2026 Honda HR-V
If you are looking for an affordable, entry-level SUV for family use, the Honda HR-V has always been an easy and safe choice. Since its introduction in the American market in 2015, the HR-V has focused on interior space, practicality, and ease of ownership rather than outright performance.
The first generation was based on the Honda Fit, which helped it offer more cargo and cabin space than most rivals. In 2023, Honda introduced the second-generation HR-V, moving it to the newer Civic platform. This made the SUV larger, more premium inside and out, and slightly more powerful.
For 2026, the HR-V receives its first refresh. Honda has not changed the formula much, but it has updated some key areas to keep the SUV competitive in the subcompact segment.
What’s New in the 2026 Honda HR-V
Visually, the 2026 HR-V looks almost identical to the pre-refresh model. The changes are subtle rather than dramatic.
Key updates for 2026 include:
Larger 9-inch touchscreen now standard on all trims
Minor grille texture update
Updated 18-inch wheels on the EX-L trim
Small interior tech refinements
Honda’s approach is evolutionary rather than revolutionary.
Engine and Performance
In the US market, the 2026 Honda HR-V continues with a single engine option.
Engine Specifications
2.0-litre naturally aspirated VTEC petrol engine
4-cylinder, DOHC
Port fuel injection
158 horsepower
138 lb-ft of torque
CVT automatic transmission
Front-wheel drive standard
Real Time All Wheel Drive optional for $1,500
This is the same engine found in the base Honda Civic. There is no turbo or hybrid option offered in the US.
Performance Figures
0 to 60 mph: around 9.3 seconds
Top speed: approximately 115 mph
Towing capacity: not recommended
Vehicle weight: just over 3,300 lbs
The HR-V is not fast. Acceleration feels sluggish when pushed hard, and the engine becomes loud and buzzy above 5,000 rpm. Compared to rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek or Corolla Cross Hybrid, it feels underpowered.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
Fuel economy remains one of the HR-V’s strengths.
EPA ratings for AWD models:
City: 25 mpg
Highway: 30 mpg
Combined: 27 mpg
Real-world observations:
City driving: around 26 mpg
Highway driving: close to 29 to 30 mpg
Fuel tank capacity: 14 gallons
Real-world driving range: around 380 to 400 miles
The engine runs on regular petrol, keeping running costs reasonable.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The second-generation HR-V grew significantly in size, and that continues unchanged for 2026.
Key Dimensions
Wheelbase increase compared to first generation
Overall length: 179.6 inches
Ground clearance: approximately 7 inches
The HR-V is longer than many rivals:
About 3 inches longer than Subaru Crosstrek
Around 6 inches longer than Toyota Corolla Cross
This size advantage directly translates into better interior space.
Exterior Highlights
LED headlights standard on all trims
LED DRLs and turn indicators
Gloss black grille and lower fascia
No fog lamps available
No front or 360-degree camera
Parking sensors included on higher trims
Honda has used a lot of gloss black trim on the lower bumper and wheel arches. Some buyers may prefer more body-coloured elements, but the design remains clean and conservative.
Wheels, Suspension, and Ride
On the EX-L trim:
18-inch alloy wheels
225/55 R18 all-season tyres
Four-wheel disc brakes
Fully independent suspension
The ride quality is comfortable and city-friendly. Body roll is present during cornering, but the HR-V feels stable and predictable.
There is no off-road oriented version, adaptive dampers, or sporty suspension setup.
Interior Quality and Cabin Layout
The HR-V’s interior is one of its strongest points.
Seating and Materials
Real leather seats on EX-L trim
Heated front seats
8-way power driver seat
Manual passenger seat
No memory seating
Seats feel firm rather than plush
The Nordic Forest Pearl exterior combined with the grey leather interior gives the cabin a premium look.
Soft-touch materials are used on key surfaces, while some lower areas still use hard plastics.
Infotainment and Technology
The biggest improvement for 2026 is the standard touchscreen.
Tech Features
9-inch touchscreen standard on all trims
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless phone charging standard
Half digital, half analogue instrument cluster
Dual-zone automatic climate control
USB-C ports (three total)
Missing features worth noting:
No Google built-in
No built-in navigation
No 360-degree camera
No head-up display
No ventilated seats
No heated steering wheel
The system works well, but feels dated compared to newer competitors.
Rear Seat Space and Comfort
Rear seat space is a highlight of the HR-V.
Rear Seat Measurements and Features
Legroom: 37.7 inches
Flat floor design
Wide door opening
Adjustable headrests
Limitations:
No rear AC vents
No rear USB charging ports
No rear armrest
Seats do not recline
While space is excellent, the lack of basic comfort features is disappointing at this price point.
Cargo Space and Practicality
The HR-V continues to lead the segment in cargo usability.
Cargo Capacity
24.4 cubic feet with rear seats up
Around 55 cubic feet with seats folded
Flat load floor
Underfloor storage
Temporary spare tyre included
Compared to rivals:
Around 5 cubic feet more than Subaru Crosstrek
Significantly more than Corolla Cross
Honda’s seat-folding mechanism is simple and practical, making the HR-V ideal for families.
