Honda HR-V 2022 In-Depth Review - The Ultimate Hybrid SUV?

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This new generation Honda HR-V is part of a new generation of far more efficient small SUVs. It's a self charging full-Hybrid with a fiendishly clever powertrain. And there's a sophisticated interior that retains the previous model's neat 'Magic' folding seats. In short, there's lots to like here. A large number of HR-V owners buy another and this MK3 model aims to keep them loyal.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:34 Background
03:30 Driving Experience
10:00 Design & Build
24:04 Market & Model Range
38:06 Cost of Ownership
43:03 Summary
Background
It's taken some time for small SUVs to fully get on board with the current electrified automotive zeitgeist, but things are gradually changing. Take this car, Honda's third generation HR-V, now only available in 'e:HEV' hybrid form.
Self-charging hybrid form that is. Honda doesn't seem to be bothering with petrol-powered Plug-in hybrids. Instead, it's devoted its attention to making ordinary full-Hybrids work as efficiently as possible. These being hybrids of the sort that can occasionally allow the car to run independently on full-electric power, rather than the rather ineffective Mild Hybrid powerplants you'll find in segment rivals like Ford Puma and the Kia's Stonic. Let's take a closer look.
Driving Experience
This MK3 HR-V shares both its 'Global Small Car' platform and its 1.5-litre four-cylinder Hybrid petrol engine with the current Jazz supermini. As there, a pair of electric motors, based alongside the engine, are at lower speeds responsible for most of the propulsion, the petrol powerplant serving mostly as a generator. Only at high speeds does the engine take over, with an output of 131PS - slightly more than the Jazz because of the HR-V's larger size. The powertrain works in either of three selectable drive modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' - all of which offer different levels of electric-combustion input. The powertrain itself automatically switches between three settings as you drive - 'Electric Drive', 'Hybrid Drive' and 'Engine Drive' - to maximise efficiency.
When driving at a constant high-speed, such as on the highway, the system operates in 'Engine Drive' form, as that is most efficient for cruising. If further acceleration is required, such as when overtaking, the car will switch to 'Hybrid Drive' to gain the necessary extra performance boost. Despite a bigger battery pack than that used on the Jazz - 60 cells rather than 48 - the car can't drive very far in all-electric form. Instead, it's all about how efficiently the electric power can be provided - and then deployed for as much city driving as possible. There's 253Nm of torque and 62mph from rest takes 10.6s.
Design and Build
This third generation HR-V may closely match the dimensions of its predecessor but it looks significantly different. Slim LED headlights flank the redesigned front grille at the end of the long bonnet. Move to the side and a more rakish profile is emphasised by roof line 20mm lower than the previous model. Plus Honda has added a straight-edged shoulder line and raised the ride height by 10mm, while fitting larger 18-inch wheels.
Inside, the cabin's been designed to maximise the feeling of spaciousness, aided by the adoption of the same minimalist design language first used in the little Honda e. The dashboard incorporates a 9-inch centre touchscreen and a 7-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster. Interestingly, in place of traditional dashboard air vents, there are instead two L-shaped outlets by the A-pillars - Honda's 'Air Diffusion System' - which directs air down the inside of the windows and provides a curtain of air to cool or warm passengers.
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#HondaHRV #NewHRV #CarReview

[@colinlambert791]

I have owned my HR-V since 15th January and would make the following comments. Different regen doesn't show much difference in retardation? RUBBISH! level one is about the same as an ordinary ICE powered car. Full regen slows the car down quite markedly. No level of regen will bring the car to complete halt. " Unfortunately seat does not have lumbar support" basically because the seat is so good. I challenge anyone to have a back as bad as mine andI am superbly comfortable. It does NOT have a CVT gearbox it has an e:CVT which in reality is a dog clutch which locks the engine to the electric propulsion when extra 'urge' is required. Disregard the Honda performance figures. Carwow timed it 0-62 at 8.69 seconds and like wise the consumption is better than that quoted by Honda.

[@platypushatstand]

Actually, carwow stated 8.67s, identical to my Honda Jazz Sport CVT.

[@troecurov3]

Hi, Collin, HrV or Sportage? Please help.

[@bobmizen1]

We bought a new one in March 2022 and are very pleased with it, and it hardly drops below 50mpg. Bob M South Wales

[@kdegraa]

I live in New South Wales.

[@efstathioszavvos4878]

Very in-depth review thank you!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Our pleasure, Efstathios! Our team supplies every make and model in the UK and will be more than happy to help secure your next vehicle 👍 Get in touch on 01903 538835 or book a free consultation here - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@samuelfitzpatrick9739]

This car reignited the love I had for honda. Thank you honda for giving this to us the brand loyalist.

[@Boystarx]

Appreciate the hard work...

