2017 Honda HR-V AWD Review

2017 Honda HR-V AWD Review - The HR-V draws deeply on previous as well as existing. In many means, it's a reversion to the best points 20th-century Honda ever did, such as classy insides, sweet suspension adjusting, and well-considered details. And afterwards it goes all Kendrick-Lamar-pimpin'-butterflies for its powertrain, electronic devices, even its extremely idea: This Honda is simply the most recent to sign up with the expanding ranks of 21st-century micro-utes.

Exactly what makes up a crossover is evasive when diminished to twerp dimension. Nissan's Juke is self-consciously unusual; the Chevrolet Trax is handsomely uncomplicated; Jeep's new Insurgent mixes rugged heritage with lovable information; just what Fiat is finishing with the 500X is, uh, fascinating; and also the upcoming Mazda CX-3 looks unpretentiously encouraging. But even if this is an untidy newborn segment whose regulations wait for self-control, the baby crossover is clearly the economy automobile of right currently.

2017 Honda HR-V AWD Review

The biggest youngster in this space is the extremely valuable Kia Spirit, which sells about 10,000 devices a month in the USA, does not offer 4x4, as well as is marketed with anthropomorphic hamsters. On the other hand, the U2017 Honda HR-V AWD extends beauty: restrained interior and exterior design that doesn't court attention yet takes care of to be beautiful as well as substantial anyhow.

Honda hadn't announced rates for the HR-V as this was composed, only promising that it would start under $20,000 and also peak somewhere in the mid-to-high 20s for a packed EX-L like our examination automobile. The 2017 Honda HR-V AWD ought to get on sale at dealers as you read this.

Based upon the Fit platform and built together with it at Honda's plant in Celaya, Mexico, the HR-V is traditional in the majority of its mechanical information. There are shows off in advance and also a torsion beam of light in the back, and also the engine rests transversely under the hood. Like the Fit, the HR-V skillfully puts its energy storage tank under the motorist's seat, where it's bordered by safety steel plating.


The 2017 Honda HR-V AWD is, nevertheless, significantly larger than the Fit. At 102.8 inches, the wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer compared to its benefactor's. And also at 169.1 inches, it's 9.1 inches lengthier general. It's also a little bit more than six inches much longer than a Soul or Juke. However the HR-V is still more compared to 10 inches shorter than its big brother, the ludicrously popular CR-V.

Larger dimensions cause some added heft. This four-wheel-drive EX-L with natural leather and also navigating evaluated 3098 pounds-- 465 pounds more than a Fit with a CVT-- which develops the demand for some extra power. So the Fit's pokey engine, a 130-hp 1.5-liter DOHC four, was reserved in favor of pokey-plus. That is, a 141-hp 1.8-liter SOHC four. While both engines showcase 16 valves and also Honda's signature i-VTEC variable-valve-timing-and-lift system, only the Fit's usages direct shot. And the HR-V's engine looks specifically wan in comparison with the turbocharged 1.6 in the Juke, which is rated at 188 horse power.

Honda's build high quality is apparent even before opening the driver's doorway. The panels all suit firmly on this preproduction examination automobile, the 17-inch wheels look expensive, as well as there's no orange peel in the paint. Honda borders the whole lower edge of the HR-V in black plastic-- throughout the bumper covers, along the rockers, and also around the wheel arches-- making the car appear it's riding above it is. Yet the declared 6.7 inches of unloaded ground space (4.7 inches totally filled) is modest. It's smart to just stay off the trails.

2017 Honda HR-V AWD Review

Exactly what's ideal regarding the HR-V is inside, including components such as the uncomplicated instrumentation organized under a single binnacle. Easy shapes develop the door panels; and also the pleasant, bright trim around the vents seems downright innovative. The seat cushions are short, but the leather covering them is soft as well as well sewed. After Honda's goofball adventures right into awkward cabin styles (the Civic's two-tiered control panel, for example), the HR-V's controlled design counts as something of a recover.

