NEW Honda HR-V review - the best hybrid SUV? | What Car?

[@q3b26]

I hate it when journalists talk about trim levels and then just go "don't bother with the top-spec, it costs too much and doesn't add much to note"... Just tell us what it costs and what the spec is and let us decide whether we think it costs too much!

[@johnturner7443]

Just had my own test drive of the HR-V Hybrid and I’m finding it difficult to understand some your more fundamental criticisms. Sure the engine note is loud when you mash the throttle. But then so is just about every other petrol or diesel car on the market. Some are quite shrill by comparison. The boot “only holds 5 carry-on bags below the parcel shelf”. That’s a lot of luggage for many. The infotainment system is quite responsive enough, unless you want to play computer games while your driving. It seems you were struggling to find enough critical observations to “balance” your report. My wife and I both found car very comfortable and pleasing to drive, so much so we’re trading in our big Audi A6 & Honda Civic for one.

[@vinnyfield2239]

I absolutely agree with everything you have said; I have a 2017 Honda Civic 1.5 Sport, when you poke the throttle, it's loud and drones - This by comparison, feels largely no different. Again, comparing it to what I have, the infotainment is sharper, clearer and more crisp, as are the digital drivers display. There are several reviews rolling in now, and the headroom and boot space feels subjective - Some have reviewed the headroom as ample with six-footers in the back.... This car feels years ahead in terms of design and features, it's very comfortable and the kids have lots of space in the back - ours is on order too. My advice, like anything, go try it out and then watch the reviews.......

[@Jozani77]

What country did you test drive it in?

[@johnturner8467]

@@Jozani77 UK

[@jammy_rex3038]

This is such a sensible post. I completely agree with your comments. Focusing so much on this reviewer's perceived negatives, just seemed odd. The practicality of this car seems more than ample for most families, who perhaps don't want to drive such a big car as that Skoda. It's become lazy to bash Honda infotainment systems, but the latest generation are generally considered easily on a par with the opposition and offer all the connectivity and functionality you need. Also, having physical controls for heating, radio etc compared to some of the competition (especially the latest VAG cheap feeling and cost cut interiors) is such a strong safety aspect. Having to take your eyes off the road and fiddle with complicated menus on a screen in the increasingly button-less (for cost cutting) German interiors, for simple HVAC functions or heated seats etc is simply dangerous. Anyway, I hope you will be happy with your purchase. Also, the HR-V looks great in terms of styling, inside and out.

[@alfamonk]

If it ain’t VAG WhatCar? Is always negative.

[@har9312]

It speaks VOLUMES that they compare it to VOLVO, BMW and other luxury brands. Honda is classy and incredibly reliable

[@q3b26]

@Xhzlzhx Olo That seems like a rhetorical question that only really applies to you... Because yes, there are plenty of people who will be driving around in a 2025MY car in 2040... Just as there are plenty of people who drive around in 06 plate cars and below now. Not everybody has the resources, want or need to purchase a new car. Circumstances change in peoples lives too, for example a few years ago I purchased a top-spec XC40 and then after that I had a Mercedes E400 again top-spec... But now I don't own a car at all as I have no use for one and if I were to buy one now it would just be a runaround.

[@har9312]

@@q3b26 has your Volvo been reliable?

[@garym2760]

He didn't compare it directly with those cars, he said if you want better then you have to look at those brands

[@q3b26]

@@har9312 mine was a first edition model that had a few issues with infotainment and audio so I ended up rejecting it. Really regret that now though because I could have repaired the issues myself and the cars value now is the same as it was when I got rid of it 3 years ago.

[@tonyvu2011]

@@q3b26 was your Volvo made in China? In Australia we only get Chinese made.