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching! Make sure to subscribe for more in-depth vehicle reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@randyamedeka675]

In-depth review. No stone left unturned. ❤

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

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[@Earl_VTEC]

Such a nice car my test drive was great!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Ah that's wonderful news! One of our vehicle experts will be happy to explore pricing and options closer to help you find your perfect model 👍 Get in touch on 01903 538835 or book a date/time for a quick chat - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@samuelfitzpatrick9739]

I love this car

[@loveclose]

Test drove just over a month ago. My eyeline is always level with the top of the windscreen.... OK for most driving situations except town driving where I had to continually crouch down to see the traffic lights. This with driving seat in lowest position. The CVT gearbox is unresponsive, and gets close to uncontrollable maximum revs every time you add any power. I love the design, but can't live with those two issues.

[@garysmith6994]

Excellent

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching, Gary 👍

[@toy2day1]

A great review as always. In Greece it's base version is 1000 euros more than the Lexus UX basic. And it delivers 122 CO² which is enough for not letting the car enter the Athens' Ring. Not a wise choice, regardless how good car it is

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Interesting...thanks for sharing!

[@chowweihsien358]

What about the road noise at highway speed and over coarse surfaces?

[@t0nini0ni]

after 1 month with HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC e CVT i-MMD ELEGANCE version in Greece: the price is 33.800 euro and I have 3 questions- HONDA not you of course-: why do not have front fog lights and have heating seats ,safety against cold?LOL. The NOISE if engine start and the sound insulation from outside is scary.....and why if you deactivate the TRAFFIC SING RECOGNITION and the ROAD DEPARTURE MULTIGATION system every time you stop and start the car this systems is activate?THANK YOU THANK YOU 4 THIS VIDEO

[@philliu2669]

where do I buy one, I do not see inside dealership. and it is not advertised in US market.

[@tombennetto9899]

The navigation background really doesn't work. Impossible to read. Small black letters on s white background. Otherwise great car. Love every aspect of it. A real joy to own

[@B1rdTheW0rd]

I’m still trying to figure out how to buy this vehicle. The only place this model shows up is on KZbin. Both Google and the Honda website don’t have it listed. It shows the old style HRV.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Colton, our vehicle experts can look into this for you 👍 Get in touch on 01903 538835 or click here to book a call online - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@kdegraa]

A smart and stylish car. Japanese refinement.

[@tr7287]

Why can’t the exterior of the new 2023 CRV look like this?

[@benjaminhewson900]

my car honda is the best 2022

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Brilliant to hear Benjamin 👍 which Honda model do you drive?

[@FrugalRoo]

It is worth noting that the engine sound when accelerating hard has absolutely nothing to do with rate of progress. There is no gearbox so there is no elasticity like a CVT. What you are hearing is a synthetic sound that is produced through the speakers to make you feel like it is a sporty engaging drive. Also, the engine and the electic motor never work together, it is one or the other with the electric motor the more powerful. The petrol engine is used on its own only when the operating conditions are optimal for maximum efficiency. Even then its output might partly be used for charging to further optimise because the engine is always connected to the second electric motor, used for generation only. Regen mode can be fixed without it being overriden when the car is operated in Sport mode with the letter M appearing next to the indicator. Note that this is not possible when cruise control is switched on.

[@angelicagulake3361]

Marquis du Zaire

[@loading418]

finally

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Interested in getting one? Explore your options with our team on 01903 538835 or book a free consultation - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@enriqueali]

Arguably best-in-class exterior and interior styling and typical Honda good quality fit and finish is let down by woefully lacklustre performance, even for this typically less-than-sporty vehicle segment.

[@jpmackin]

I hate the ‘moo’ ….too.

[@dfd6787]

Somehow front really reminds of 2020 Hyundai Tucson. Wonder if they got inspired by it.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Ooh nice observation! What do you make of the Honda HR-V?

[@dfd6787]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Need to test drive it, but so far looks really good upgrade since last version!

[@PQV-8898]

Great looking SUV but I'm not a fan of the hidden rear door handles? Why? There's absolutely no good reason for that. Pretty stupid to be frank.

[@eversun77]

‘Stupid’? It’s called ‘design’

[@PQV-8898]

@@eversun77 Umm, it's a stupid design. LMAO, what don't you understand?

[@kent100ss]

I drove a 2022 Honda HR-V hybrid for my road trip from San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park. I drove over 2100 miles and I average 32MPG for my trip. What I like: camping mode works like wonder when I sleep in it in camping ground when temperature was around 30 degree. It was comfortable to sleep inside while the engine is keeping the temperature around 75 degree. Well equipment with technology: lane centering, blind spot monitor, power seat for both driver and passenger seats, moon roof, Adaptive Cruise Control. What I don’t like: 32MPG is low for a hybrid vehicle. Lane centering is not reliable. Seat is very uncomfortable. It is the worst seat I have tried ever.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for sharing your feedback! Always great to hear from an HR-V owner 👍 Make sure to subscribe to keep up-to-date with our latest in-depth reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@robin9014]

I think this is gonna be the CRV version on the US, if you see the front of this and the picture they post on Instagram it looks similar

[@nipunkalupahana6675]

The previous gen HR-v was very underperforming compared to the CR-v and even other competitors of the same class. And as for this model, 0-62 in 10.6 seconds is way below what other manufacturers offer. I'm hoping corolla cross hybride will be a better performer than this, as my options are limited

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Nipun, our vehicle experts will be happy to explore your options to help you find the perfect model! Get in touch on 01903 538835 or book a date/time for a chat here - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@cemkocasoy]

0-62 in 10.6 sec is Honda's conservative statement, independent tests show 8.67 sec.

