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 14, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Affordable price tag

Lackluster acceleration

All-new model for 2016

Capacious cabin

Easily maneuverable

Specs & Features

$21,315

price

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

horsepower

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

torque

Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic

transmission

1.8L 4cyl AWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Honda’s foray into the subcompact SUVsegment comes later than its direct rivals. However, the HR-V that is at the forefront of this change is a practical proposition that combines the prowess and antics of a proper SUV and a hatchback. By bringing the best of the two segments, this car tries to be a worthy crossover that deserves our attention

Buying Advice

All the trim levels of the 2016 HR-V are closely priced. So, you need to figure out all the features which you expect from your subcompact SUV and then make a calculated choice about which trim level to go with. If we were to choose, we would go with the highest trim level with All wheel drive as the feature list seems adequate for the price point.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Priced at $19,215, the 2016 HR-V is an all-new model in the brand’s lineup. It is commodious, partly luxurious, and pleases the buyers with its specifications. However, it loses out due to its slow-moving nature that is devoid of an athletic aura. In its segment, the Honda HR-V competes head-on with the likes of the Mazda CX-3, Subaru Crosstrek, and Jeep Renegade.

Features
9.0/10

The 2016 Honda HR-V is available in three trims: LX, EX, EX-L. It falls in a price range that extends from $19,215 to $25,990 for the top-tier trim. While the base variant is only adequately equipped, the EX-L trim adds a plethora of luxurious features. Though there is a standard engine option, it offers both an FWD and AWD option.

Trim

LX

EX

EX-L

MSRP (FWD) (Manual)

$19,215

$21,265

N/A

MSRP (FWD) (CVT)

$20,015

$22,065

$24,690

MSRP (AWD) (CVT)

$21,315

$23,365

$25,990

Key Features

4-speaker sound system

Fog lights

Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

 

17-inch alloy wheels

Heated side mirrors with integrated turn indicators

Automatic-dimming rearview mirror

 

Bluetooth Hands-Free Link and streaming audio

Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

Leather-trimmed seats

 

Tilt and telescopic steering column

Automatic climate control with electrostatic touch-screen

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition 

 

Multi-angle rearview camera

Honda Lane Watch

SiriusXM Radio

We recommend

All the trim levels of the 2016 HR-V are closely priced. So, you need to figure out all the features which you expect from your subcompact SUV and then make a calculated choice about which trim level to go with. If we were to choose, we would go with the highest trim level with All wheel drive as the feature list seems adequate for the price point.

Fuel Economy
8.0/10

The Honda HR-V is the best small SUV when it comes to fuel efficiency. However, these best ratings are earned by the CVT-equipped HR-V. With the 6-speed manual transmission and Front-wheel drive, the car manages to get EPA ratings of 28 mpg combined. A CVT equipped HR-V with an FWD setup returns 31 MPG. The same transmission with all-wheel drive sees a slight dip to 29 mpg combined. In addition, it features a standard 13.2-gallon fuel tank which when equated with its efficiency allows the SUV to cover a total range of 369 and 448 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

Models

Honda HR-V

Mazda CX-3

Subaru XV Crosstrek

Jeep Renegade

MPG (city)

34

29

23

24

MPG (highway)

28

35

31

31

MPG (combined)

25

31

26

27

Fuel tank capacity (gal.)

13.2

12.7

15.9

12.7

Range (miles) (city/highway)

369/448

368/444

365/492

N/A

When compared to its rivals, the Mazda, Subaru, and Jeep all manage higher combined efficiencies and are rated at 31, 26, and 27 MPG, respectively. While the range delivered is almost similar with minimal differences, the 2016 XV Crosstrek features the largest fuel tank of 15.9 gallons. On the other hand, the 2016 CX-3 and 2016 Renegade have an equal fuel capacity of 12.7-gallons, only.

