Summary
The second-generation Honda HR-V is a small SUV/crossover that shares its platform with the previous Jazz supermini. This model was launched in 2015 and it came to the end of its production cycle in early 2021, ahead of an all-new hybrid-only HR-V model launching later the same year.
The HR-V received average to good reviews from the UK motoring media across its production life, with our overall Expert Rating generally placing it in the middle of the small SUV/crossover field over the last couple of years. The HR-V Sport model that arrived towards the end of its model life tended to receive poorer reviews than the rest of the range.
The Honda HR-V received particular praise for its spaciousness, practicality and versatility, but was criticised for a lack of refinement and poor value for money compared to rivals.
No longer on sale, the Honda HR-V has a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 63%.
- Honda HR-V (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Honda Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £20,040 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2015
Last updated: Spring 2019
Replacement due: Late 2021
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: HR-V Sport 1.5-litre petrol manual
“The Honda HR-V Sport is a seriously fun and genuinely interesting small SUV, although the price is a hefty jump over other HR-V models in the range.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Honda HR-V is a reliable small crossover that offers decent space and excellent levels of safety.”
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Model reviewed: Sport
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s quite bizarre to have such a feisty four-cylinder engine in what is a family crossover, and it’s linked to a sweet, mechanical six-speed manual action that really wouldn’t feel out of place in a good hot hatchback.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Style is a strong motivation for buyers of these cars and remains a personal choice but, objectively, the HR-V is competent, refined, reliable and blessed with a few neat touches of its own, though the infotainment system isn’t the sharpest in the class.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual
Score: 6 / 10
“Artfully packaged but no oil painting, then, this is a solid effort which somehow fails to blow the frock up in any particular department.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If practicality is a top priority, the Honda HR-V is a great choice thanks to its versatile seats and big boot. It’s also good to drive and looks the part, while most of the range also represents good value for money.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Honda HR-V is a spacious crossover with a stylish exterior and plenty of equipment inside.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Its looks might not appeal to everyone but the Honda HR-V’s high-quality cabin and practical boot make it an appealing choice for small families looking for something a bit different.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual EX
Score: 4 / 10
“Comfy seats, bags of room and great visibility, but this car bored the pants off me – and driving it left me cold…” (Chris Evans)
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Evo
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Honda HR-V is a very good family car. Unfortunately, the high price tag limits its appeal from an economic standpoint, while individuals and families seeking a little more driving fun would be better served by some of the HR-V’s less expensive rivals.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Honda HR-V combines a reputation for reliability with a big boot and stylish crossover looks, making it a superb buy on the used market. It represents decent value for money, too, although you’ll have to hunt out an expensive Sport model for the most desirable features.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Owners are cynical about the Honda HR-V 1.6-litre diesel’s economy, suggesting it’s capable of up to 60mpg. Some way off the official figure, but still very good for its size.”
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Model reviewed: Sport
“A single word describes the new Honda HR-V Sport: Fun.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual EX
” The Honda HR-V 1.6 iDTEC fuel economy, space, practicality, handling and ride comfort make it a viable alternative to rivals, while legendary Honda reliability makes the experience entirely painless.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“Whichever specification of Honda HR-V you choose, you’ll be impressed by the level of standard equipment packed into the car.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual EX
Score: 8 / 10
“In the new HR-V Honda has created a solid, competent compact crossover that is more versatile than most of the competition. Its conservatism and practicality will probably make the HR-V more of a success this time round.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Sport
Score: 6 / 10
“The HR-V Sport’s curious mix of comfort and pace means it’s rather idiosyncratic, but its quirky character might appeal to SUV buyers fed up of having to accept a firm ride as the payoff for a potent petrol engine. If you’re after a genuinely exciting small SUV, though, this isn’t it.”
Read review
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Honda HR-V certainly has its appeal, but insist on a longer test drive than normal before committing to purchase to ensure you get on with the firm seats.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“Not as good to drive as we hoped, but the interior design and space make up for it. Solid effort.”
Read review
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 86%
Child protection: 79%
Vulnerable road users: 72%
Safety assist: 71%
Note on safety rating
The second-generation Honda HR-V was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2015 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Honda HR-V to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Honda HR-V was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 10
Average repair cost: £291.19
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of February 2024, the Honda HR-V has an excellent reliability score of 85%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy.
The only caveat to this score is that it comes from relatively few vehicles to data, so the score may fluctuate as more data is added over time.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 42 mpg | D | 39 – 43 mpg | C – D |
Diesel models | 55 mpg | B | 54 – 57 mpg | B – B |
Hybrid models | 52 mpg | B | 52 – 52 mpg | B – B |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 153 g/km | B | 148 – 163 g/km | B – C |
Diesel models | 134 g/km | A | 132 – 136 g/km | A – B |
Hybrid models | 122 g/km | A | 122 – 122 g/km | A – A |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 31 | C | 19 – 31 | A – C |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £224 | B |
Year 2 | £524 | B |
Year 3 | £902 | B |
Year 4 | £1,093 | B |
Year 5 | £1,530 | B |
Overall | £4,273 | B |
The Honda HR-V is a reasonably expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Although it gets decent scores for servicing and maintenance, and the hybrid and diesel models look fairly economical, the better-selling petrol models have poor fuel economy for quite a small car.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Honda HR-V received
2017
- Honest John Awards – Best Small Crossover
2016
- AM Awards – New Car of the Year
- Tow Car Awards – Best Tow Car, under 1,400kg
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Honda HR-V, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 Aircross | Dacia Duster | Fiat 500X | Ford EcoSport | Hyundai Kona | Jeep Renegade | Kia Stonic | Mazda CX-3 | MG ZS | Mitsubishi ASX | Nissan Juke | Peugeot 2008 | Renault Captur | SEAT Arona | Skoda Kamiq | SsangYong Tivoli | Suzuki Vitara | Toyota Yaris Cross | Vauxhall Crossland | Vauxhall Mokka | Volkswagen T-Cross | Volkswagen T-Roc
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