2016 / 2017 Honda HR-V Review and Road Test | DETAILED in 4K UHD!

The HR-V can be seen as both the CR-V’s mini-me and a crossover reincarnation of the Honda Fit. With optional AWD, the “Magic Seats” from the Fit and an enormous cargo room, the HR-V is the most practical entry in this segment. On the downside, the slow acceleration and slightly soft dynamics make the less practical CX-3 more fun.
Join Today: bit.ly/2WdCEwW
The Best Cars, Trucks & SUVs: • The A List - The Best ...
Follow AoA on Facebook: theautobuyersguide/
Follow The Mountain Garden: goo.gl/icFWcd

[@oldschool1928]

Alex sets the standard for car reviews, hands down. No need to visit the dealership. He describes everything except the new car smell. Good job, brother!

[@brucec43]

He does a great job, but please test drive a lot. Personal opinions vary on attributes of cars.

[@susie2574]

I bought this car, model and color, just three weeks ago and I LOVE IT. It's extremely comfortable to drive and ride in. It has TONS of room too. Super nice vehicle and I couldn't be more satisfied with my purchase. Of course I watched this review before purchasing, and for that reason I must thank you Alex for your time in this review. (Gorgeous, just gorgeous deep ocean blue pearl color with light grey leather interior too!😊)

[@denimlabels7315]

Can you come pick me up and bring me for a ride!?

[@TheManFromKansas]

Do you still have the car, i am test driving this car/year this weekend. What do you like/dislike about the car? and repairs? how is cvt engine?

[@Diannarrhea]

​@@TheManFromKansas did you get one? I'm in the same boat!

[@TheManFromKansas]

@@Diannarrhea No i passed, this is nothing but a larger Accord, and i am not a fan of cvt trnsmission

[@Later2u]

My daughter just purchased a 2016 HR-V with 44K. Glad to see it's a capable vehicle. Your review was very in-depth and well presented. Subscribed.

[@gareygamble6137]

Alex I have watched several reviews on the Honda HRV and yours was definitely the most detailed and informative great video review. Just bought a 2017 HRV and we love it. Thank you.

[@kevinjinlu7087]

May I ask you drive in rural area or city? I am considering this car too and would like to get some comments. Thanks.

[@Jaasau]

You must have had it for a while by now? How has it been. I want to buy a used 2017, and the CVT transmission and lack of power/acceleration is a concern of mine.

[@alexalmaguer3017]

I have a problem whit the pluvial

[@JMotorCity]

Alex, I love all of your reviews and watch them, even if you review a vehicle I have no interest in.

[@shmardog]

Great review! This is the most comprehensive video on HRV that I've seen.

[@BTC909]

This needs that 1.5L Turbo and the current head unit with one of those ancient volume knobs. Make it a flush push / pop button.

[@SonyEnthusiast]

No need smh. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5S6f4KalJ12mqs

[@juanlatournerie6873]

Best review I've seen overall Alex, very nice job

[@brandonwiggins540]

Alex does such an exceptional job that I'll even watch his reviews on vehicles I have no interest in lol. Well done sir.

[@er1115]

Who gave this a thumbs down? This has to be one of the best reviews on KZbin if not the best review.

[@akramh9982]

Great review Alex!

[@GaryBoyd02]

Good job best auto reviewer on the net!

[@jfazzuoli3813]

Excellent review. Here is my perspective as a current owner and long time Honda driver since 1986. I traded my 2014 Civic Si for this and honestly, the HRV is not that slow. It is more than competent in real world driving. In fact, it can be very fun. I too have the EX-L AWD. I drove the CX3 and found it had a flimsy feel and the interior volume was useless. I agree, the CX3 handles very similar to the HRV but I disagree the CX3 feels more powerful. They felt the same to me in terms of acceleration. I will say, having owned over a dozen Honda's over the decades, the HRV is the worst assembled of all of them. Panel gaps are large/uneven, the chassis/suspension makes mysterious noises at times, paint flaws, and the smells this thing expels from interior and engine/tranny are very strong. I've owned it for 5k miles now and it still smells. The Mexican made Fits are not any better in terms of build quality. I think Honda still has a lot of QC work to do at the Celaya factory. Oddly, despite this, overall the HRV still feels solid, drives smooth and is getting me 32 mpg in combined driving. 40 mpg is often seen on my secondary roads. The interior is well made and the built quality on the inside is much better. Today, I brought home an 8 ft kayak with the help of the magic seat configuration. Just throw a sheet over the front seat leather as to not soil or scratch the leather. Overall, still a great car that can be better by improved QC at the assembly plant.