Interior
8.0/10

The 2016 Honda HR-V offers abundant space to the passengers belonging to both rows. The rear seats particularly are one of the most spacious in the segment. The cabin is made up of a good mixture of soft-touch materials and hard plastics. Coming to the standard features, it gets automatic climate control, a moonroof, navigation, and a 7-inch touchscreen display.

The ingress and egress to the 2016 Honda HR-V interiors are easy. The subcompact SUV can seat five passengers comfortably. There is ample under-thigh and knee support for each occupant and both upholstery options feel adequately pleasurable. Even its cargo capacity is best-in-class with a total trunk volume of 24.3 cubic feet, which feels ample to fit baggage for a family weekend getaway.

Models

Honda HR-V

Mazda CX-3

Subaru XV Crosstrek

Jeep Renegade

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (head/shoulder/leg) (in.)

39.5/56.8//41.2

38.4/53.5/41.7

39.8/55.6/43.5

41.1/55.9/41.2

Second (head/shoulder/rear) (in.)

38.3/54.5/39.3

37.2/50.4/35

37.7/54.2/35.4

40.5/55.1/35.1

Cargo Capacity (cu.-ft)

24.3

12.4

22.3

18.5

When compared to the competitors, each contemporary car can seat five passengers and interior space and comfort is seldom a problem with any of them. However, the cargo capacities differ considerably. While the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has 22.3 cubic feet of space, the Jeep Renegade and Mazda CX-3 manage lower spaces of 18.5 and 12.4 cubic feet, respectively.

Some of the salient interior features include:

  • Single Zone Front Air Conditioning
  • Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
  • Front and Rear Cupholders
  • Interior Air Filtration
  • Steering Mounted Controls

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2016 Honda HR-V?

Being the latest inclusion in the market, one expects Honda’s infotainment system to be utterly responsive and intuitive. While that is the case, the unit available with the 2016 HR-V feels a tad bit old-school in its design. However, the feature load is adequate as per price. The base LX trim features a 5-inch touchscreen unit, which makes way for a 7-inch unit on the higher trims. Some of the salient infotainment features include:

  • 4/6-speaker sound system
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
  • USB Connection
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Satellite Radio

Exterior
7.0/10

Though the Honda HR-V shares its design dynamics with the likes of Fit and CR-V, it doesn't look completely similar to either of them. It has its own unique demeanor that differentiates it from the rest of the line-up. It looks like a Coupe from the sideways because of the descending roofline and a smooth rear window profile. 17-inch alloys are standard on all the HR-V's and we have a power moonroof in the EX and EX-L trims. On the highest trim, you also get roof rails which add to the rugged look of the car.

The 2016 Honda HR-V’s dimensions conform to the segment standards. It is 169.1 inches long, 69.8 inches wide with a wheelbase that measures 102.8 inches. It sports a total ground clearance of 6.7 inches and stands at a total height of 63.2 inches.

Models

Honda HR-V

Mazda CX-3

Subaru XV Crosstrek

Jeep Renegade

Curb Weight (lbs.)

2888

2809

3109

3,056

Length (in.)

169.1

168.3

175.2

166.6

Width (in.)

69.8

69.6

70.1

74.2

Height (in.)

63.2

60.7

63.6

66.5

Ground clearance (in.)

6.7

6.1

8.7

6.7

Wheelbase (in)

102.8

101.2

103.7

101.2

Statistically and visually, the 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek is the longest SUV in the segment measuring 175.2 inches and sports a wheelbase of 103.7 inches. It is also the heaviest in the segment weighing 3,109 lbs. On the other hand, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 weighs the lightest 2,809 lbs, while the Jeep Renegade is the widest and tallest having a total width and height of 74.2 and 66.5 inches, respectively.

