Cheaper and more choice! 2025 Honda HRV review

[@robertmesk6310]

The fact that it doesn't seat 5 is not a deal breaker for me as I'm single with no kids. However, no wireless Android auto, no wireless charger, no 360 degree camera, and no full leatherette seats in this so-called top model is a deal breaker. Very stingy of Honda!

[@therightcar]

Fair points.

[@richardrichard9631]

You just go into a sub menue on the car and turn on the wireless Android

[@milan4ever]

360 degree camera and wireless charger is available in Advance Style. Wireless chargers are crazy slow so I don’t really see a benefit.

[@anashiedler6926]

@@milan4ever they are really nice for longer trips. if you go for a 3+ hour ride even just for a few times a month, its a real timesaver. most wireless carphone chargers can fully charge your phone in this time, and you exit the vehicle with a fully loaded phone, even if you forget to charge it before the ride.

[@milan4ever]

@ True but it still not a dealbreaker for me. I have a spare cable in my H-RV and I did not really want to spend 3500 EUR to upgrade to ADVANCE style version when ADVANCE already has all I need.

[@stevenjames1138]

The HRV that you guys get in Australia is much more attractive than the version we yanks get here in the States. And you get a hybrid version too!

[@therightcar]

Yep! We get a decent little car. And I think it looks great!

[@aussiebloke80]

We still get that car, with a hybrid version too, its just called the ZRV over here. I actually kinda like it but there's definitely a nice aesthetic to this car

[@jlm897]

Great review! I've had that car for 12 months and I love it. On average 850km /40l (city, country roads, motorways). Not bad, is it? A little detail: I love high seats! 😊

[@therightcar]

Glad you love it. The seats are just a bit too high for my liking!

[@Greazer]

This car is the refreshed version - not 12 month old one

[@TAF87]

Got the hybrid a few months back for my wife, replacing 2.5L CX-5 Akera as the main chariot. We have 2 kids and kept the CX-5 for road trips and when we need 5 seats but the HRV is hands down a better drive. Much smoother and more responsive. The misses is a hard driver, accelerates hard and brakes late so this car suits her perfectly in ‘B’ mode. Rear leg room smash’s the CX-5 and she consistently gets 4.5L when previously getting 10.5L in the Mazda. Mazda interior is more premium but it was 55k so it should be but the HRV is still really nice and seats are actually quite soft, im over treating leather seats to keep them nice anyway. Perfect second car.

[@Greazer]

Do the seats adjust lower? Has it got wireless Android auto?

[@TAF87]

@ drivers seat goes down far enough, I’m 6 foot and I think it’s fine. Not sure on the android thing, I’m pretty rubbish with tech, has digital radio though 👍

[@AKA001]

It must hurt watching this video… what were you thinking?!

[@MLife1972]

Another great review. Every time I get excited by the HRV, I get brought back to Earth by the 4 seat limitation. Even though I only need a 2 seater, I still need the flexibility of 5 seats for an airport run or day trip. Really frustrating. I will also never buy a car with piano black on the lower console - just ridiculous that the area that gets knocked about by keys, coins and mobile has the most scratch-prone surface. Two deal-breakers in an otherwise lovely car.

[@B33ond]

The last gen HRV is the one to get. Bigger 1.8 civic engine. Only downside is the poor poor infotainment system. Way bigger boot too + 5 seats!

[@eman1978]

Really liking the best alternatives section

[@therightcar]

You’re welcome. I have driven almost all the cars on the market, so I come at it from a “what would I buy?” mindset.

[@damienmb2365]

The straight petrol version is exceptionally light for an SUV...but a meagre 89 kW still gives it a particularly poor power-to-weight ratio. 7 extra kW in the hybrid would unlikely make up for the added weight of the electric motor and battery. You might not care if it's sluggish, on paper anyway, but you should be aware. One would assume Hondas generally have some go, given the Civic Type R and their involvement in motorsport. However their SUV models are all snails when you do the math. A 304 litre boot is also measly for even a small SUV, that's less than numerous hatchbacks.

[@warcrabcyber9908]

the honda hrv hev is not that slow, it accelerates from 0-100 in about 9.3 seconds. anything under 10 seconds i wont consider it to be slow. it may not be as fast as a full electric car, but it also does not have the drawbacks either, which is range anxiety. in japan its called the honda vezel hev and they rate the electric motor @ 130hp and 250nm while the petrol motor is rated @ 105hp. its also reliable as well with no major issues

[@petercrawford3370]

We only get the e:HEV(L) in this side of the Tazzie, and it's a gem of a car to drive. I actually took a good solid look at it this weekend. It's tad to cramped for me, at 188cm tall, but doable. However the bigger brother, the ZR-V is my pick of the range, especially for passenger space in the back. I've been tossing up between the Sealion and the ZR-V. So many hard choices out there.

