2016 car reviews

Thanks to its composed ride and versatile interior, critics think the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V is one of the most practical subcompact SUVs on the market.

With the best combination of positive reviews and long-term ownership costs in its class, the Honda HR-V is our 2016 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money. The HR-V, however, isn’t just a great value. It’s also our Best Subcompact SUV for Families because it has the leading combination of interior space, available family-friendly features, and safety and reliability ratings in its class.

Performance Summary

The all-new 2016 Honda HR-V comes standard with a four-cylinder engine that test drivers say generates sufficient power. They think it can feel strained and unrefined, however, when accelerating to highway speeds. A manual transmission is standard, and an automatic (CVT) is available. While test drivers agree that both transmissions perform well, they note the manual allows you to make the most of the engine's power.

With 25/34 mpg city/highway, the 2016 HR-V has fuel economy that’s typical for a subcompact SUV. Test drivers write that the Honda HR-V has fairly secure handling around turns, though it isn't particularly sporty. They add that despite its relatively firm suspension, the Honda HR-V feels cushioned over road imperfections. Most reviewers comment that the HR-V's steering is responsive, and its brakes have decent stopping power.

Interior Summary

Auto journalists say the 2016 Honda HR-V's interior uses soft-touch materials and hard plastics that are of decent quality. The HR-V's seats are roomy and nice to sit in, testers report. They are particularly impressed with the rear seats' ample head- and legroom, which they say make it one of the roomiest back rows they’ve seen in a subcompact SUV. Automotive journalists praise the 2016 Honda HR-V for its outstanding visibility in all directions.

According to reviewers, the HR-V offers impressive standard features, which include a rearview camera, a USB port, a 5-inch LCD display, Bluetooth phone connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls. Options include a 7-inch touch screen, automatic climate control, a power moonroof, navigation, satellite radio, push-button start and blind spot monitoring. Instead of typical dashboard buttons, the Honda HR-V has touch-sensitive controls for audio and climate systems. Critics agree that although the controls create a sleek dashboard layout, using them is complicated and distracting for drivers. The HR-V has 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which is one of the largest cargo capacities among subcompact SUVs. Test drivers like the HR-V's versatile storage features, including a forward-folding front passenger seat and a rear seat cushion that can be folded up or down.

• "The HR-V is a competent, versatile offering in the ever-growing compact crossover segment. It may lack the Jeep Renegade's off-road prowess and the Juke's turbocharged exuberance, but it makes up for it with practicality and dependability." - Left Lane News
• "The HR-V doesn't break any new ground here. It starts with the Swiss Army Knife packaging of the Fit hatchback, then adds a more powerful engine, increased ground clearance, and all-wheel drive. It's nothing revolutionary, but that's not a bad thing. In typical Honda style, the beauty lies in the execution." - Autoblog
• "Early subcompact SUVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Nissan Juke required buyers to sacrifice interior roominess, but more recent additions like the Chevrolet Trax and Jeep Renegade are more accommodating. The HR-V's innovative layout takes it a step further with a roomy, versatile cabin and large cargo area. Combined with a high-grade interior and good estimated gas mileage, the HR-V enters the segment poised to strongly challenge established and all-new models alike." - Cars.com
• "An all-new model in the subcompact crossover segment, the 2016 Honda HR-V combines a small footprint, high driving position and a surprisingly spacious cargo area in an easy-to-drive package. Solid mileage, available all-wheel drive and plenty of standard and optional features make it one of the top vehicles in the category." - Edmunds
• "If you are looking for a four-door model that is focused primarily on functionality in this price range, the HR-V is a unique compact crossover that hits 'em where they ain't." - Yahoo Autos