Some salient exterior features include:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Moonroof
  • Roof Rails
  • LED Brake Lights

Safety
8.0/10

The 2016 Honda HR-V comes equipped with a large number of standard features. While it gets 5-star ratings by the NHTSA, the IIHS ratings do feel underwhelming with “Poor” to “Acceptable” ratings in a couple of aspects. It makes use of a 4-wheel ABS and can come to a halt at 124ft when decelerating from the 60mph mark. Some of the salient safety features include:

  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
  • Multi-angle rearview camera
  • Smartvent Airbags
  • Vehicle Stability Assist with Speed Traction Control
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • Rearview Camera

Final Verdict

The 2016 Honda HR-V is one such car that meekly fits into the spot between Honda Fit and Honda CR-V. With its incredible cargo space and roomy seats, it will be the primary choice for family buyers. It even has the best-in-class gas mileage and with the Japanese carmaker’s trust, the subcompact SUV is extremely likable.

Trims

    LX
    $19,215 onwards
    • 17-inch silver painted aluminum wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Manual front air conditioning
    EX
    $21,265 onwards
    • Automatic Front air conditioning
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    EX-L
    $24,690 onwards
    • Navigation system

Compare to similar cars

Price

$19,215- $25,990

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.73

Horsepower

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$42,070- $44,710

Gasoline

8.49

252 hp @ 5500 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,065- $31,285

Gasoline

7.47

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,300- $26,730

Gasoline

7.78

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,600- $31,490

Gasoline

7.89

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,000- $29,235

Gasoline

7.55

160 hp @ 5500 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,590- $31,745

Gasoline

8.04

168 hp @ 6000 rpm

170 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,975- $35,725

Gasoline

7.92

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,745- $33,395

Gasoline

8.1

185 hp @ 6400 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,700- $31,300

Gasoline

7.76

164 hp @ 6200 rpm

151 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

2016 Honda HR-V vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2016 Honda HR-V

    Ranked #10

    9 sec17.1 sec117 mph
    7 sec--
    7.8 sec16.2 sec-
    7.8 sec16.0 sec120 mph
    8.2 sec--
    8.2 sec16.6 sec113 mph

    2016 Honda HR-V vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      25 mpg34 mpg28 mpg13.2 gal.330/448.8 mi.
      29 mpg35 mpg31 mpg12.7 gal.368.3/444.5 mi.
      26 mpg34 mpg29 mpg14 gal.364/476 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg15.3 gal.397.8/504.9 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg28 mpg14.5 gal.377/478.5 mi.
      28 mpg33 mpg28 mpg14 gal.350/462 mi.

      2016 Honda HR-V vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2016 Honda HR-V

        Ranked #18

        169.1 in.69.8 in.63.2 in.7 in.102.8 in.
        187.8 in.72.5 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.
        185.5 in.72.8 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.
        184.6 in.74 in.66.1 in.7.3 in.106.3 in.
        183.7 in.72.4 in.66.8 in.8 in.107.9 in.
        182.3 in.72.4 in.66.3 in.7.4 in.106.5 in.

        2016 Honda HR-V vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          24.3 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.72.4 cu.ft.
          23 cu.ft.104.4 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          26.9 cu.ft.100.6 cu.ft.57.3 cu.ft.
          12.2 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.50.8 cu.ft.
          34.3 cu.ft.98.1 cu.ft.67.8 cu.ft.
          18.5 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.50.8 cu.ft.Jeep USA

          2016 Honda HR-V vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            72.4 cu.ft.24.3 cu.ft.72.4 cu.ft.-
            108.9 cu.ft.23 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            70 cu.ft.32 cu.ft.70 cu.ft.-
            73.4 cu.ft.38.4 cu.ft.73.4 cu.ft.-
            68.4 cu.ft.31.5 cu.ft.63.7 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.34.3 cu.ft.67.8 cu.ft.-

            2016 Honda HR-V vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1763 lbs.1099 lbs.2888 lbs.
              5200 lbs.-2805 lbs.
              4500 lbs.1000 lbs.3655 lbs.Jeep USA
              3500 lbs.1018 lbs.3237 lbs.
              2200 lbs.1195 lbs.3404 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1391 lbs.3459 lbs.

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              MPG Combined : 28 mpg

              0-60 : 9 sec

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