[@Steve-jx3mh]

Wouldnt buy a sealion until they sort out the engine shudder issue. Im a member of a sealion group and quite a few owners have experienced it.

[@petercrawford3370]

@@Steve-jx3mh Hey thanks for the heads up.

[@petercrawford3370]

​@@Steve-jx3mhbrought the CR-V Sports Premium. Resisted the BYD, went with a safe choice

[@Steve-jx3mh]

@@petercrawford3370 nice one. I was seriously intetested in a sealion myself, until i joined the facebook groups. Cant go wrong with the CRV though

[@c.s2001]

No spare wheel. I stopped the video at that point, but still enjoy your videos and gave if a thumbs up.

[@gordonclark7632]

I don't understand how a vehicle manufacturer would think that a four seat SUV is suitable for a family.

[@therightcar]

Maybe it’s not for a family. They’ve got the ZR-V and CR-V for that.

[@aussiebloke80]

It has 5 seats overseas, they just weren't allowed to classify it as a 5 seater in Australia as it doesn't have middle isofix points supposedly. So they opted to reclassify rather than spend money on re-engineering it for our market.

[@Greazer]

Depends how big the family is

[@blingruzz]

Our Holden was totaled, so I went to the smash repair shop to remove my custom number plates. While I was there, I overheard the manager speaking with a Honda CR-V owner. He explained that Honda parts are in very short supply and it will take over a month to get what’s needed. The manager said he can’t start the repairs until the parts arrive and advised me to steer clear of Honda because of these delays. It seems like Honda is struggling right now in Australia.

[@therightcar]

Depends where you live, what year model, what spec, what part. Too general.

[@blingruzz]

@@therightcar it was a Brad new CRV he said.

[@Greazer]

Another solution would be to drive properly are not total the car Lol

[@serenitynow6119]

Hey Matt. How did you find its power in freeway conditions at 110kph overtaking and gradients etc?

[@therightcar]

Hi! Found it perfectly fine.

[@serenitynow6119]

Thanks!

[@nguyenquangduy7677]

What does "updated version" mean without 5 seats? That's a deal breaker for a lot of people, including me 😢

[@mvnorsel6354]

Even the price cut cannot tempt you ?

[@nguyenquangduy7677]

@@mvnorsel6354 Tempting, but not enough 😂

[@Steve-jx3mh]

I get what you are saying but unless you have 3 kids, how many times in the last 12 months have you used all 5 seats? We have 2 kids and it would be at most a couple of times a year, and we have a 4 seat hatchback. If we think we might need more seats we take the other car.

[@DshibiGT]

If you’re trying to fit five people into a car like this on a regular basis, no, it’s not the car for you.

[@therightcar]

It is a shame. But consider the ZR-V.

[@gregrobinson2394]

No spare tyre is a deal breaker. I bought an 5 seat Outlander. Extremely happy with it. Full size spare, no engine cutout rubbish. Plenty of room. All the features you need.

[@therightcar]

My friend that is a VERY different car to a HR-V. But I’m glad you’re happy.

[@slavomt5832]

Fine review. Is HRV 2025 less noisy than last year model?

[@therightcar]

It seemed marginally quieter, yes.

[@bazinga615]

As if the Yaris Cross would not be in the mix of competitors, Matt? I would think the most obvious one.

[@therightcar]

I didn’t call it out because it’s feeling old, overpriced and unrefined in comparison.

[@milan4ever]

Compare how back door open in Honda HRV and Yaris Cross and you won’t take a second look at Toyota. Honda’s open almost at 90 degree angle, very comfortable to get inside even for older people. Plus legroom in Honda on back seat is pretty spacious too.

[@naomimcleay1247]

Have you compared the new 2025 model with the previous hybrid models? Honda currently has runout deals on the older model (8 years warranty, 8 years roadside assistance). Not sure if there are any improvements in the newer model (I know they look almost identical). Considering both models.

[@kenphillips7594]

The eight year warranty is meaningless because HA doesn't honour its five year warranty even when three people at their dealership tells me that my issue is a warranty claim and from 2000km away HA denies the claim.

