Cars

2025 Honda HR-V Full Review: Subcompact SUV Test Drive

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2025 Honda HR-V Full Review: Subcompact SUV Test Drive

The subcompact SUV segment continues to grow, with more buyers seeking a blend of efficiency, practicality, and modern tech. Honda has long been a trusted name in this space, and the 2025 Honda HR-V arrives with bold refinements that aim to elevate its standing among rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, and Hyundai Kona. After an extensive test drive and deep dive into its features, performance, and comfort, we’re ready to deliver a comprehensive review of the 2025 Honda HR-V—your ultimate guide to whether this compact crossover deserves a spot in your driveway.

Exterior Design: Sleek, Modern, and Confident

The 2025 Honda HR-V features a redesigned exterior that moves away from its previous conservative styling. Honda’s latest design language emphasizes bold lines, a wider grille, and sharp LED lighting elements that give the HR-V a more aggressive and upscale presence. From the front, the HR-V now sports a prominent chrome-trimmed grille flanked by slim LED headlights and integrated daytime running lights that wrap around the fenders. This not only enhances visibility but also gives the vehicle a futuristic look.

Along the sides, sculpted character lines run from the front fenders to the rear doors, adding dimension and a sense of motion even when parked. The wheel arches are slightly flared, housing standard 17-inch alloy wheels, with optional 18-inch wheels available on higher trims. These larger wheels give the HR-V a more planted stance and improve curb appeal.

At the rear, the HR-V showcases a clean and cohesive design. A thin chrome bar links the LED taillights, echoing design trends seen in luxury SUVs. The rear bumper includes faux skid plates (on higher trims), lending a rugged touch, while the overall proportions remain compact—ideal for city driving and tight parking spots.

Coupled with a wide range of exterior color options—from classic Crystal Black Pearl to vibrant Meteorite Gray Metallic—the 2025 Honda HR-V strikes a balance between sophistication and youthful energy.

2025 Honda HR-V Full Review: Subcompact SUV Test Drive from multiple angles

Interior Comfort and Innovation

Step inside the 2025 Honda HR-V, and it’s immediately clear that Honda invested heavily in interior refinement. The cabin boasts high-quality soft-touch materials, contrast stitching, and a minimalist layout that enhances both usability and aesthetics. Available leather-trimmed or premium cloth upholstery adds to the upscale feel, while dual-zone automatic climate control and ambient lighting create a comfortable atmosphere for both driver and passengers.

The front seats are supportive and offer ample legroom, even for taller drivers. Higher trims include heated front seats and a heated steering wheel—perfect for colder climates. The driver’s seat is 8-way power adjustable, ensuring an optimal driving position. The rear seat is where the HR-V truly shines, thanks to Honda’s Magic Seat® design and generous legroom. Even with the front seats pushed back, adults can sit comfortably in the back, a rarity in the subcompact SUV class.

Honda’s Magic Seat® system allows the rear seatbacks to fold completely flat or flip upward, creating flexible cargo configurations. Whether you're hauling groceries, camping gear, or a large piece of furniture, the HR-V adapts effortlessly. With the seats up, cargo space measures 24.4 cubic feet, expanding to a class-leading 58.7 cubic feet when folded—more than most competitors offer.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The centerpiece of the 2025 Honda HR-V’s cabin is the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard across all trims. This system runs Honda’s latest software, featuring snappy response times, intuitive menus, and crisp graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and wireless, eliminating the need for cords and enhancing convenience.

The system also includes built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility, allowing for voice-activated commands for navigation, music, and smart home control. Available SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and over-the-air software updates keep the HR-V modern and connected.

Audio quality is impressive, especially on higher trims that offer an available 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. Whether you're listening to podcasts or your favorite playlist, the clarity and bass response exceed expectations for this class.

Honda has also improved its digital gauge cluster. The base model features a 7-inch display, while higher trims upgrade to a full 10.2-inch digital instrument panel. This customizable display shows speed, fuel economy, navigation prompts, and driver-assist alerts clearly, minimizing distractions.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety remains a top priority for Honda, and the 2025 HR-V comes packed with advanced driver-assistance systems under the Honda Sensing® suite. Standard on every trim, this suite includes:

In real-world testing, these systems work together seamlessly. The adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance in traffic and smoothly accelerates when lanes clear. LKAS gently corrects steering if the vehicle begins to drift, though it’s best used on long highway stretches rather than tight city roads.

New for 2025 is the addition of Traffic Jam Assist, which combines adaptive cruise and lane-keeping functions to help reduce driver fatigue in slow-moving traffic. While not a full hands-free system, it’s a welcome upgrade for urban commuters.

The HR-V also earns top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), achieving a Top Safety Pick+ rating when equipped with specific headlights. Its rigid body structure, multiple airbags, and advanced crumple zones further bolster its safety credentials.

