Honda HR-V (2015 – 2021) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The second-generation Honda HR-V is a small SUV/crossover that shares its platform with the previous Jazz supermini. This model was launched in 2015 and it came to the end of its production cycle in early 2021, ahead of an all-new hybrid-only HR-V model launching later the same year.
The HR-V received average to good reviews from the UK motoring media across its production life, with our overall Expert Rating generally placing it in the middle of the small SUV/crossover field over the last couple of years. The HR-V Sport model that arrived towards the end of its model life tended to receive poorer reviews than the rest of the range.
The Honda HR-V received particular praise for its spaciousness, practicality and versatility, but was criticised for a lack of refinement and poor value for money compared to rivals.
As of December 2021, the HR-V has an Expert Rating of 61% based on 22 reviews.
- Honda HR-V (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Honda ratings, reviews, news and features
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £20,040 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2015Last updated: Spring 2019
Replacement due: Late 2021
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
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: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Honda HR-V is a reliable small crossover that offers decent space and excellent levels of safety.”
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Model reviewed: SportScore: 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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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Style is a strong motivation for buyers of these cars and remains a personal choice but, objectively, the HR-V is competent, refined, reliable and blessed with a few neat touches of its own, though the infotainment system isn’t the sharpest in the class.”
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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 SportScore: 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 manualScore: 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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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“If practicality is a top priority, the Honda HR-V is a great choice thanks to its versatile seats and big boot. It’s also good to drive and looks the part, while most of the range also represents good value for money.”
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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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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Its looks might not appeal to everyone but the Honda HR-V’s high-quality cabin and practical boot make it an appealing choice for small families looking for something a bit different.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual EXScore: 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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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Honda HR-V combines a reputation for reliability with a big boot and stylish crossover looks, making it a superb buy on the used market. It represents decent value for money, too, although you’ll have to hunt out an expensive Sport model for the most desirable features.”
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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 reviewScore: 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 EXScore: 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: SportScore: 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 overview“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
86%
ADULT OCCUPANT
79%
CHILD OCCUPANT
72%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
71%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
No eco rating
The Honda HR-V was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Honda HR-V 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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- Honda HR-V (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Honda ratings, reviews, news and features
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Keyword: Honda HR-V (2015 – 2021)