Driving Experience
Driven normally, the HR-V feels easy and relaxed.
Positive points:
Good visibility
Light steering
Comfortable ride
Smooth city performance
Predictable handling
Negative points:
Loud engine under hard acceleration
Limited highway passing power
CVT noise at high rpm
Seats feel too firm on long drives
This is a city-first SUV rather than a highway cruiser.
Safety Features
Honda Sensing comes standard across the range.
Includes:
Adaptive cruise control
Lane keep assist
Automatic emergency braking
Blind spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
No extra cost for core safety features.
Sales Performance and Market Position
In the US market:
Over 151,000 units sold last year
Second best-selling subcompact SUV
Only behind Subaru Crosstrek
This proves the HR-V’s popularity despite its limitations.
Pricing Overview (USA)
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| LX FWD | Just over $26,000 |
| Sport | Around $2,000 more |
| EX-L AWD | Starts near $31,000 |
| Fully loaded EX-L AWD | Around $33,500 |
AWD costs an additional $1,500 on all trims.
Honda HR-V vs Rivals
Key competitors include:
Subaru Crosstrek
Toyota Corolla Cross
Hyundai Kona
Kia Seltos
Mazda CX-30
Strengths over rivals:
Best-in-class interior space
Strong resale value
Comfortable city driving
Practical cargo layout
Weaknesses:
Slow acceleration
No hybrid option
Limited features at top trim
No off-road or sporty variants
HR-V vs Acura ADX
The Acura ADX offers:
Turbocharged engine
Power liftgate
Fully digital cluster
Better seats
More features
Price difference:
Acura ADX AWD starts around $37,000
Around $4,000 to $5,000 more than HR-V EX-L
For buyers wanting refinement and performance, the Acura may make more sense.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Honda HR-V remains a practical, comfortable, and easy-to-own subcompact SUV. It excels in interior space, cargo usability, and city comfort. However, it plays things very safe.
If you prioritise:
Space
Reliability
Comfort
Everyday usability
The HR-V still makes sense.
If you want:
Strong performance
Hybrid efficiency
Advanced tech
Highway refinement
You may find better options elsewhere.
Honda has not fixed the HR-V’s biggest weakness, the powertrain. A hybrid option would transform this vehicle. Until then, the HR-V remains good, but not class-leading.
2026 Honda HR-V FAQs
What is new in the 2026 Honda HR-V?
The 2026 Honda HR-V gets a light refresh rather than a full redesign. The biggest update is the larger 9-inch touchscreen, which is now standard across all trim levels. Honda has also made minor exterior tweaks like updated wheel designs on the EX-L trim and small grille texture changes.
Which engine does the 2026 Honda HR-V use in the US?
In the US market, the 2026 Honda HR-V is offered with a single engine option. It uses a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a CVT automatic transmission.
Is all-wheel drive available on the 2026 Honda HR-V?
Yes, Honda offers its Real Time All Wheel Drive system on all trims of the 2026 HR-V. All-wheel drive is optional and costs an additional $1,500 over the standard front-wheel drive setup.
How fast is the 2026 Honda HR-V?
The 2026 Honda HR-V is not designed to be a performance-focused SUV. In real-world testing, it takes around 9.3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Acceleration feels adequate in city driving, but the engine becomes loud and buzzy when pushed hard, especially above 5,000 rpm.
What fuel economy does the 2026 Honda HR-V deliver?
With all-wheel drive, the EPA-rated fuel economy for the 2026 Honda HR-V is 25 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. In real-world driving, owners can expect around 26 mpg in city use and close to 29 to 30 mpg on highways.
How spacious is the interior of the 2026 Honda HR-V?
Interior space remains one of the HR-V’s biggest strengths. The rear seat offers best-in-class legroom at 37.7 inches with a nearly flat floor, making it comfortable for adults. However, the rear seat lacks features like air vents, USB charging ports, and a fold-down armrest.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Honda HR-V offer?
The 2026 Honda HR-V provides 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up. When the seats are folded down, total cargo capacity increases to around 55 cubic feet. This is more cargo space than many rivals in the subcompact SUV segment.
Does the 2026 Honda HR-V have a power tailgate?
No, the 2026 Honda HR-V does not offer a power tailgate, even on the top EX-L trim. Buyers who want this feature will need to look at alternatives like the Acura ADX, which includes a power liftgate as standard.
What safety features are standard on the 2026 Honda HR-V?
Every 2026 Honda HR-V comes standard with Honda Sensing. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. These features are included without requiring buyers to upgrade to higher trims.
How much does the 2026 Honda HR-V cost in the US?
Pricing for the 2026 Honda HR-V starts at just over $26,000 for the base LX trim with front-wheel drive. The Sport trim costs about $2,000 more, while the top EX-L trim starts at around $31,000. A fully loaded EX-L with all-wheel drive can reach approximately $33,500.
