The Honda HR-V is a small SUV/crossover that shares its platform with the Jazz supermini. The current model is the second vehicle to use the HR-V name, with a similar small crossover model offered a decade before.
The HR-V has received average to good reviews from the UK motoring media, with our overall Expert Rating currently placing it in the middle of the small SUV/crossover field. The new HR-V Sport model has received generally poorer reviews than the rest of the range.
The Honda HR-V has received particular praise for its spaciousness, practicality and versatility, but has been criticised for a lack of refinement and poor value for money compared to rivals.
More Honda news, reviews, features and offers
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £20,040 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2015
Last updated: Spring 2019
Replacement due: TBA
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media
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: 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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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Honda HR-V is a small crossover that offers decent space in a reliable package.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“Practical, spacious and well engineered the Honda HR-V may be, but too little work has been done to make this part of a wider, imaginative and appealing product.”
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Model reviewed: HR-V 1.5-litre petrol manual Sport
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s hard to work out who the Honda HR-V Sport is aimed at, because traditional HR-V buyers, as in the ones looking for a sensible, reliable and spacious crossover, are better served by a middling non-turbo petrol model for a far more reasonable outlay.”
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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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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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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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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Honda HR-V has a spacious interior by class standards and an absolutely enormous boot. It’s also well equipped, but it does look quite pricey against the best rivals in this class.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6.3 / 10
“Practical but coarse crossover.”
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2015
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The Honda HR-V has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Honda HR-V has 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
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