[@bauboni]

cant believe you didnt mention the Corolla Cross as an alternative... it's the main rival

[@KarthiKeyan-ls7ht]

Is HRV the right car for a family of 3 for a long drive/vacation?

[@nathansmith6914]

I would just feel robbed of boot space every time I looked at that sloping rear.

[@therightcar]

Yeah in other markets they have a small boxier-backed model but it’s not to Aussie spec on safety stuff - WR-V.

[@nathansmith6914]

@@therightcar Interesting. I was thinking of asking if they made something like that but thought nah, probably a dumb question. 😆

[@manishjungkunwar5923]

When you gonna drive Cherry Tiggo 4 pro?

[@Greazer]

Sounds like chinese cr@p

[@KP-zd3hc]

I’m going from a 2011 Honda Civic to a new car. At this rate, any car is pretty decent to me because it’ll undoubtedly be better than what I had. I dont care about the cons. It’s a Honda compact SUV. 😂

[@Greazer]

The cons ain't that bad honestly

[@thatsgoodcofffee]

A great looking little SUV. However, spending that kind of money on a new vehicle when all alternatives offer three in the back makes this flawed out of the box. Honda why 🤷

[@therightcar]

It’s a curious one. But they have a few bigger options. Maybe that’s the point.

[@milan4ever]

I don’t care about 2 or 3 seats on the back. I love magic seats though.

[@affendy8769]

I don't know where you drove but I miss South Australia

[@tiatriplett1657]

Do you know of any small SUV with ceiling AC Vents struggling to find anything well price with good features and the above. 😢

[@buncha5651]

Not a bad looking vehicle, but Honda has to be joking. No spare, appears to not have a cargo cover. To😅o many better vehicles in this price range. 😊

[@craig3211]

@@buncha5651 As far as most hybrid SUV’s I’m only aware of Toyota who still give you a spare tyre. Unfortunately this is a common practice now (I’m not a fan)

[@joelopic]

I have a 360 camera in my GWM Canon ute so couldn't go back to not having one, so I'm out

[@bobil12138]

Was it just me ? I did a test drive last week and found the screen does not angle toward driver and due to its angle is has pretty bad glare when sun comes out

[@therightcar]

Could be you. Or your seating position.

[@elizabethbassein381]

Is this model not available in the U.S.? I cannot find it anywhere online at any dealership near me.

[@therightcar]

Correct. You get a different HR-V there!

[@sheyone9075]

Could you please review Peugeot 2008 facelift?

[@craig3211]

Thanks for reviewing this car have been waiting for this since they recently came out. I have been keeping my eye out in the small car/SUV market and this would be our current pick. Unfortunately we only get the top spec model here in NZ but it would probably be our choice anyway. The only competitior that comes close in my mind is the Yaris Cross, but this seems a little under powered for me. Others like Ford/Kia & Hyundai all have dodgy engines, so no thanks.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for that! Hope it was helpful.

[@craig3211]

@@therightcar Yes quite helpful thanks. While I had already done plenty of research on the vehicles I purchase I’m always keen to see if reviewers can highlight any potential issues/things I hadn’t considered or what alternatives I might like to look as well. As NZ normally get similar spec vehicles to what is offered over the ditch I watch your channel with interest. As a side note I already own the ZRV hybrid but are considering the HRV as our second car. As a city car we previously had a Polo GTi which was amazing to drive but that is no longer an option (although probably wouldn’t go back to VW as they simply depreciate too much here).

[@milan4ever]

Yaris cross feels a lot smaller than HRV. I really love this little Honda SUV.

[@andy7805]

Was a lovely car test drove it recently, for someone who wants a small car its perfect. It's hilarious people are complaining its not big or doesn't have 5 seats when its not meant for families lmao

[@Bobtubeau]

I don't think I could live with telling everyone I have HRV

[@milan4ever]

I can :)

[@Kz-cq8nj]

Does it have extra sound deadening? I read somewhere they had put xtra in with latest model

[@therightcar]

Yeah it's quieter than the previous one.

[@Kz-cq8nj]

How long does the battery last, and approx cost of new one? Any cost to dispose?

[@Steve-um4tk]

I’m 186cm tall and the seat height is far too high looking forward with the roof line. Unfortunately without being able to lower the seat I wouldn’t buy one. But really enjoyable to drive otherwise.

[@Kz-cq8nj]

​@@Steve-um4tkso you can adjust up and down?