[@RiteWhinger]

In the real world Honda has understated the performance as I blow off many German cars at the lights.

[@richrichie378]

It's got plenty of plus points but lacks a bit of power. I'd want around the 180 bhp and a smoother transition from e-power to petrol. For me I'd say the Kia Sportage seems the pick in this segment.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Rich. Here's our Sportage review in case you're interested! kzbin.info/www/bejne/amSuY2Rpqr5sbZY

[@billy4147]

Good luck buying a new Honda in Australia. No one will sell you one! weird to say the least

[@ralph332]

Please give length in inches in your videos.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We'll take this on board Ralph! The majority of manufacturers quote dimensions in millimetres but we appreciate that this isn't always helpful 👍

[@slugger7440]

Why does every car review feel the need to ask a question in the title? I haven't got to watch this in full yet but this is definitely not the ultimate hybrid.

[@dfd6787]

Clicks help with video production. To cater the clicks means catering the algorithym. There you get the pattern for titles, and thumbnails.

[@waynekerrr9027]

Not everyone asking question...Why do you say that ???????????????? 😂😂😂

[@majdakeran1987]

The engine is a disaster. This is not a Honda at all. Consumption on the test drive was almost 7 liters. The car is not going anywhere and is as loud as slaughtering people in the Middle Ages.

[@slugger7440]

@@majdakeran1987 Honda just aren't at the races in the UK. The new civic will have this same weak power train and you won't be able to get the best engine, gearbox and interior spec combined. Mark my words.

[@plightn]

I think you called it a piece of shit in so many words hahaha! It’s about to come out here in the US and I fear it will have the same specs. Honda kind of does release some cars before they are really ready and refine them with the years.

[@fegik5922]

Reminds me of the audi q8

[@Lopatije]

Well...I still drive 2005, HRV, 1,6 VTEC, let me see what I get with this car....no 4x4 option? Sluggish engine with funny gearbox? Anti logic revs and moooing engine sounds? Irritating warnings all the time? And for what? 2 litres less? Maybe.

[@waynekerrr9027]

Still don't get hybrid... astronomical price compared to petrol, and for what..a bit better petrol consumption, and a few more gadgets...people must have something wrong with them, if they think this is value for money

[@3204clivesinclair]

Tax reasons for businesses

[@waynekerrr9027]

@@3204clivesinclair yes..majority of all EVs, and hybrid are purchased by companies , and people with too much money.. Government want people to give up cars , to cut congestion and pollution..what better way than to price people out of buying and running a car..

[@blazingchris5048]

At the current oil prices it's maybe considering ...

[@majdakeran1987]

The engine is a disaster. This is not a Honda at all. Consumption on the test drive was almost 7 liters. The car is not going anywhere and is as loud as slaughtering people in the Middle Ages.

[@hunterfunter47]

There's more to it than that. A hybrid will run on electricity most of the time in city centre driving. It means you are a lot cleaner in town. If you do a lot of urban driving and the occasional long trip this car is perfect. It's not always about YOU.

[@kn58]

More cars and less pretend SUVs plzzzzzzzzzzzzz 🙂

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for your feedback Kamran! We always aim to keep our content fresh 👍

[@tmic4790]

I hate the front end. The grill is very ugly. The hrv ev model has a very nice grill / front end

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the HR-V, Todd! Be sure to subscribe for the latest vehicle reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@paapakdarko7577]

Copied range rover design

[@eversun77]

Hopefully that’s all they copied…

[@xorbe2]

Nobody asked Honda for this car.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi there, are you looking for a new car?

[@eversun77]

And yet here it is, selling fast 💁🏻

[@MsFatpigs]

Hopefully this means Honda is finally done making the ugliest SUVs out of ummmm.....everyone.

[@eversun77]

I think it’s a new beginning..

[@trevorastley1727]

Two words! Kia and Hyundai ,will seal Honda,s fate in the UK. Always too expensive and poor warranties in comparison. Toyota have had to push their warranties to 5 because of the Koreans. FACT. Honda UK factory now closed methinks.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Trevor, if you'd like to explore your options for a new Kia and Hyundai, get in touch with our vehicle experts on 01903 538835 or book a free consultation - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@loveclose]

Afraid I have to agree.... and I'm a huge fan of Honda. The Kia Sportage in particular will outsell this Honda considerably Greater range variety, engine response way better, and more boot space.

[@eversun77]

Hyundai are rubbish! Too many engine problems, ‘’plasticy’ interior and the worst customer service when something goes wrong…..stay away from Hyundai.

[@Deepthroater62]

I have a 2019 HRV Vtec EX which I am about to change & looking at the new version of the HRV, it seems to be a very poor comparison. Gone are the Privacy Windows, the Panoramic Glass Roof, the Full Leather Seats. Honda really seems to have down graded the HRV now which is a shame as I was hoping to replace with another HRV.