Particularly valued is the large vent that runs across the dash in front of the right-seat traveler. It's a true praise to claim it actually strikes. Problematically, however, the majority of the typical control buttons are missing at work. In their area is a touch-sensitive five-inch LCD screen as well as touch-sensitive black panel for the air flow system. Stylistically, it's sleekly Bauhaus. Virtually, it makes aiming to change a radio terminal while putting on gloves challenging.



Repetitive audio and navigation controls-- genuine switches-- on the well cushioned guiding wheel are the motorist's default controls. Why run the risk of frustration by dealing with the touch display?

There's still a genuine button to start the engine, and also the 1.8 comes to life with an un-Honda-like apathy. It's smooth as well as nearly vibration-free, yet it doesn't have the eager-to-rev personality that makes the best Honda fours so precious. 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 forgiveness, with some hope undamaged.

It's when the transmission is engaged that the HR-V encounter droops precipitously. A six-speed guidebook is available on front-drive HR-Vs, yet opting for four-wheel drive means taking the automatic whether you want it or otherwise. As well as the automatic is a CVT.


Constantly variable transmissions make a bunch of sense. They're mechanically straightforward and also occasionally a lot more efficient compared to tailored automatics. The problem is that their procedure can cause a horrible sound. Which's particularly bothersome when they're paired with low-torque engines that should rev to deliver decent acceleration.

The 2017 Honda HR-V AWDrated torque of just 127 pound-feet optimals at a fairly agitated 4300 rpm. So with the CVT left in "D," the engine bolts right around that torque peak then rests there droning like the salutatorian giving a junior-high commencement address. It's annoying sufficient that you prefer to return as well as restart the 8th quality than listen to it.

Most severe of all, the CVT and the modest power outcome conspire to strangle acceleration. On complete drone, the HR-V slumped over to 60 mph in 9.5 secs and also completed the quarter-mile in 17.4 seconds at 82 miles per hour. That's about the same efficiency as the slow-moving Chevy Trax, yet a Heart equipped with the 164-hp 2.0-liter engine as well as six-speed automated flee from it.


In compensation, 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 efficiency screening, C/D saw a remarkable 35 mpg.

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

The good news is, Honda does provide a workaround through optional paddle shifters that cue transmission software with 7 online forward gears. With the shifter in "S" and also making use of the paddles, it's possible to act that the HR-V does not have a CVT in any way. The changes are quick if not company, and the engine even creates a mild induction lilt that can be engaging.


Honda does electrical power guiding well, as well as the 2017 Honda HR-V AWD is no exemption. The steering isn't specifically quickly, but it connects nicely and also the HR-V's suspension is tuned more stiffly than several competitors', so there's little body coming in edges without sacrificing much convenience. The 215/55R -17 Michelin Primacy MXV4 all-season tires are quiet and shed water like a malamute sheds fur, however they lack persistence, posting merely 0.80 g on the skidpad. And yet, similar to the Fit, there's some inactive star power in this framework waiting to be released offered the best rubber.

Under difficult stopping, the HR-V stays impressively flat for remaining in a course of cars well-known for noses that dive so hard that they obtain the bends returning up. Although the 70-to-zero quiting range is modest, pedal feel is predictable.


Everything a 21st-century commuter requirements is made up in the 2017 Honda HR-V AWD. There are multiple USB ports, the offered navigating system is user-friendly, as well as the rear seat conveniently moves away to stretch out the charitable freight space. As well as, similar to almost every current Honda, there's a cam underneath the right-side mirror for scoping out that rear-quarter web traffic unseen area. When driven gingerly, with tender accelerator application and lots of gliding, a light encircling the speedometer glows green in praise of your ecological virtue.

However there are 20th-century merits worth commemorating, too. Such as having the courtesy to drive swiftly sufficient to ensure that website traffic does not accumulate behind you and also your glowing-green halo. Such as the genuine pleasure of a mechanical engagement between vehicle driver, gears, and also vehicle. Honda has actually regained a lot of its reliable merits with the HR-V, yet there are still some ripe ones out there ready to be selected.

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