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2018 Honda HR-V

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Rating6.8

Ranked #5 in 

Subcompact SUV
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$19,670 - $26,540
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 12, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Spacious seats

Unintuitive infotainment system

No major changes

Class-leading cargo volume

Low reliability ratings

Balanced handling

Lack of advanced safety features

Great fuel economy

Decent acceleration

Specs & Features

$19,670

price

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

horsepower

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

torque

6-Speed Manual

transmission

1.8L 4cyl FWD 6M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2018 Honda HR-V is on sale with a starting price of $19,670. It is available in three trims levels - LX, EX, and EX-L. It is powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 141 hp and 127 lb-ft. of torque. This engine does not offer thriftier acceleration but it sprints from 0-60 MPH in 9.6 seconds. One of the strong points of this vehicle is its excellent fuel economy. The HR-V offers a towing capacity of just 1,100 pounds, which is really less.

Moving to the interior, the HR-V offers class-leading passenger space and cargo volume. However, it falls short in terms of modern technological features. Speaking of features, the HR-V also fails to offer top driver-assist features, which is the biggest drawback of this SUV. It gets challenges from segment leaders such as the Toyota C-HR, the Hyundai Kona, and the Mazda CX-3. Check out our in-depth review to know more about the HR-V. 

Buying Advice

The EX trim is well equipped with features and hence, we advise you to go ahead with this model. This trim adds heated front seats, push-button start, a 7-inch touchscreen, heated side mirrors, a USB port, automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, Honda LaneWatch, a moonroof, fog lights, and automatic on/off headlights. 

Read More +

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The smallest Honda crossover packs big-car utility in a city-car package- Cargurus

The Honda HR-V is one of the best options in the subcompact SUV segment. It delivers a decent mileage, a generous passenger and cargo room, and snappy performance at a discounted starting price. But there are a few negative points of this vehicle. Those are the lack of advanced safety features and a dated infotainment system. 

The ownership costs of the HR-V are on par with its rivals. That means it costs around $6,120 annually for its maintenance, fuel, repair, depreciation, etc. One thing that Honda was not able to improve is the HR-V's reliability. It scored 75 out of 100 in the J.D. Power's reliability test but has a great resale value. That's the reason you see a lot of HR-Vs on American roads. 

Features
7.0/10

The Honda HR-V has the usual economy-car goods, but not much more- The Car Connection

The Honda HR-V comes in just three trims levels. These are LX, EX, and EX-L. The base LX starts at $19,670 while the top-spec EX-L trim is priced at $25,140, plus a $940 destination charge. A manual transmission is standard on the LX and EX trims whereas a CVT transmission is standard on the EX-L model and optional on the LX and EX trims. 

All the models come in both FWD and AWD configurations. At the top end, the HR-V is lower than many of its competitors but given the lack of electronic safety features and outdated infotainment system, the HR-V should deliver more for the money. Unlike its rivals, the HR-V doesn't offer any optional packages to upgrade its features. 

Trims LX EX EX-L
MSRP (FWD) $19,670 (+ $800 CVT) $21,720 (+ $800 CVT) $25,140
MSRP (AWD) $21,870 $23,920 $26,540
Key Features 17-inch alloy wheels Adds/ Upgrades to LX trim Adds/ Upgrades to EX trim
  Remote keyless entry 7-inch touchscreen Leather-trimmed seats
  Cloth upholstery Push-button start Satellite-linked navigation system
  4-speaker stereo Automatic climate control Roof rails
  5-inch infotainment display Honda LaneWatch SiriusXM
  Rearview camera Heated front seats and exterior mirrors HD radio
  Manually adjustable front seats 6-speaker sound system Leather steering wheel
    Proximity keyless entry  
    Fog lights  
    Automatic on/off headlights  
    Moonroof  

We Recommend

The EX trim is well equipped with features and hence, we advise you to go ahead with this model. This trim adds heated front seats, push-button start, a 7-inch touchscreen, heated side mirrors, a USB port, automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, Honda LaneWatch, a moonroof, fog lights, and automatic on/off headlights. 

Fuel Economy
8.0/10

Fuel efficiency is the HR-V’s other strong point- CarAndDriver

The Honda HR-V is a vehicle for those who prioritize fuel economy over other parameters. With a CVT transmission, the HR-V's fuel ratings are 28 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on a highway, and 31 MPG combined. Opting for the AWD configuration results in 29 MPG combined. These estimates are among the best in the segment. 