Performance and Driving Experience

The 2025 Honda HR-V is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. While this isn’t the most powerful engine in the segment—especially when compared to turbocharged rivals like the Hyundai Kona—it delivers smooth and reliable performance that suits the HR-V’s practical nature.

Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the HR-V offers seamless acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. Front-wheel drive is standard, with available all-wheel drive (AWD) on higher trims for improved traction in rain, snow, or off-pavement conditions.

During our test drive, we evaluated the HR-V in city streets, highways, and winding rural roads. The ride quality is impressively composed, thanks to a refined suspension system that soaks up bumps and potholes without sacrificing handling. Steering is light and responsive, making the HR-V easy to maneuver in crowded parking lots or during tight turns.

On the highway, wind and road noise are well-dampened, contributing to a quiet cabin environment. The HR-V isn’t designed for sporty handling, but it corners with confidence and remains stable at higher speeds. The AWD system engages seamlessly when needed, offering peace of mind during winter months without significantly impacting fuel economy.

Fuel economy is a standout feature. The 2025 HR-V achieves an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined with FWD. With AWD, those numbers drop slightly to 29/32/30 mpg—but still rank among the best in the segment.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Honda HR-V is available in four trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, and Touring. Each adds more features and refinement, giving buyers flexibility based on budget and desired amenities.

LX (Starting at $25,990)

The base LX trim is well-equipped for its price. Standard features include LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, Honda Sensing®, and the 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s an excellent value for entry-level buyers.

Sport (Starting at $27,690)

The Sport trim adds a sporty aesthetic with unique blacked-out grille, gloss-black wheels, and red interior accents. Additional features include a power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and proximity key entry. It’s a great middle ground for those wanting more style without overspending.

EX-L (Starting at $29,990)

The EX-L elevates comfort with leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and ambient interior lighting. It also includes rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming rearview mirror—luxury touches that enhance daily usability.

Touring (Starting at $32,490)

The top-tier Touring trim is the most luxurious, featuring the 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, Bose premium audio, navigation, wireless phone charging, and memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors. Automatic high beams and parking sensors add convenience, while the AWD system comes standard on this trim.

Technology and Convenience Features

Beyond the infotainment and safety suite, the 2025 Honda HR-V offers thoughtful convenience features that enhance usability. The available hands-free power tailgate makes loading cargo a breeze, especially when your hands are full. The rearview camera is crisp and includes dynamic guidelines, while the available front and rear parking sensors help avoid minor scrapes in tight spots.

Keyless entry and push-button start are standard from the Sport trim up. The HR-V also supports over-the-air updates, ensuring that software improvements and security patches are delivered automatically—no dealership visits required.

For tech-savvy buyers, the HR-V includes a Wi-Fi hotspot powered by AT&T, allowing passengers to stay connected on the go. USB-C charging ports are available in both front and rear, replacing older USB-A ports for faster charging and modern device compatibility.

Storage and Practicality

Honda has always excelled at interior packaging, and the 2025 HR-V continues that tradition. The center console includes multiple storage cubbies, a large bin under the armrest, and bottle holders in all doors. The glove compartment is spacious and includes a cooling feature in some trims—a nice touch for keeping items like sunglasses or medications cool in summer.

The Magic Seat® system remains one of the HR-V’s most unique features. The rear seatbacks can flip upward to create a tall cargo space ideal for items like plants, bicycles, or even a small pet carrier. Folding the seats flat creates a long, uninterrupted load floor—perfect for moving larger items.

There’s also a hidden underfloor storage compartment in the cargo area, useful for securing valuables or storing charging cables and tools out of sight.

Comparison with Competitors

How does the 2025 Honda HR-V stack up against its rivals?

Honda HR-V vs. Toyota Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross shares the HR-V’s practical focus but uses a smaller 2.0L engine with slightly less horsepower (169 hp). However, the Corolla Cross offers a hybrid option, which the HR-V does not. The HR-V edges out the Corolla Cross in rear legroom and cargo space, making it more family-friendly. Interior materials in the HR-V also feel more premium.

Honda HR-V vs. Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 offers a more engaging driving experience and a higher-end interior, but it sacrifices rear space and cargo volume. While the CX-30 feels more luxurious, the HR-V wins on practicality and value. The Mazda also lacks a third-row option and has a smaller infotainment screen (8.8 inches).

Honda HR-V vs. Hyundai Kona

The Kona offers a turbocharged engine option (195 hp) and a more aggressive design. It also includes a hybrid variant. However, the HR-V provides a quieter ride, more refined interior, and superior rear seat comfort. The Kona’s infotainment system, while feature-rich, can feel cluttered compared to Honda’s clean interface.

Overall, the HR-V strikes a balance between comfort, space, and technology that few rivals can match—especially for families or urban dwellers who value versatility.

Who Should Buy the 2025 Honda HR-V?

The 2025 Honda HR-V is ideal for a wide range of buyers: