2016 Honda HR-V AWD Review

2016 Honda HR-V AWD Review - The HR-V draws deeply on previous and present. In lots of ways, it's a reversion to the most effective things 20th-century Honda ever did, such as stylish interiors, wonderful suspension tuning, as well as well-considered details. Then it goes all Kendrick-Lamar-pimpin'-butterflies for its powertrain, electronics, even its extremely concept: This Honda is merely the most recent to join the expanding rankings of 21st-century micro-utes.


What exactly makes up a crossover is elusive when shrunk to twerp dimension. Nissan's Juke is self-consciously eccentric; the Chevrolet Trax is handsomely simple; Jeep's new Abandoner mixes rugged heritage with lovable details; exactly what Fiat is doing with the 500X is, uh, fascinating; as well as the upcoming Mazda CX-3 looks unpretentiously promising. But even if this is an untidy newborn section whose regulations await self-control, the infant crossover is clearly the economy automobile of right currently.

2016 Honda HR-V AWD Review

The greatest youngster in this room is the exceedingly priceless Kia Heart, which markets about 10,000 systems a month in the United States, does not supply four-wheel drive, and is marketed with anthropomorphic hamsters. In contrast, the HR-V extends sophistication: controlled interior and also outside design that doesn't court focus yet manages to be good-looking and significant anyhow.

Honda hadn't revealed pricing for the HR-V as this was written, only vowing that it would start under $20,000 as well as peak somewhere in the mid-to-high 20s for a crammed EX-L like our test vehicle. The HR-V must be on sale at dealers as you read this.

Based upon the Fit platform as well as constructed alongside it at Honda's plant in Celaya, Mexico, the HR-V is standard in the majority of its mechanical details. There are shows off in advance and also a torsion light beam in the back, and also the engine rests transversely under the hood. Like the Fit, the HR-V skillfully tucks its energy storage tank under the driver's seat, where it's surrounded by protective steel plating.



The HR-V is, nevertheless, substantially larger than the Fit. At 102.8 inches, the wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer compared to its contributor's. And at 169.1 inches, it's 9.1 inches lengthier overall. It's additionally a bit greater than 6 inches much longer than a Spirit or Juke. Yet the HR-V is still more compared to 10 inches much shorter compared to its big brother, the ludicrously popular CR-V.

2016 Honda HR-V AWD Review Larger measurements bring about some additional heft. This four-wheel-drive EX-L with leather and navigation weighed 3098 extra pounds-- 465 extra pounds more than a Fit with a CVT-- which creates the need for some additional power. So the Fit's pokey engine, a 130-hp 1.5-liter DOHC four, was alloted in favor of pokey-plus. That is, a 141-hp 1.8-liter SOHC 4. While both engines showcase 16 valves and also Honda's trademark i-VTEC variable-valve-timing-and-lift system, only the Fit's usages straight shot. And the HR-V's engine looks particularly wan in contrast with the turbocharged 1.6 in the Juke, which is ranked at 188 horsepower.

Honda's build high quality is apparent even prior to opening up the vehicle driver's door. The panels all suit securely on this preproduction examination auto, the 17-inch wheels look pricey, and also there's no orange peel in the paint. Honda surrounds the whole bottom side of the HR-V in black plastic-- throughout the bumper covers, along the rockers, and also around the wheel arcs-- making the vehicle seem it's riding above it is. Yet the claimed 6.7 inches of unloaded ground clearance (4.7 inches completely loaded) is small. It's clever to simply stay off the trails.

2016 Honda HR-V AWD Review

Exactly what's ideal about the HR-V is within, including aspects such as the simple instrumentation grouped under a single binnacle. Simple shapes form the door panels; and the wonderful, bright trim around the vents appears downright sophisticated. The seat pillows are short, but the leather covering them is soft as well as well stitched. After Honda's goofball journeys right into awkward cabin designs (the Civic's two-tiered dash, for example), the HR-V's controlled style counts as something of a return to form.

Especially valued is the large vent that runs across the dashboard in front of the right-seat traveler. It's a true praise to claim it truly impacts. Problematically, however, most of the common control switches are missing at work. In their place is a touch-sensitive five-inch LCD screen and also touch-sensitive black panel for the ventilation system. Stylistically, it's sleekly Bauhaus. Virtually, it makes trying to change a radio terminal while wearing gloves challenging.