Stick-shift lovers will also suffer from a drop in fuel economy. The MPG figures include 25 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on a highway, and 28 MPG combined. When the 13.2-gallon fuel tank is filled with regular gas, the HR-V has a driving range of 409 miles and 382 miles for AWD models and manual transmission models. 

Models 2018 Honda HR-V 2018 Toyota C-HR 2018 Hyundai Kona 2018 Mazda CX-3
MPG (City) 28 27 27 29
MPG (Highway) 34 31 33 34
MPG (Combined) 31 29 30 31
Fuel Tank Capacity 13.2 13.2 13.2 12.7
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles) 370/449/409 356/409/384 356/436/396 368/432/400

The HR-V's fuel estimates are good but its rivals also boast a similar fuel economy. But, the Mazda CX-3 stands out from the crowd as it packs a small fuel tank but has great efficiency. Both the Hyundai Kona and the Toyota CH-R have similar ratings but the Kona's highway mileage is more which further results in a better range. 

Interior
7.0/10

Although the interior looks nice, some of the trim pieces and the functionality of a few controls aren't up to Honda's usual high standards- Edmunds

2018 Honda HR-V Seating and Comfort

The Honda HR-V's cabin layout is clean and simple. The wide thin series of vents on the passenger's side is a nice touch of asymmetry. Only the base LX trim gets cloth upholstery while the other two trims are treated with leather seats. The front seats provide decent levels of comfort but the seat cushions are a bit firm. These seats can be adjusted manually but power-adjustability is not available. They are also heated from the EX trim onwards. 

Whilst it looks compact from the outside, there's loads of room inside. Six-foot drivers can sit comfortably without a hint of congestion. The second row is still large and spacious enough to accommodate a full-sized adult. Even when equipped with a moonroof, there is still lots of headroom. The legroom is great even if the driver's seat is set for a six-foot driver. However, when you squeeze into the middle seat, you will find that it's really a squeeze 

Models 2018 Honda HR-V 2018 Toyota C-HR 2018 Hyundai Kona 2018 Mazda CX-3
Passenger Capacity 5 5 5 5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) 39.5/56.8/41.2 38.1/49.0/43.5 39.6/54.1/40.8 37.6/53.5/41.7
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) 38.3/54.5/39.3 38.3/52.5/31.7 38.8/52.8/35.7 37.2/50.4/35.0

The Toyota C-HR offers the least legroom in the rear row. Therefore, this is not an ideal SUV for long-legged people. The short height of the Mazda CX-3 cuts of headroom in both rows. So, taller occupants may find sitting in the CX-3 uncomfortable. Even the Hyundai Kona offers less rear legroom but headroom is decent. 

2018 Honda HR-V Interior Features

Some of the important interior and infotainment features of the HR-V are:

  • Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel 
  • Manually-adjustable front seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
  • Push-button start
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Moonroof
  • Automatic climate control
  • 7-inch touchscreen display
  • 6-speaker sound system
  • Voice recognition sound system
  • Satellite radio

2018 Honda HR-V Infotainment System

The base LX trim comes with a 5-inch display that supports basic features such as Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, and auxiliary audio port. A single-disc CD player is placed right below the screen. The EX and EX-L trims get HondaLink's 7-inch touchscreen display. It adds a voice recognition audio system, HD radio, and SiriusXM only on the EX-L trim. The main drawback of this infotainment system is the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Sound duties are handled by a 4-speaker stereo on the LX trim while the other variants upgrade to six speakers. The interface is clumsy and takes time to respond to user's inputs. Adjusting volume is also irritating as there is no traditional knob provided but instead, you have to slide your finger up and down to increase or decrease volume. The touch-sensitive climate controls and seat heaters look crisp and work well too. The power button is just at your fingertips. 

2018 Honda HR-V Cargo Space

The Honda HR-V is the most practical small SUV that money can buy. With the second-row seats fully in place, you have 24.3 cubic feet of cargo-carrying capacity. Once you do fold them, that cargo capacity grows to a segment busting 58.8 cubic feet. These seatbacks do fold flat to create a large and usable load floor.

Also, the wide opening and low leftover height of the HR-V results in a remarkably usable cargo area. Regardless of which trim you take, the HR-V with the same innovative seats that the Fit gets. Basically, the second-row seat cushions can flip up to accommodate taller cargo. Besides this, interior storage is also great in the HR-V. 

Models 2018 Honda HR-V 2018 Toyota C-HR 2018 Hyundai Kona 2018 Mazda CX-3
Cargo Volume (cu- ft.) 24.3 19.0 19.2 12.4

The HR-V offers the most cargo volume in this segment and is a leader in this field. Both the Toyota C-HR and the Hyundai Kona offer similar trunk volume with the rear seats up but once folded, the Konda takes the lead with 45.8 cubic feet. The Mazda CX-3 keeps up with the Kona with 44.5 cubic feet while the C-HR is the least practical vehicle here. 

