2016 Honda HR-V

Although the 2016 Honda HR-V has only been on the market for a very short time, it has already made its presence known. The compact crossover SUV is the perfect option for a lot of today’s car shoppers. Equipped with a four-cylinder motor, the all-new HR-V delivers just the right amount of performance for most drivers. Due to the crossover’s excellent fuel economy and low starting price, it should reel in plenty of buyers.

What’s new for 2016?
The Honda HR-V is an all-new model. In terms of size, it is a step below the Honda CR-V.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2016 Honda HR-V - The Pros

1) Affordable

With a starting price of around $19,500, the 2016 Honda HR-V is wise choice for budget-minded drivers. While the top-of-the-line EX-L model costs more money, it still does not break the bank. Prospective buyers can expect to pay about $25,800 for a fully-loaded version. All trims come with a 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2) Well-Equipped Base Model

The base model comes equipped with more than just the bare necessities. Standard features such as the rear-view camera help make the HR-V an even better bargain. In order to get a back-up camera on some other vehicles, the buyer is forced to purchase an expensive technology package. A 160-watt audio system and Bluetooth technology also come standard.

3) Efficient Engine

While some people may overlook the HR-V’s engine, it is actually a very good power source. Designed with i-VTEC technology, the four-cylinder engine churns out 141 horsepower. During real-world driving, the engine never feels sluggish. Fuel efficiency is especially good on the FWD models. Drivers can look forward to getting 35 mpg on the highway.

4) Manual Transmission Offered

There are still plenty of drivers who appreciate the engaging performance of a manual transmission. While the new HR-V does offer a continuous variable transmission as an option, it comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. As many car enthusiasts already know, Honda designs some of the best manual transmissions in the business.

5) Good Handling

For the drivers who have grown tired of driving a truck-like SUV, the new Honda HR-V is a good alternative. The crossover’s small size helps it to deliver a quite sporty driving experience. When traveling on a curvy road, the HR-V does not exhibit a great deal of body roll. Fortunately, the ride quality remains very comfortable as well.

6) Great Outward Visibility

Far too many drivers underestimate the importance of good outward visibility. A vehicle that has a lot of blind-spots can be a pain to drive on an everyday basis. Honda designed the new HR-V to provide great outward visibility, which certainly helps drivers to remain aware of their surroundings.

7) Versatile Interior

Despite the HR-V’s relatively small stature, it still offers an impressive amount of interior room. When traveling on a road trip, even the rear-seat passengers will be able to remain comfortable. In the event that the driver needs to haul a large item, the “Magic Seat” can be completely pushed down to increase the cargo capacity to nearly 60 cubic feet. If needed, the rear seats can also be folded upwards to store tall objects in the back.

8) Plenty of Creature Comforts

While the base model is packed with goodies, the EX and EX-L trims offer even more features. Some of the high-end features found on the EX model include a sunroof, heated front seats, Smart Entry technology, and the exclusive HondaLink phone system. Meanwhile, the luxurious EX-L Navi trim brings navigation and leather upholstery.

9) Extremely Useful Safety Features

All versions of the HR-V feature a rear-view camera. Drivers will also benefit from a tire pressure monitoring system and traction control. For the drivers who plan to do a lot of highway traveling, the available LaneWatch system will help to keep everyone safe. Designed with special radar technology, the LaneWatch system can quickly detect the presence of an oncoming vehicle.

10) Stylish

Plenty of people have already fallen in love with the HR-V’s sporty design. Not only do the LED taillights look cool, but they also enhance the crossover’s safety profile. From the outside, the various trim levels look virtually identical to each other. Some of the chic paint colors include Misty Green, Milano Red, and Deep Ocean.

Reasons you may not want to buy a 2016 Honda HR-V - The Cons

1) Not Designed for Towing

When it comes to towing a load, the new HR-V is not equipped to handle that task. While it does offer plenty of cargo space, it is definitely not the best choice for pulling a trailer.

2) No V-6 Option

A V6-powered HR-V would be a very quick driving machine. Unfortunately, drivers will have to be content with the four-cylinder power source.

3) Cannot Handle Rough Terrain

Although an AWD system is available, the new HR-V does not feature any off-road components.

How the 2016 HR-V stacks up to the competition:

Some of the competition includes the Nissan Juke, the Jeep Renegade, and the new Mazda CX-3. While all of the competitors have their strong points, Honda has a tradition of producing remarkably reliable automobiles. The HR-V’s predicted reliability is a big plus for the drivers who are looking for a long-term vehicle. When compared to crossovers such as the Nissan Juke, the HR-V offers significantly more interior room.

Conclusion:

Although the Honda HR-V is a newbie in the compact crossover segment, it is still a solid choice. The HR-V’s overall versatility makes it a great vehicle for families. While the engine is not super powerful, it does reward the owner with excellent gas mileage.