[@brianj7570]

Not a very good review in my opinion, they missed out a lot of the good points in this car, have been researching similar cars recently and boot space is reasonable not to mention the space provided by the magic seats, what about the ability to unlock remotely by mobile phone, the extra seal around the bottom of the door to stop your clothes getting dirty while getting in and out, the heated window wipers, the tailgate opening by foot, cornering lights, smart ventilation system etc etc

[@Guvb235]

All of those features (bar the Magic Seats) are offered by competitors, which have the aforementioned bigger boots etc.

[@frankopanklaric]

That bootspace is small and a family with 2 small children will struggle to plan a day trip/family weekend with this car.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@@frankopanklaric don’t have kids……. It’s a choice. So don’t complain about having them…

[@frankopanklaric]

@@PhilbyFavourites we talking kids or cars here, mate? Intense much? Lol.

[@glennchinyangarara8225]

@@frankopanklaricToyota Yaris cross is a better option for practicality

[@rc7059]

I had a test drive in an HR-V today… really enjoyed it.. deliberately got onto some twisty roads and dual carriageway where I tried the acceleration up to 70 mpg.. thought the car was comfortable and pretty quiet, honestly didn’t really notice anywhere near the amount of issues with noise when revving the engine s as implied in this review, I made sure the radio/Air-con was switched off to get it as quiet as I could in the car as this sound issue quite important to me,.. I was pleasantly surprised overall and the car is now definitely on my shortlist, I also like the styling and as a big boot is not basically important to me, I actually thought that was fine, rear seats go down very easily and having legroom for rear passengers is also quite important to me so it takes a lot of boxes and I thought it was a stylish package. Each to their own opinion of course and for me even though I didn’t find the noise a problem, I think what car do some of the best, impartial and professional reviews on KZbin for UK car owners, thanks for the videos guys!

[@Jefchang1]

I've had a test drive and it feels excellent. The suspension is firm but comfortable, the steering is positive and it glides along very smoothly like an electric car. When the engine fires up it adds to the excitement. It looks good and I'm going to buy one. An expat in Thailand.

[@chrispulman9119]

Just taken delivery of top model. Absolutely amazing, best Honda yet and beautifully made.

[@069787637]

How about this car Chris ?

[@toyot034]

Usual anti Honda droll from Whatcar. I currently have an 8 year old Honda Civic dtec that I bought from new, it’s done 134000 miles and in that time has not missed a beat. I get the feeling from the car that it’s not even broken in yet. Not many other manufacturers that you’d get that from.

[@oliverstemp9132]

They really didn’t want to like the HR-V

[@marcelprinsen5741]

One: loud engine: Other: very quiet interior... very helpful info.. Experience with my 2019 CRV Hybrid: Engine can be loud, but only when pedal to the metal, but the sound isn't bad. I like the revving of it when you are driving sporty. At normal driving its a really quiet experience. All in all the system is very fuel efficent and I use on average 5.9 ltrs/100km with a 1800kg car. When I do my best 5.2ltr/100km is possible and the driving experience is even quieter. As said with a crv hybrid AWD. BTW: No battery anxiety.

[@Guvb235]

It’s strange how practicality has taken a step backwards in the new HR-V compared to the last car as it is still amazingly practical to this day.

[@shroomyesc]

I'm really happy with Honda's new design direction with this, the new Jazz and Civic it's just refreshingly elegant and clean after Honda's messy fake vents everywhere styling they've had for the past while.

[@tarody3953]

If you're going to compare boot size you need to start by comparing overall size. I'd presume the HRV is smaller, but 2/3 through and that hasn't been mentioned.

[@bennyelimelech633]

i dont understand the comparison... you comparing it to skoda karoq? nissan qashqai? try to do it the right way and compare it to its true rivals like the kamiq and juke...

[@muhammadhasanmasud6157]

Good point

[@yodesuyo]

Very impressive design and very reliable . Honda needs to introduce more small cuv models to the market

[@zimben8]

There is a smaller then the HR-V coming. The ZR-V, next year i think. Here in Asia it will be revealed by end of this year with a 1.0 Turbo and 1.5 Hybrid as in the Jazz. About 169cm wide and 399cm long...

[@George-wf9gz]

Well said, also with better prices as all Hondas are overpriced

[@billwalker4621]

Buying anew car is to suit your own tastes I like the car and it's for me my one complaint is delivery Bw

[@lizakoronovsky227]

Godd…that car looks so good, defiantly a huge improvement from the old generation, and i really love Honda.

[@sajidaallibhai1100]

Very poor and biased review , however everyone is entitled for their opinion which you have made to satisfy some competitors. I love it and I think it looks stunning , drives even better and loads of gadgets. Well done Honda !.

[@MarthaMansbridge]

Poor? He’s absolutely right - it’s noisy, has poor headroom in the rear and a small boot - that’s just a fact!

[@IvanWX88]

I think you’re biased yourself lol

[@marcelfermer5369]

Poor ground clearance.

[@darnmg]

I bought one because the red is beautiful and as I will only be on my own in the car none of the negatives outway the positives.

[@wallansanassy3274]

got one and i do 100km pr day with it. It returns 3.5 to 4 L of fuel to the 100

[@keldav970]

That’s dreadful mileage then

[@da_great_mogul]

@@keldav970 70mpg = 4L per 100km. 80mpg = 3.5L per 100km. How can that possibly be bad?

[@arifabdullah7142]

This design should be implied on next generation of CRV

[@Twilight-cl3zc]

The CRV is in this style and it's already available in some markets. Bigger version of this but looks very similar.

[@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.

[@colinlambert791]

BTW. I ordered mine on the 13th August, Unseen and without the configurator being available. SO..... we shall see when I actually get to drive one in about 3 weeks with any luck!

[@mikeportjogger1]

Watched this immediately after watching your review of the Jazz. Except for slightly more leg room in the back, the Jazz beats the HRV in practically every department: price, performance, fuel economy, boot space, head-space etc. Weird policy by Honda.

[@ethanwd]

Errrmmmm.... Aren't you comparing the HR-V to cars in a larger class of car?! I would have said that the Karoq, Tucson, etc would have been in the same class size as the CR-V...? The outgoing (older) model HR-V I would have said was more comparable in size to the Mazda CX-3, Skoda Kamiq, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, etc...? In Australia, the current HR-V is priced similarly to these cars and seems similarly sized. A Tucson or Karoq here are priced around $15k more than an HR-V!

[@sportsbrand307]

yea i love it, you can drive around town in different modes including battery only, only issue is in Australia its only classed as a 4 seater,, Australian transport dept always head in ass..

[@petersmith6412]

A family member who bought one of these cars now regrets doing so, engine revs it's head off (noise very bad) on slight incline, mpg lowest 43-53mpg average. I am now cancelling my order after waiting 9 months not as good as drive as people make out.

[@phillipparsons8930]

Mid to high 40s mpg? I regularly get 55mpg out of my 2019 non hybrid HRV and have got 59mpg on a long motorway run. I suggest that the noisy engine comment which has also been applied, with some justification, to the older HRV means a foot down driving style.

[@jonathanmellish4439]

Good review pointing out the negatives. Can’t believe the lack of rear door bins and small boot. What were Honda thinking. Not for me I am afraid. Jazz maybe is more practical.

[@yahtadi5152]

Every reviewer raised this car so hard. WhatCar? Is the only who didnt stick to biased territory. Good for em

[@ysjmichael]

Hope to see head-to-head between HRV, CHR, Captur hybrid

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

won't happen, VW owns the press, they wont show tests of conventional hybrids, only commercials for VW group PHEVs

[@ysjmichael]

@@Mgoblagulkablong I'll try Matt Watson :))))

[@mrwhite7361]

It is a lovely car, but I won't buy one until they fix that acceleration noise. I'm surprised that made it into the production model

[@abhinavduvvuru5782]

Motoring journalists should be good at their job in mentioning every detail about the car. This guy just like that misses back seat bottle holders which are just beside door handles. "You need to improve".

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

he works for VW

[@samyap0809]

his blind

[@samyap0809]

bless his eyes

[@fist003]

it's clear that he don't like the HRV

[@crimsonlightbinder]

why the hell no reviewer says anything about the great fact that you can store alot UNDER the back bench which you cannot do with virtually anyother car of its class or other otherwise. I mean, you can clearly see that even when he seats on the bench. On my 2008 civic I store groceries, even backpacks under the back bench. Magic seats are great, I've iused it a couple of times, but the fact that you can store stuff under the bench is amazing.

[@MarthaMansbridge]

‘Under the bench’?? What do you mean? Under the seat or under the trunk/boot floor? Why would anyone want the hassle of having to stuff things underneath seats? This is not a small car - it’s terrible design that the rear headroom and boot space is so poor!

[@doseofdoug8871]

My first time to see a review of this car.. great.. thank you.

[@beautyofnature4890]

Can you please tell me how many miles per tank Honda hrv can run ?

[@swoonz90]

Want this in the US…

[@svdide]

Very good review. Tested the car 2 months ago and loved it .Ended up placing an order for the advanced style version. Should be here late January 2024 from Reading

[@faizanniazihk]

Any changes Honda is making in rare seats for upcoming models?

[@andreadamato7047]

Hi there, do you know if there is any specific manufacturer behind the HRV Audio system, especially for the Advance style?

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

At 6:22 this crossover shares parts with the Jazz supermini. Hence it should be compared in size with other subcompact crossovers rather than the next size up. ☹️ However, at 8:22 Honda HR-V (& Jazz) hybrid prices are very expensive, similar to larger cars from mainstream brands.

[@gregcooper2719]

I picked up on the same points, however I always found from the many Honda cars my wife and I have owned in the past, the extra cost, although doesn’t give a “premium badge” like a BMW/Audi/Merc, it gave reliability, piece of mind and assurance that no other car brand has given me. I’ve never owned a brand new Honda, but my brand new (company car) Skoda has had so many problems in its first 9000 miles, my one civic was bought with 60k miles on and p/x’d 4 years later at 150k miles (a number of which towing a caravan) with only servicing and MOT costs…

[@muhammadhasanmasud6157]

I would suggest test drive it yourself. I know how these reviewers canned the cvt on the previous jazz until I test drive it and it was even better than the manual. Plus all hybrids of this size are cvt so i don’t know what they want here.

[@androo4519]

Kia and Hyundai are not cvt

[@philglos]

I drove one the other day, terrible engine noise and road noise, suspension jiggly, it was lovely looking though

[@castaway720]

Do your research it is not a CVT. It uses a dog clutch system with direct drive, no gearbox at all.

[@atkunnahar7241]

Is it the 2021 model?

[@user-s45c]

HONDAのeHEVシステムは非常に優れています

[@Oscarochoa-c1r]

We will see this model in USA 2022?

[@hectorheath9742]

Seems a balanced review and mentions the salient concerns such as driving fun and noise.

[@drewh2822]

Is this only available in Europe. I’m linterested in this but can’t seem to find one near me

[@rossmaitland9848]

Can't believe Honda have binned the panoramic roof, and the boot opening looks smaller than the old HRV model too. Mid 40's MPG is also poor. I regularly get low 50's and mid to high 50's on long drives in my existing HR-V EX diesel. I've got a test drive of the new one next week but from what I've seen so far on KZbin I don't think I'll be buying another one. What a shame.

[@panchert5732]

The trim shown in the video is equipped with a panoramic sunroof in Japan. (This is despite the fact that most vehicles with sunroofs are not sold in Japan.)

[@HEN.96]

Hrv design, quite better than rivals.

[@ahmetkrom]

apart from the claimed high engine noise its an attractive car. But what is high. I mean how high. High compared to what. All these car reviews have to be subjective resting on the experience and knowledge of the reviewer but it would help if they quantified their views a bit more

[@raydionangy]

Yes I agree. Perhaps they could measure the sound pressure level at cruising speed and under acceleration. If they did this for every vehicle it would provide an objective basis for comparison.

[@MetalDetectoristMick]

What year model is this going to be? I just bought a 2022 and its not this.

[@alessandroalberini6031]

Hi what's the colour of the car exactly?

[@edikaramuratful]

A honda and a suv and finally a beautifull one. I would just like it to be electric

[@mz_ppp]

Is this a new generation of hrv? When will it come to the usa?

[@MrSnicol]

I would , at this price, simply go full electric. This car looks stunning but is totally outclassed and out of date IMO

[@oliverstemp9132]

Good car, not sure why they focused on the rear headroom so much when lots of other cars have the same problem.

[@luxferre3972]

Even if the infotainment can be a bit slow sometimes, it still is better than the one in the new VW Golf, and I won’t even compare it with any BMW (worst electronics on the market)

[@stefanbadin2850]

Mate, you took the driver seat forward when you went on the back seats 😂😂😂

[@jollygreen4662]

Why is the 2023 hrv in the States still a old design?

[@FéargalO]

At least this model has a rear wiper, shame about the noise.

[@savedfaves]

Attractive vehicle. Saw one parked and took photographs, which I don’t tend to do. Unsurprisingly, not sold in Ireland.

[@amiralirezai1185]

Honda hrv ur Nissan Qashqai? I need more info about motor? Honda hybrid? Nissan hybrid?

[@pedros5352]

Honda

[@nollypra2752]

It will be interesting to see if none hybrid models sold in other markets are quieter! Did they not bother with more insulation just for the hybrid?

[@Noname-iz9uo]

None of which is available in Australia.

[@MrSammcauley]

Those magic seats are.. well magic. Don’t understand why other manufacturers don’t copy them. So handy but suppose it’s a packaging go thing.

[@Blank00]

Maybe it's a patent thing. Same reason why other companies don't adopt Nissan's Zero-g seats.

[@kelly___lopez]

Why does it look completely different in the US

[@OssxJah]

You look you're 5"8 and at 1:08, your head almost touch the ceiling. This gonna be tight as I'm 5'11. But I gotta test drive, it's so beautiful.

[@KizzleDawg]

Best looking compared to all of its rivals BY FAR - Especially the rear end.

[@jonathanmellish4439]

Comprehensive review. It’s not for me due to the negatives mentioned. Poor mpg and headroom/boot space. Why not have a sliding rear seat to give more boot space. No rear door bins ?

[@kabelomutubi9197]

Cool touch on the Sauconys

[@dog3665]

Is it made in the UK ?

[@tkr7100]

No, made in Japan, like all Honda cars in Europe.

[@nollypra2752]

No Honda's made in the UK anymore!

[@colinlambert791]

NO. Japan only.

[@rubel247]

Great car but the boot is too small for the size even a Yaris cross has way bigger boot would have looked at buying one but the boot is small

[@inctru]

Looks pretty good, minus the clown-like alloy-wheel design. Would also only buy a hybrid version in the USA market, for the eCVT, instead of the crappy push-belt CVT designs used with non-hybrid regular ICE vehicles.

[@faizanniazihk]

I'd love to spend my hard earned money on this car if there'd be no engine noise problem and rare seats would be comfortable for 3 adults so . Batteries move under rare seats and fit the full size spare wheel in the back I hate its rare seats as much as I like its overall looks.

[@antdaddyking2270]

I wish this was available in the USA.

[@peteketcher]

I know it’s a different type of SUV but VW T-Cross vs HRV which would you have. I’m disappointed by the reviews I’ve seen on the HRV & thought it could be an alternative for when my T-Cross needs changing?

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

I agree; the T-Cross is based on the Polo and the HR-V is based on the Jazz supermini, so I would test drive both. The HR-V has good rear legroom but lacks headroom.