Also Read:

  • Find out the changes made in the 2021 Honda Odyssey

Exterior
6.0/10

The HR-V doesn’t look like a lifted car or a shrunken CR-V- Kelly Blue Book

2018 Honda HR-V Dimensions and Weight

Honda introduced the HR-V for the 2016 model year and nothing has changed on its exterior since then. Underneath the skin, it's basically a Honda Fit with a different engine and a higher ground clearance. The rear door handles mounted high next to the C-pillar give the HR-V a coupe-like profile. It's well proportioned with short overhangs, a low roof, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The HR-V 's wheelbase measures 102.8 inches, which is on par with its segment rivals. 

At the back, LED taillights also come standard but fog lights, mirror-mounted turn signals, and roof rails are optional. There are only four exterior colors on the LX and EX trims but there are eight on the EX-L model. So, if you like blue, green, or purplish-black called mulberry, you want to order that trim. Overall, the HR-V's exterior design isn't as aggressive or refined as other Honda products but next to the stubbier Fit, there is some elegance in this design.

Models 2018 Honda HR-V 2018 Toyota C-HR 2018 Hyundai Kona 2018 Mazda CX-3
Curb Weight (lbs) 2,902 3,300 2,890  2,809
Length (in) 169.1 171.2 164.0 168.3
Width( in) 69.8 70.7 70.9 69.6
Height (in) 63.2 61.6 61.0 60.7
Ground Clearance (in) 6.7 5.9 6.7 6.1
Wheelbase (in) 102.8 103.9 102.4 101.2
Track Width (in) F/R 60.4/60.6 60.6/60.6 61.4/61.7 60/59.9

The Toyota C-HR has the lowest ground clearance in this competition. Therefore, getting in and out of the vehicle is easy compared to its rivals. The Mazda CX-3 is shorter than the other competitors and this affects its headroom. The Hyundai Kona's overall length measures only 164 inches and hence, its cargo volume is less. 

2018 Honda HR-V Exterior Features

The main exterior features of the HR-V are as follows:

  • Halogen headlights
  • DRLs and fog lights
  • LED taillights
  • Heated exterior mirrors
  • Black grille
  • Black window trim
  • Rear roofline spoiler
  • 17-inch alloy wheels

Safety
6.0/10

Although Honda’s LaneWatch blind-spot camera is available, there are no accident avoidance tech features- Autotrader

The Honda HR-V scored a perfect safety rating of 5 stars from NHTSA for its excellent performance in all crash tests. In the case of IIHS, not all crash tests were conducted and hence, the HR-V didn't win the Top Safety Pick. However, it did receive 'Good' ratings in a few categories. It also received an 'Acceptable' rating for the driver's side crash test and the lowest 'Poor' rating for its headlights.

Compared to its rivals, these ratings are mediocre in the segment but the HR-V is surely a safe car. In terms of safety technologies, this is where the HR-V ranks low. The only standard advanced safety feature in this vehicle is a rearview camera while Honda's LaneWatch is an optional feature. There are no other driver-assist features available in the HR-V. The standard six airbags assist to improve the HR-V safety factor. 

Competition
7.0/10

2018 Honda HR-V vs 2018 Mazda CX-3

The Mazda CX-3 is similarly powered as the HR-V but offers a sportier ride quality and quicker pace that appeals to a lot of buyers. In terms of fuel economy. both the SUVs share the same stage. The rear seats of the CX-3 are less accommodating due to less passenger space while the cargo space is also on the lower side. The main plus point of the CX-3 is its great safety ratings and plenty of available driver aids. 

2018 Honda HR-V vs 2018 Toyota C-HR

The Toyota C-HR is slightly priced higher than the HR-V. It houses a weak engine that results in sluggish acceleration but stays in touch with the HR-V when it comes to fuel economy. The C-HR offers very little rear-row space and cargo capacity in this segment and that is its biggest drawback. But the strongest point of the C-HR is a long list of standard driver assistance features. 

2018 Honda HR-V vs 2018 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona offers nimble handling and is fuel-efficient as the HR-V. Its cabin is less roomy than the HR-V and also offers small maximum cargo space. But, it packs an intuitive infotainment system and more standard features than the HR-V. On the safety front, the Kona won the Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and also comes with the best driver assistance features and that is its main highlight. 

