Honda HR-V 2024 review
Photo: © M 93 (CC BY-SA 3.0 de), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Honda HR-V is the sensible crossover for buyers who want hybrid efficiency without plugging in. Now exclusively hybrid in the UK, it pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for a combined 131PS, delivering up to 52.3mpg on the WLTP cycle and CO2 of just 122g/km. It is a small SUV that drives like a grown-up hatchback: light steering, tidy body control and a comfortable ride that suits motorway miles and school runs alike.
Inside, the cabin is a masterclass in clever packaging. Honda's Magic Seats fold flat or flip up cinema-style, swallowing tall items that defeat rivals, while rear legroom embarrasses cars from the class above. The dashboard is refreshingly simple — physical climate knobs, a clear 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and materials that feel a grade above the price.
Trims run Elegance, Advance and Advance Style, all well equipped with Honda Sensing safety kit as standard. Rivals include the Toyota C-HR, Kia Niro and Renault Captur. Insurance groups are modest, servicing costs are fair, and Honda's reliability record is among the best in the business — a reassuring ownership proposition for families keeping a car for the long haul.
UK price from: £32,000
Specifications
| Engine | 1.5-litre petrol hybrid (e:HEV) |
| Power | 131PS |
| 0-60 mph | 10.6 seconds |
| Top speed | 106 mph |
| Fuel economy | 52.3 mpg (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 | 122 g/km |
| Boot space | 319 litres |
| Length | 4,340 mm |
| Transmission | e-CVT automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
Features
- Full hybrid powertrain (1.5 e:HEV, 131PS) with no plug-in needed
- Honda Magic Seats — fold-flat and flip-up rear seating
- 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Honda Sensing safety suite with adaptive cruise and lane keep assist
- Heated front seats and dual-zone climate control on all trims
- 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights as standard
- Hands-free powered tailgate on Advance Style trim
- Up to 52.3mpg combined with CO2 from 122g/km
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (pair) | £54.99 | Genuine Honda pads; budget pattern parts from £24.99 |
| Oil filter | £12.99 | Genuine Honda filter; service every 12,500 miles or 12 months |
| Cabin pollen filter | £18.99 | Replace annually for clean cabin air |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £24.99 | 26in driver / 16in passenger flat blades |
| 12V battery | £119.99 | EFB battery suited to hybrid stop-start use |
| Headlight bulb (LED unit) | £189.99 | Sealed LED unit; dealer replacement recommended |
Pros
- Outstanding fuel economy for a petrol SUV with no charging faff
- Brilliantly versatile interior with Magic Seats and generous rear space
- Strong reliability reputation and low servicing costs
- Calm, comfortable ride that suits long family journeys
Cons
- Boot is merely average at 319 litres with the seats up
- CVT-style gearbox drones under hard acceleration
- Infotainment screen is small next to some rivals
- Pricier than mild-hybrid competitors at list price