[@Steve-um4tk]

@ no height adjustment sadly.

[@kenphillips7594]

Despite the consistently good reviews Honda Australia sold only 845 vehicles in October, less than Mercedes. Why? Id suggest that their warranty is worthless, roadside assist is low value, service costs are good for a while, they're underspecified, overpriced by at least $7k, have plenty of better competitors and the business model doesn't work for Australia. On top of that, the board is delusional if it set a target of 20,000 units annually when they're on track for 12,000. That's cause for a total rethink.

[@marktaylor3802]

So glad I didn't get one of these, underpowered, hits bad surface changes to hard, excessive tire drone. Much better of in a NQ5 Sportage. I think the ZRV is way more of a car.

[@Greazer]

Do the seats adjust lower?

[@therightcar]

No. I had the driver’s seat as low as I could get it and still felt a bit too high.

[@Malc664]

Power seats are horrible. I tried getting into my son's car to drive. I couldn't get in. It has power seats. Guess what, you have to get in to press the Start button for the power seats to work. 😵‍💫

[@therightcar]

Haha I’ve never had that issue.

[@daweigo6851]

Power seats normally work with our car being on

[@Malc664]

@@daweigo6851 Exactly. Power buttons would be better on the right-hand side of the steering wheel.

[@Dieu_regne]

If you run out of battery it will be a snail.

[@therightcar]

It’s not designed to be able to run out of battery.

[@mvnorsel6354]

Australian birthrate at an all time low, but not here.😅

[@therightcar]

Hahahaa

[@AKA001]

What a piece of… no wonder Honda is near death. Also 4 seats only for a car that costs $42k. That’s over $10k per seat. You can get much more spacious BYD Atto3 or similar spaced MG4 for that money. Both are spec’d way better and more powerful.

[@therightcar]

That is a RIDICULOUS value metric. A Lambo only has two seats - that’s $350,000 per seat!!

[@AKA001]

@ middle class families don’t buy Lambos.

[@GlowingTube]

4 seater = FAIL

[@therightcar]

I get it. It’s an issue. But they have other cars that have five seats.

[@GlowingTube]

@@therightcarI know, but I don’t like the looks of the ZRV and the CRV is too big.

[@daweigo6851]

Why?

[@Greazer]

Stop having kids

[@GlowingTube]

@ Ha, ha, ha

[@gill7087]

It looks 10 years old already inside and has a strange Eastern European car manufacturer vibe about the external styling. Honda used to be such innovators in both style and engineering but this looks like a parts bin special designed to appeal to everyone and as a result will appeal to very few.

[@slavomt5832]

Eastern European car manufacturer vibe? Like what for example?

[@gill7087]

@@slavomt5832 Look up Wartburg Knight Estate for example, or maybe Polska Fiat 125. A couple of Trabants come to mind too and the Lada wagon.

[@gill7087]

@@slavomt5832 I did list a few but my reply was deleted for some reason? What if just say it looks like a Lada wagon. Only mentioning one might not get it deleted.

[@Stickoid]

@@gill7087 Looks nothing like those!

[@gill7087]

@@Stickoid Front of 1991 Trabant estate, rear of Skoda estate. Yep, it’s there all right. Couple of other eastern bloc cars from the 90,s too.

[@reonbarrett5546]

honda must dislike byd byd just cheaper

[@mikeyphoto48]

I know we shouldn’t care, but holy crap it’s ugly. The old model looked quite nice.😶

[@milan4ever]

Actually, i think it’s one of the best looking little suvs. Classic look and not like made of plastic.

[@mikeyphoto48]

@ fair enough,, I know someone that had the old one and recently bought this… it’s not to my taste at all but we’re all different.😶

[@longdang3379]

idk man. Honda's gonna pull outta here any time soon. Wouldnt want to buy anything from them to be sure

[@craig3211]

@@longdang3379 I could be wrong but haven’t Honda sales actually increased in Aussie in the last 12 months?

[@kenphillips7594]

yes, you are wrong. VFacts reported a YTD figure that suggests HA is on track for 12000 sales for 2024 although their publically stated target was 20000. Just a bit short.​

[@longdang3379]

their business practices really do not get a lot of confidence to the consumers, at least myself included.

[@kenphillips7594]

When HA head office denies a warranty claim from 2000km away when THREE dealership people agree with the claim after seeing the metal you'd have to think their warranty is worthless, 3, 5 or 8 years is irrelevant.​