[@rightlanehog3151]

+J Fazzuoli Thorough!

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Scary!

[@focusedfreebird]

J Fazzuoli yes the fit interior cardboard carpet is cheap and around wheel wells flooring etc....but guess that's how they keep price reasonable...it still a fun drive and I love it because it is a gas sipper....very easy on wallet at the pump....

[@GoldStandardGames]

nice work mate

[@pgkershaw]

J Fazzuoli I

[@astrog8tr]

The best car reviewer I have found on youtube. Relates like cars together-- doesn't compare a Honda with a Jaguar.. Does not whine about details (oooo ooo it's just so noisy, oh my!) but reports honestly and with stats (70 decibels) Only thing I find a little, okay I'm new to watching these, let's say interesting,., is all the references to "aggressive styling, etc etc". However did understand "off putting", yes, I agree re: Nissan Juke, you would like or hate. Otherwise, I have no idea what that actually means. But overall Alex is an excellent reviewer.

[@1234everbs]

That intro! Looks good! Great review :)

[@derrickdavis7917]

I can't wait to pick one up in the upcoming years. I just bought a nissan rogue...but would LOVE to own this

[@hope4surf]

Great review! Thank you!

[@grahamjefferson4854]

If Honda were to offer their new 1.5 turbo engine in this vehicle it would probably be best in the segment IMO. Great review as always!

[@waynewilliams1487]

Graham Jefferson I would run away from that engine. Because of the dillution problemnit is super unreliable. I ecpect anrecall soon. I am choosingnthe hrv over the crv because it has better looks and a more reliwble engine.

[@yonyon8670]

U got your wish also will stay away from 1.5L turbo 🤣

[@SadhuTravels]

Fantastic review

[@baldheadlogic]

Exceptional Review Alex! If I were in the market for one of these small CUVs, I would probably pick this vehicle as well. The mazda will drive better but will be less comfortable and roomy for sure.

[@russelharley4607]

I think for 2017/2018 Honda should add LED headlights and probably the new 1.5 turbo in the hrv. After that huge sales!

[@ThatWasherNerd]

Love that intro

[@wemphyajaa3160]

Great review

[@TechRevs]

The CR-V is the biggest in this car size lineup because the CR-V is a Midsize SUV but the rest are Small Crossovers but The CR-V and the HR-V are better for me

[@athiest4you]

Great review.

[@strykerking]

great vids please keep it up.

[@larryrx7sports253]

Outstanding Review! As always your vehicle reviews are very thorough, complete, and comprehensive!Question: In your opinion, of the 2017 Honda CRV & the 2017 Toyota RAV4, which one is best, most desirable, Value? Which model/package?

[@mas502arc]

I don't get why people expect a power seat in an affordable car. It adds weight, and the HR-V being a nice weight (lighter than the Toyota CH-R) only helps the fuel economy. If you're the only driver, why does it matter that the seat is power? You'll set it once and forget it. Even if you share the car with someone else, wouldn't it be theoretically easier to note your position based on the 'notches' instead of waiting for the slow mechanism of power seat? Just some random thoughts.... Great review by the way!

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Good video on the HR-V. I will be test driving one in about a week. I visited a local showroom and sat in one today. I do wish it had power front seats and more HP .....maybe in 2017 it will get a boost to oh .....160hp ....180hp would be great. I did test drive the FIAT 500X Trekking Plus and actually loved it. You can get it with 180hp (even the smaller engine is 160hp) and the drivers front seat (only) is powered. Weird that the passenger front seat isn't. I actually like the quirky looks of it as it is unique. As for the HR-V; I do like the looks of it too. And you can get an optional front grill package that makes it look even more attractive and aggressive. I did visit a Mazda showroom a few weeks ago to chat about the CX-3, but have not done a test drive (yet). I will also test drive an Audi Q3. Yes, yes. I know it's not apples to apples . I am sort of seeing what I like and what I can afford. I currently have a 2003 Infiniti FX35AWD. I don't necessarily needs tons of space, but I do want to keep the utility to some extent and have AWD in my next vehicle. Plus, some of the features I'm missing in my 2003 Infiniti either did not exist or were very expensive back then. Heck, a base CX-3 has more tech than my FX35. Again, thanks for your video.

[@kittylozon2106]

I have a 1916 CRV ( I called her Kitty ) and a 2020 HRV.... ( she's Kitty's mini me. ) ;)

[@rickthomas9278]

great review ... I went with the crv ... ex trim

[@fujiobass]

Thank you, very good, precise.

[@chiluco2000]

Thanks Alex! This is a great review and rounds it up for all small crossovers. I would have the HR-V and the CX-3 on my short list. I think the Kia Soul looks dated and might be upgraded soon. The heart wants the CX-3 but a reasonable mind tells to pick the HR-V!

[@sparklander]

+chiluco2000 The HRV is fine if you never have anyone over 5' tall sitting in the rear seat. I am 5'11" and have to tilt my head to not hit the roof.

[@jariol]

I know several people that have the HRV. They like the car. But every one of them either told me before or after they went to the dealership to buy a CRV. In Hawaii the dealerships are asking about $35,000 otd for the entry level CRV. The mid level HRV is about $29,000 otd. I can't help but think the HRV is the car buyers are settling for when they don't want to pony up the $$ for a CRV. But want to feel they got a crossover. It's the same with the other similar cars in this class. Like the Mazde CX-3 and Toyota's offering

[@valdius85]

There is AWD 1.5 hybrid in Japan. I like it a lot for what it is.

[@TwoCaptainsOneShip]

I enjoyed the review. The only thing I thought that was weird were the lack of comparisons to the Subaru Crosstrek. Aren't these cars in the same sub-compact SUV group?

[@chanchito2009]

Awesome review but Can you review 2016 Subaru crosstrek limited with eyesight please

[@zzhong23]

Awesome review.. Can you review 2016 jeep Cherokee ??

[@user4732_]

His opinion is the only one I trust.

[@scanrps]

May have to wait for a early 19 HRV for needed improvements, turbo, and Apple Play?

[@justinemccutcheon6159]

Hi Alex, what did you think of the touch controls for the A/C, heat, etc.? Was it responsive? I'm just worried since it's all touch, over time it will become problematic without any real control knobs.

[@cadsux]

Great review. I've traded my 2013 Honda CR-Z for a used 2016 Soul ! for $17,000 with 5,600 miles on it. It's strange that they're about the same length & weight, but the Soul is roomy enough for my 6 ft plus colleagues. I'm a big fan of hatchbacks / wagons, having owned a Mazda3 & CX-7 prior, but the CX-3's seats are a bit cramped, similar to my old Nissan 370z, and the cabin a bit noisier. Also, AWD adds to insurance costs. The Soul is just a better value, as reliable as any Mazda or Honda, with great crash test scores. Of course, the cube shape isn't for everyone, but matches my flat-top just fine.

[@chrissorreda4982]

Don't worry, I love the Soul also!

[@stockjonebills]

Now thats a nice Honda interior.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

lol

[@LorraDear1]

Hi Alex, I've been looking for your 2018 Honda Accord Touring review. Will you be doing one?

[@diannemaloney5501]

If the floor pan is lower than average, what is the ground clearance?

[@chanchito2009]

How do you compare this to the Subaru Crosstrek limited with eyesight?

[@canerkaracaer5829]

Alex, any plans for reviewing Subaru Outback?

[@paulpellico3797]

Hey Alex...another very good review. Why no comparison with the Subaru Crosstrek? I believe, although it is based upon a compact, it is called a subcompact crossover/suv. If a larger class, it certainly looks as small as this car. The Honda is actually large when you stand next to it. I even think it is priced as low...unless you get the hybrid.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+paul pellico Honestly it slipped my mind.

[@paulpellico3797]

+Alex on Autos No problem...with all the things you cover its amazing this is even this great. While driving from Florida back to my MO house I saw the Subaru on the road a lot. It does seem to fit these easily. I actually think it looks really nice. Gotta try driving one someday.

[@theunmaskedninja]

I'll just wait for the next model

[@mariorego1333]

Alex, what other vehicle were you referring to about the passenger seat folding forward flat? I think that's a great feature that more crossovers should have.Thanks for all the great reviews.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Mario Rego The Cherokee, Trax, Encore and most Volvo models will do this.

[@popopopo4981]

when going up the parking building, what gear shift would you choose? still D?

[@MianAtee]

Can you please let me know how to change the language to English in the interNavi multimedia system?

[@trailgnomeadventures5691]

Alex, what version of the HRV would you buy? Sometimes you include this tidbit at the end of your reviews. I think making this information would be great to include at the end of ALL your reviews by the way.

[@JMotorCity]

I like when Alex gives that perspective as well.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+trail gnome I'd probably get the mid-level trim, although personally since I don't have kids I think I would get the CX-3 instead.

[@waynewilliams1487]

To make this livable sounds likenyou have to keep it in sport mode. The mpgs are so good no worries in sport mode.

[@mpcorbett]

Great review.. Thank you for all the detail. I am a family of 3 and looking to buy into this category of vehicle. We are willing to wait a short while until the 2018 HR-V comes out. Given this vehicle is only coming into its 3rd generation, what do you hear are the likely / potential changes in the model?

[@SonyEnthusiast]

Big changes have been made for the 2019: carplay and android auto, led headlights, improved CVT, quieter cabin, power driver seat, new wheel designs, etc.

[@normt5463]

@@SonyEnthusiast the price increases are not helping the sales decline from 2018 for HR-V.

[@cblais19]

With the new 1.5T engine and Honda Sensing this would be at the top of the segment. Hopefully they rush out that change for 2017 or '18.

[@cblais19]

+Lexusguy0525 Yeah, even the mild bump from the revised 2.0 would be welcome.

[@graham-jefferson]

Great review! I think if Honda offered the Civic's 1.5 turbo in the HR-V it would drive better without sacrificing efficiency. If you could get it in the LX trim as an option, I'd be sold. It could do without the faux stitching molded into the plastic on the dash though. That's a really awful design choice on an otherwise tidy little car.

[@RonnieGreher]

What an awesome review. Thank you Alex for your attention to detail. I have a '10 Fit Sport and a '15 Fit EXL. Both are great. I like the HRV, but am holding off on a new car purchase for now. Hopefully the infotainment system in the HRV will be brought up to the current gen in the Fit soon.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Let's see how this compares to the new Toyota C-HR when it debuts later this year.

[@kenander45]

Alex- Did I hear your imply that a sunroof car has more headroom? Are you sure about that?

[@ibmtpx24]

What about the off road ability with Subaru Crosstrek? Shouldn't it be mentioned in the comparison section?

[@mpa4712]

I would think so to. That seems like the perfect comparison to me. @ttacvideo doesn't ever seem to include Subaru cars in any comparison whether it's the Legacy, Outback, etc.

[@rickthomas9278]

sure glad i went with the crv 1

[@CumBrianFries]

So it's slower AND less fuel efficient than the bigger CR-V? The only thing HR-V has going or it is the exterior design, it's beautiful!

[@SonyEnthusiast]

Yup, looks good! My best was 42 mpg so it depends on how you drive. Also the magic seats are useful!

[@matthewyim1736]

Alex, in all trims for the HR-V, the seat adjustments are all manual and no power adjustments?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Correct

[@SonyEnthusiast]

The current touring model has power seats

[@Scott_B1029]

I got an HR-V for a loaner when my Civic was in the shop. I thought the ride was awfully stiff and bouncy. It reminded me of an old S-10 Blazer. OK around town. but I'd hate to rack up 700 miles in a day in it. Other than the ride there was a lot to like.

[@Scott_B1029]

Maybe it rode better on the highway than on the city streets I was on. Yes, the floor is high, the gas tank is under the front seats so you can't pull your leg back.

[@smonkey001]

You can get Napa leather heat/cold front seat and a 2.0 turbo in the Soul. it's crazy.

[@JakeDrives1]

No turbo in the soul unfortunately !

[@potentialise]

Awd in a soul?

[@danieloherrick6332]

No comparison to the Crosstrek?

[@KingCarlofcarlWorld]

A manual LX that I test drove after a cvt EX FWD was significantly peppier. The manual would be my preference, but I am shopping for AWD since I have to drive up and down an unpaved mountain road. Honda should put the base Civic engine in the HR-V, at least for a sportier model.

[@thecarelectronicguy687]

I think you'll want to look at the Subaru Forester. It can be had with a 6 speed manual on two of its trim levels and has a more reasonable amount of power. Not to mention the standard AWD, which sounds like something that you'd want. The only problem is that you'll have almost no chance in finding one on a lot, so you'll likely have to special order it through the dealership.

[@ATLOffroad]

I like the interior of the car compared to the CX3, or the Buick Encore I recently rented.

[@Yo0T0oB]

You already did a review of 2016 HRV back in April 2015, why another one???????

[@mrshawn90]

What y’all think a bout LX upgrade parts to 2019

[@xp50player]

Sha Money -I got the 2019 Sport wheels for my 2016 LX, leather wheel, leather shift knob, and similar ebay exhaust tip on order. Don’t know yet about fit for the 2019 black gloss trim, or if it even comes painted. Might have to wait for salvage parts to turn up on ebay.

[@acomoyearwood2716]

Very nice for me

[@seanz1297]

Hi Alex, can you make a comparison about hrv and outlander sport please?

[@theflyingbrompton4787]

Sean Zhong Honda v Mitsubishi...what's to compare? Lol !

[@normt5463]

@@theflyingbrompton4787 Buick Encore outsells the HR-V as people do not want to over pay for Honda economy cars.

