Welcome back to another review from Dal-Motors Team! We review new cars, trucks, and SUVs. Today, we’re taking a detailed look at the brand new 2025 Honda HR-V. If you’re considering a compact SUV, the HR-V is definitely worth checking out for its excellent reliability and value. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this vehicle, from pricing and performance to exterior and interior features.
Pricing
The 2025 Honda HR-V comes in three trim levels:
- LX: Starting at $25,100 (a notable increase from the 2024 model).
- Sport: Starting at $27,200.
- EXL: Starting at $29,800.
As you can imagine, there are a few different trim levels for the 2025 HR-V. You got the LX starting at $25,100, which is an $11,000 bump from the 2024 model year, in case you were curious. You got the Sport, which is the one we are in today, starting at $27,200, and lastly, the EXL going for $29,800.
That was all pricing for the front-wheel drive configuration. If you wanted to add all-wheel drive, you can do that—simply add $1,500 to any of those prices. But regardless of the trim level that you go with, the powertrain on the HR-V is going to be the same.
Powertrain and Performance
The HR-V is powered by a 2.0L naturally aspirated inline 4-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower at 6500 RPM and 138 lb-ft of torque at 4200 RPM. Power is sent to either the front or all wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It can go from 0-60 mph in approximately 9.5 seconds.
Fuel efficiency is solid, with the front-wheel drive achieving 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, and the all-wheel drive getting 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Drive Modes
The HR-V offers several drive modes:
- Normal
- Econ
- Snow
- Sport (engaged by shifting the gear selector back one more time from Drive)
Acceleration Test
Upon entering Sport driving mode and merging onto the highway, one of the first things that strikes you is the engine noise. The HR-V is quite loud, particularly when accelerating. The elevated RPMs in Sport mode contribute to this auditory feedback, which can give the impression of a more powerful performance. However, while the sound may suggest rapid acceleration, the HR-V’s actual 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds reveals a different story.
Speed and Handling
Despite the engine’s noise, the HR-V is not the quickest in its class. In fact, its acceleration time places it in a more moderate performance bracket compared to some competitors. For context, vehicles like the Mitsubishi Mirage, which are known for their slower acceleration, have similar performance metrics.
Driver Adaptation
One key takeaway from driving the HR-V is that, like any vehicle, you get accustomed to its characteristics over time. This is akin to dealing with visibility issues in sports cars like the Camaro or 370Z; the initial challenge becomes less significant as you become more familiar with the vehicle’s quirks. The HR-V’s performance, while not extraordinary, is manageable and becomes more acceptable with continued use.
Braking
The HR-V features 12.3-inch ventilated front discs and 12.2-inch solid rear discs. The braking feel is firm and responsive, offering a sportier experience compared to many other SUVs in its class.
Suspension and Handling
The HR-V uses a McPherson strut front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars. The ride quality is impressive, noticeably better than the Honda Civic. The steering is also well-weighted, providing a more connected and responsive driving experience.
Cabin Noise
At speeds around 48 mph, the HR-V manages cabin noise well, with minimal wind noise and only a bit of road noise, making for a comfortable ride.
Rear Visibility
Touching on rear visibility, I can see 100% perfectly fine out the back, so you are not going to have any issues there either. That pretty much rounds out the performance segment of this review, you guys. Let’s now go ahead and take a look at the exterior of our brand new 2025 Honda HR-V.
Exterior
The 2025 Honda HR-V sports a sleek design with several standout features:
- Headlights: LED headlights, daytime running lights, and automatic high beams come standard.
- Grille: Varies by trim, with the Sport featuring a unique design.
- Side Mirrors: Body-colored with power adjustment for the LX and EXL, and gloss black for the Sport. Heated side mirrors and LED integrated turn signals are available on higher trims.
- Wheels: The LX has 17-inch silver-painted alloys, the Sport has 18-inch gloss black alloys, and the EXL has 17-inch machine-finish alloys.
Rear End
The rear of the HR-V features:
- Antenna: Body-colored shark fin.
- Spoiler: Rear spoiler with an integrated brake light.
- Tail Lights: Standard LED for all trims.
- Exhaust: Single outlet with a bright chrome tip on the Sport trim.
At the back of the HR-V, at the top, you will find a body-colored shark fin antenna. Just below that, there’s a rear spoiler with an integrated brake light, and a rear window wiper. The all-wheel-drive badging is not found on the rear liftgate; it’s found via a sticker just underneath the rear window wiper.
The rear tail lights are LED and come standard for all trim levels. There is a single exhaust outlet down below, but the finish differs depending on the trim level. The Sport trim level has a bright chrome tip, whereas the other trim levels have it tucked away.
Cargo Space
The HR-V offers ample cargo space:
- Behind third row: 24.4 cubic feet.
- Behind second row: 55.1 cubic feet.
It also includes in-floor storage compartments, a cargo cover, and a 12-volt power outlet.
Rear Seat Comfort
In the rear, there’s actually a decent amount of space back there. Rear legroom comes in at 37.7 inches, and for reference, I’m an even six feet tall. It’s surprisingly good space. The rear seats can also be reclined.
Charging options include a USB charging port for the Sport and EXL trim levels. The LX doesn’t get one. There is no rear center armrest for the HR-V.
There are no rear air vents either, but there are bottle holders on each door, as expected. Materials in the rear are perfectly fine, and for all trims, you’re going to get cloth seating.
Front Seat Comfort and Features
The front seats offer adequate comfort, with manual adjustment for the LX and Sport and power adjustment for the EXL. Heated front seats are available on the Sport and EXL. The steering wheel is tilt and telescoping, with leather wrapping on the Sport and EXL trims.
Gauge Cluster
The gauge cluster consists of an analog speedometer and tachometer on the right, with a digital display to the left, customizable via controls on the wheel. It’s not an all-digital setup but has plenty of digital features for driver info.
Start-Up and Tech Features
All trims get a push-button start. The key is typically Honda—a black key with lock, unlock, and panic buttons. Let’s put our foot on the brake, start it up, and listen.
Tech-wise, all trims have a seven-inch display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The EXL gets a nine-inch display. Navigation comes in the EXL, with additional features like voice recognition. Let’s test out the sound system.
All trims come with a standard sound system, but the EXL has a premium system. Let’s turn on some music and see how it sounds.
It’s decent but not a premium system—perfectly fine for this segment.
Safety
The HR-V is equipped with numerous safety features:
- Rearview Camera
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Blind Spot Monitoring (Sport and EXL trims)
The HR-V is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, ensuring top-tier safety for its occupants.
Warranty
The 2025 Honda HR-V comes with the following warranty coverage:
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 3 years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance: 3 years/36,000 miles
- Corrosion (Rust Perforation): 5 years/unlimited miles
My Final Thoughts
The 2025 Honda HR-V is a reliable, practical, and stylish compact SUV, offering a well-rounded package of performance, comfort, and technology. Whether you’re looking for a daily driver or a versatile family vehicle, the HR-V is a solid choice.