Final Verdict

The 2018 Honda HR-V is a simple small crossover. It's handsome, rides well, and has a quality interior. But it feels old next to recently designed crossovers like Honda's own CR-V and it lacks some of the premium features that its competitors offer. Therefore, the HR-V could be your perfect pick if you want a spacious and practical cabin. 

Trims

    LX
    $19,670 onwards
    • 5-Inch central display screen
    • 60/40-Split folding rear seat
    • Bluetooth
    • Four-Speaker sound system
    • Height-Adjustable driver seat
    • Honda'S Magic Seat feature
    • Rearview camera
    • Tilt-And-Telescoping steering wheel
    EX
    $21,720 onwards
    • 7-Inch touchscreen display
    • Automatic climate control
    • Automatic headlights
    • Honda'S LaneWatch
    • Keyless entry and ignition
    • Rear privacy glass
    • Six-Speaker sound system
    • Sunroof
    EX-L
    $25,140 onwards
    • Auto-Dimming rearview mirror
    • Leather upholstery
    • Navigation system w/ voice recognition
    • Roof rails
    • Satellite & HD radio

Compare to similar cars

6.8
2018 Honda HR-V

Price

$19,670- $26,540

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.82

Horsepower

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

7.0
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7.2
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2018 Honda HR-V vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    2018 Honda HR-V

    Ranked #10

    		9 sec17.1 sec117 mph
    		7.8 sec16.0 sec120 mph
    		7.9 sec--
    		8 sec16.1 sec120 mph
    		8 sec16 sec115 mph
    		8.2 sec16.2 sec120 mph
    Read More

    2018 Honda HR-V vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		25 mpg33 mpg28 mpg13.2 gal.330/435.6 mi.
      		52 mpg49 mpg50 mpg11.9 gal.618.8/583.1 mi.
      		29 mpg34 mpg31 mpg12.7 gal.368.3/431.8 mi.
      		27 mpg33 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/435.6 mi.
      		27 mpg31 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/409.2 mi.
      		26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg14.5 gal.377/478.5 mi.

      2018 Honda HR-V vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        		SourceCompare
        2018 Honda HR-V

        Ranked #26

        		169.1 in.69.8 in.63.2 in.6.7 in.102.8 in.
        		192.4 in.72.2 in.66.6 in.7.2 in.113.8 in.
        		189.6 in.72.4 in.66.1 in.8.7 in.108.1 in.
        		187.4 in.74.4 in.66.3 in.7.3 in.109.4 in.
        		185.1 in.72.4 in.66.3 in.7.9 in.109.8 in.
        		185 in.74 in.66.1 in.7.3 in.106.3 in.

        2018 Honda HR-V vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          		SourceCompare
          2018 Honda HR-V

          Ranked #25

          		24.3 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.10.4 cu.ft.
          		10.3 cu.ft.128.2 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.
          		30.9 cu.ft.103.6 cu.ft.59.6 cu.ft.
          		24.6 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.100.7 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.

          2018 Honda HR-V vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            		SourceCompare
            		10.4 cu.ft.24.3 cu.ft.10.4 cu.ft.-
            		7.6 cu.ft.39.2 cu.ft.75.8 cu.ft.-
            		117 cu.ft.30.9 cu.ft.59.6 cu.ft.-
            		48.4 cu.ft.18.8 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.74 ft.
            		239.4 cu.ft.10.3 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.-
            		54.5 cu.ft.19.4 cu.ft.54.5 cu.ft.-

            2018 Honda HR-V vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		1500 lbs.1113 lbs.2888 lbs.
              		9300 lbs.1233 lbs.3056 lbs.Jeep USA
              		8600 lbs.1031 lbs.2809 lbs.
              		6200 lbs.835 lbs.3300 lbs.
              		3500 lbs.1018 lbs.3237 lbs.
              		3208 lbs.1263 lbs.2805 lbs.

              2018 Honda HR-V SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              3

              Recalls

              1

              Investigations

              126

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2018 Honda HR-V User Reviews

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              JK

              Jann Knight

              2019 Honda HR-V

              EX 4dr SUV (1.8L 4cyl CVT)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 23, 2024

              My 2019 Honda HRV

              Pros - ["Gas Mileage", "Cargo space"]

              Cons - ["The drink holders", "Headlights aren't bright enough"]

              This car has been a great help to our family. We have two large dogs and when we need to take them to the vet or they want to take a ride in the car we can put the back seats up and they can lay on the floor in the back. They like that better than the patch because they can see us and we can touch them if we need to calm them down. We shop at all the big box stores and we can fit eight huge cases...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              Read more »

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