[@theflyingbrompton4787]

Norm T what? HRV 1st qtr sales for 2019 29,600 vehicles v. Encore 1st qtr sales for 2019 24,600 (-3.4%), according to GM reports. 🤷🏻‍♂️. Now if you’re talking Mexico sales then you would be correct since the HRV is not sold in that country.

[@normt5463]

@@theflyingbrompton4787 the Chevy Trax is also a competitor to HR-V and has sold as many so far this year. Encore is getting a new model for 2020 so sales may drop slightly but Encore has always been at the top since 2013 when they started this segment.

[@theflyingbrompton4787]

Norm T I understand for some it’s hard to admit they are wrong. Cough cough. Back to your original point...it was simply not true. If you don’t like Hondas, why are you here?

[@matt4398]

just like the honda fit, the rear seats have more lumbar and more leg room than the front seats. if I could drive from the back it'd be comfortable.

[@watch3r9]

i cant wait for the toyota c-hr

[@jaykae3952]

Toyota sucks.

[@yonyon8670]

9.5 is slow?

[@Researcher_YouTube]

Love your videos, but I hate the embedded commercials.

[@2004cyrus]

Researcher I think it’s how he makes a living while bringing us this free content.

[@penmuni3833]

Why do these infomercials masquerade as 'reviews'? ... but its a good car. I have a 2016 for four years now and it was worth every penny. Plot twist: Maybe I was paid by the Takahiro Hachigo as well. Muahahaha....

[@smokedoobi]

This truck reminds me of a 15 year old truck. Everything looks old like it's been done dozens of times. I would buy this car if its selling for $16,000

[@spunkmire2664]

no coolant temp gauge, huh...

[@lincolnccoorrtteezz8236]

The pilot isn't a cross over, its a mid-full size suv

[@unnamedny]

Didn't that car had 1.5L engine last year? I think 1.5l engine from Fit is extremely small for such car.

[@oldtwins]

+Roman O No, not in the US market.

[@unnamedny]

+oldtwins Thank you for clarification. but I still think it's extremely small engine. It should have had at least 2.0L one. It's a shame that Honda Fit is faster than this car.

[@Omfcody1]

5:32 CR-V**

[@nd318865]

Alex; what is the status of "air bags" in Honda vehicles these days?

[@nd318865]

Thanks. Were awaiting replacements for 2 of our vehicles... Interesting situation is it not?

[@723lion]

fit is standalone not comparable to civic, theres a smaller sedan call City but only available in Asia.

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Looks like you do not have a review video on the 2016 FIAT 500X. What a shame. :/

[@jduke989]

why not put the 1.5 in it with 190 hp , this car would fly off the lot and still get great mpg

[@cgrscott]

Alex, I kind of get the impression that you are board with this car.

[@weaseldragon]

I have to quibble with a couple of points here. Alex says the CVT provides "much better gas mileage," but that's subjective: per the EPA ratings, the CVT delivers 28 city/35 hwy, and the manual 25 city/34 hwy. That's a 10% CVT advantage (combined). Slightly better. Not "much better." More importantly, Car & Driver testing observed only 26 mpg for the CVT (in mixed driving) vs. 29 mpg for the manual. Also, Alex says the CVT delivers faster acceleration, but Car & Driver found the FWD CVT did 0 to 60 in 8.6 seconds vs the manual in 8.4 seconds (essentially the same within a reasonable margin of error.) Note that I've seen similar results from other sources here on KZbin.

[@Scott_B1029]

I think the EPA test shortchanges the manuals. My Civic is rated 29/35/32 and I've nursed it up to as high as 42.6 mpg.

[@timdaugherty5921]

Bought a 2019 Touring AWD today. Paid $32K in cash

[@toyota420xp]

chr by toyota

[@matt4398]

shift paddles on a cvt.... great engineering?? ha

[@buildmorefarms1007]

HR-V has less hp than a base Mitsubishi Outlander Sport!

[@erikyoo2835]

i hate the tail lights of this car and on the CRV also, deal breaker for me.

[@raphjern]

discounted bmw x6 xD

[@VintageGamerLtd]

MPG gauge instead of a temperature gauge... STUPID! Sorry Honda, looks like I'm buying something else!

[@UltimateTuner10]

Great review and a pretty lousy car. Acceleration is extremely poor, the whole thing feels and drives cheap and tinny, and at 60k the suspension groans at low speeds and feels blown out at speed.

[@LuisMendoza-qv1er]

It looks a little bit ugly and cheap to me

[@SonyEnthusiast]

And you think the Juke looks good