[@castaway720]

On Reliability factor only I would never buy a T-Cross

[@timpetherick708]

Why would you not fold the seats down and show us? Argh

[@anagamin6793]

Looks just fine except the alloy wheels

[@frederickmoller]

I live in Canada, and initially was impressed with it's specs and looks, but it won't be available in that style in North America, so I've moved on as I will be purchasing a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross LE AWD gas powered SUV, I'm not a fan of Hydrids nor Electric vehicles period.

[@scottwatson7844]

Probably a great car in reality…Motor journalists are always over critical of Honda and will no doubt always favour its German rivals.

[@tpf4292]

That’s a beautifully looking car!!

[@hkmfrk]

Is this B SUV or C SUV? Who are their competitors?

[@luckystrike656]

This over the civic?

[@navapat69]

Thanks for the Fab vid

[@rivirueren3383]

best looking cuv... n not including the chr... but the Peugeot ?

[@umerbest9949]

Love the design

[@Nikinjapan]

My hrv has an ingenious system to drown out any noise in the cabin. 2 kids in the back

[@wildalane4459]

i have old version Hrv , i think about to change with this new gen

[@SpagmanAus]

As an existing hr-v owner, honda have killed any interest I had in upgrading due to that utterly idiotic raised rear middle seat. just what were they thinking! the boot looks smaller in the new one also and while the magic seats are great, in 4 years I’ve used them once. I’m glad I didn’t bother waiting for honda australia to launch this here.

[@kenphillips8074]

The boot in the new one, smaller than the 2021 model, is close to a deal breaker. Honda Australia has made a right balls up over the last decade and I'm not holding my breath for this model.

[@SpagmanAus]

@@kenphillips8074 I agree.

[@laurenperkins5088]

I hope this isn’t the 2023 HR-V because if it is I’m not interested. I love the 2022 HR-V.

[@josefholzer2433]

I wonder if there going to have a standard for charging! It would be nice if they did that with the iPhone.

[@firasfisal2332]

if youre talking about the wireless charging, then its only going to be on the third and highest variant

[@Shuftyw]

Cobblers on the Infotainment complaints. Res is fine, response is too.

[@bcm-n7244]

Isn't this car supposed to compete ... with the small CROSSOVER/SUV segment ... why compare it to a quashkai or skoda karoq when it's meant to be compared to a captur/puma.

[@q3b26]

I was thinking that too. It should be compared to the Mokka, Captur, Puma, Kamiq, T-Cross, CX-3... Not the segment above.

[@Musashi35140]

Beacause is way bigger than puma or mokka, it was the same with previous hr-v.

[@atemrichardson9821]

Can't wait till the US gets the remodel

[@Fly6319-d1k]

Shame there is so much going for it, only to be let down with issues that shouldn’t be.

[@ordinaryMan23]

it good and great design...

[@michaelporter4050]

Although I’ve never owned or even driven one, I’m a great admirer of Honda cars. However, this effort disappoints me in its shortcomings, which seem to outweigh the good points. On the strength of this review I won’t be looking at the HR-V hybrid in any greater detail. I suppose it’s a question of what different buyers want from a car.

[@philglos]

Test drove one a couple of days ago, loved the look but as the above tester says its so revvy , you only have to accelerate a little and it revs its nuts off, road noise is bad as well, won't be buying one

[@DMX-du9mn]

Stop complaining, recline rear seat and enjoy legroom 😉

[@raphaeldoolichand7109]

I never really seen a positive review from these guys relative to space in the back seat for any compact suv.

[@adembakan]

I don’t know might look good but It doesn’t feel like a Honda… another thing it doesn’t have that much practicality 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@111msw]

Did I hear correct that Honda are bringing out FULL EV in 2022 so, why bring out a Hybrid version??

[@androo4519]

I really wanted this to be great. It's obviously incredibly hard for a car maker to tick all the boxes.

[@SerbanChiribau]

Awesome!