Repetitive audio and navigation controls-- genuine switches-- on the perfectly padded guiding wheel are the driver's default controls. Why run the risk of aggravation by dealing with the touch display?

There's still a real button to start the engine, and also the 1.8 revives with an un-Honda-like apathy. It's smooth and also virtually vibration-free, yet it doesn't have the eager-to-rev personality that makes the very best Honda fours so cherished. However, this isn't an old Acura Integra and even an HR-V Si, so it's very easy to go on in the spirit of mercy, with some hope intact.

It's when the transmission is engaged that the HR-V experience droops precipitously. A six-speed manual is available on front-drive HR-Vs, but selecting 4x4 implies taking the automated whether you desire it or not. And also the automatic is a CVT.


Continuously variable transmissions make a great deal of feeling. They're mechanically simple as well as often much more efficient than geared automatics. The problem is that their operation could cause an awful noise. And that's especially annoying when they're coupled with low-torque engines that have to rev to supply suitable velocity.

The HR-V's ranked torque of merely 127 pound-feet optimals at a fairly frantic 4300 rpm. So with the CVT left in "D," the engine runs right as much as that torque optimal and then sits there droning like the salutatorian offering a junior-high beginning address. It's annoying enough that you prefer to return as well as duplicate the 8th grade compared to listen to it.

Most awful of all, the CVT and also the moderate power result conspire to strangle acceleration. On complete drone, the HR-V slumped over to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds and also finished the quarter-mile in 17.4 secs at 82 mph. That's about the same efficiency as the sluggish Chevy Trax, but a Spirit furnished with the 164-hp 2.0-liter engine and also six-speed automated flee from it.

In payment, the EPA rates the four-wheel-drive HR-V at 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the freeway. In mixed driving, not consisting of performance testing, C/D saw an excellent 35 mpg.

CVTs work very well when mated to engines that generate more torque down low and also in a larger band across their operating array. Compared with the HR-V's tranny, the CVT in the turbocharged Juke, which receives 177 pound-feet of torque in between 1600 as well as 5200 rpm, is a paragon of sensible athleticism.


The good news is, Honda does supply a workaround in the form of optional paddle shifters that sign transmission software with 7 virtual ahead gears. With the shifter in "S" and making use of the paddles, it's possible to make believe that the HR-V doesn't have a CVT in any way. The changes are quick if not company, as well as the engine even establishes a slight induction lilt that can be engaging.

Honda does electric power steering well, and the HR-V is no exemption. The guiding isn't especially fast, but it communicates well and the HR-V's suspension is tuned more stiffly compared to numerous competitors', so there's little physical body coming in corners without sacrificing much comfort. The 215/55R -17 Michelin Primacy MXV4 all-season tires are quiet and dropped water like a malamute sheds hair, but they lack tenacity, posting merely 0.80 g on the skidpad. And yet, just like the Fit, there's some dormant star power in this framework waiting to be unleashed offered the appropriate rubber.


Under tough braking, the HR-V remains impressively standard for being in a class of cars infamous for noses that dive so hard that they obtain the bends coming back up. Even though the 70-to-zero stopping distance is moderate, pedal feeling is foreseeable.

Every little thing a 21st-century commuter needs is accounted for in the HR-V. There are several USB ports, the offered navigating system is instinctive, and also the rear seat conveniently moves away to extend the generous cargo space. As well as, as with nearly every existing Honda, there's a cam beneath the right-side mirror for scoping out that rear-quarter web traffic dead spot. When driven gingerly, with tender accelerator application as well as bunches of gliding, a light enclosing the speedometer glows eco-friendly in appreciation of your environmental merit.

Yet there are 20th-century virtues worth celebrating, as well. Such as having the courtesy to drive promptly enough so that web traffic does not stack up behind you and also your glowing-green halo. Such as the genuine enjoyment of a mechanical interaction in between vehicle driver, gears, as well as car. Honda has actually recaptured a lot of its reliable virtues with the HR-V, but there are still some ripe ones out there all set to be selected.

Subscribe to receive free email updates:

0 Response to "2016 Honda HR-V AWD Review"