Our three-month tenure with Honda’s smallest SUV, the HR-V e:HEV X, has come to an end, and returning the vehicle has left us with plenty to unpack. Throughout this period, the car was shared between myself and my colleague Josh Nevett, providing us with different perspectives on its performance and capabilities.
During our time with the HR-V, we covered a variety of driving scenarios including long-distance commuting, urban errand running, and carpooling with full capacity. This allowed us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the car’s performance in different situations. I had previously reviewed the same spec of HR-V in our standard seven-day format earlier this year, so this long-term experience provided a valuable comparison.
One of the standout features of the HR-V is its exceptional design and build quality, both inside and out. The interior is user-friendly and well-designed, with many physical buttons for ease of use. The synthetic leather finishes and cloth seat trim provide a comfortable and stylish interior environment. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with the added convenience of seat heaters for colder days.
The hybrid system in the HR-V is a highlight, offering quiet and efficient performance. The transition between electric and petrol power is seamless, providing a zippy driving experience around town. The car’s fuel economy is impressive, hovering around 5.0L/100km during our time with it.
In terms of practicality, the HR-V offers decent boot space and the Magic Seats feature adds versatility for carrying larger items. However, the seating arrangement is a downside, with only two rear seats due to the lack of a middle seatbelt. This limitation reduces the car’s appeal for families or those needing to transport more than four passengers.
The infotainment system, while functional, has some inconsistencies with Apple CarPlay connectivity. The price of the HR-V, especially in the hybrid variant we tested, may be a bit steep compared to its competitors in the small SUV segment.
Overall, the Honda HR-V e:HEV X is a solid choice for those seeking a practical and efficient small SUV. It offers a comfortable ride, impressive fuel economy, and a well-designed interior. While it may not stand out in any particular area, it delivers on most fronts and is a reliable option for daily driving.
Josh’s perspective on the HR-V aligns with my observations, highlighting its practicality, efficiency, and overall functionality as a commuter vehicle. Despite some minor drawbacks, the HR-V remains a competitive choice in its segment.
