Pint-Sized Honda is a Big Deal

Small crossover sport-utility vehicles are the hottest things going in the car business these days, with a spate of new subcompact models, like the just-introduced Honda HR-V we recently tested, deftly combining practicality and affordability. Starting at $19,995 (including an $880 delivery charge), the HR-V is based on the subcompact Honda Fit hatchback, though with jazzier styling that features a “hidden” rear door handle tucked up into the rear roofline. It’s a nice sized, back to basics approach that brings to mind the original Honda CR-V - one of the industry’s first crossovers - from 1997. The HR-V’s 1.8-liter 141-horsepower four-cylinder engine feels sufficiently lively around town but quickly becomes labored when asked to make the leap to highway speeds. Though a six-speed manual transmission comes standard with front-drive models, all-wheel-drive models like our tester feature the available gearless CVT automatic that helps maximize power and fuel economy, with the latter at a class-leading 28/35 mpg in city/highway driving. The HR-V behaves nicely around town, with light steering and a reasonably smooth ride that only tends to get unnerved by extended stretches of rough pavement. It’s rock solid on the highway, though the vehicle’s interior could use some added sound insulation to help muffle engine and road noise. And while it handles as well or better than most mainstream subcompact cars, the HR-V isn’t particularly enjoyable to drive aggressively. But the HR-V’s interior is nothing short of amazing. It’s far roomier than one might expect, with sufficient head- and legroom for six-footers to find their comfort zones up front and adequate legroom for two adults to occupy the rear. We found both front and rear seats to feel a bit stiff over the course of a long drive, however. The dashboard is nicely and simply designed, with large and legible gauges and quality materials used throughout the interior, though the rear roof pillars and large backseat headrests tend to impede on rearward visibility. All versions but the base LX model come with a touchscreen display for the audio and navigation systems and button-less “touch points” for the climate control. Both work well enough - though the display tends to become washed out in bright sunlight - and we’d still prefer conventional controls for their sheer simplicity. As for amenities, the HR-V sticks close to the basics, likely to help distinguish it from the larger and costlier CR-V. Standard features include power locks/mirrors/windows, air conditioning, a rearview camera and a Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone interface. Our tester, a top-of-the-line EX-L AWD version (at a stiff $26,720) came with heated leather seats, push-button entry/start and a “LaneWatch” camera that displays what’s alongside the passenger’s side of the vehicle when the right turn signal is activated. At that, top-shelf items like power seats aren’t available (the driver’s seat at least comes with a manual height adjustment for the benefit of shorter motorists), and neither are any of the latest high-tech accident-avoidance safety features; the latter are offered with the CR-V, but only in its top model at well into the $30,000 range. Arguably the most distinguishing feature included across the HR-V line is one that comes directly from the Fit. That would be the 60/40-split 2nd row “Magic Seat” that easily folds completely flat into the floor to create a surprisingly large cargo hold that should be sufficient for a day’s antiquing or for shipping a kid’s belongings off to college. In all, the HR-V is an amenable and more practical alternative to the typical space-restricted subcompact sedan, and is worth considering as a money-saving alternative to a compact crossover SUV, provided you can settle for rather basic accommodations and only modest levels of performance.