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Road Test: 2024 Honda HR-V

After a makeover for the 2023 model, there’s been no material change for the 2024 Honda HR-V, the smallest crossover in the brand’s lineup.

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2024 Honda HR-V EX-L Navi

The HR-V is offered in four trims, starting with the LX at a shade over $31,000. The top trim is our EX-L Navi model, with a price of $40,332.50. At that price point, you are getting a pretty well outfitted model that includes things like leather seating, heated seats and steering wheel, and an upgraded audio system.

Powertrain: All trims are powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission.

It pumps out 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough to propel this compact vehicle.

It features a drive mode selector, from Normal, Econ and Sport, but temper your expectations from that last setting.

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2024 Honda HR-V EX-L Navi

The HR-V has an estimated fuel economy rating of 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres, while my average worked out to 10.2 L/100 km.

Exterior: The new design introduced last tear features a huge improvement over the generation it replaced.

On the EX-L Navi trim, the grille gets a unique gloss-black treatment, which is also applied to the door pillars and other trim pieces. Not so evident when you opt for the $300 black paint option as your exterior colour.

The EX-L Navi also gets 17-inch alloy wheels that are painted a shark grey and feature a machine finish.

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2024 Honda HR-V EX-L Navi

Interior: The EX-L Navi comes with a few extra features compared to the rest of the model lineup, including leather trimmed seating, as well as a heated steering wheel and front seats.

The cabin was also redesigned for 2023 and now features something that has become a Honda signature element, a honeycomb motif that stretches horizontally across the dash, hiding the air vents neatly behind it.

The seating was comfortable, both up front and in the rear, with decent leg and head room for a vehicle this size.

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2024 Honda HR-V EX-L Navi

Controls for the radio and ventilation are neatly divided above and below that honeycomb mesh. The HVAC controls feature easy to operate knobs and buttons, while the infotainment setup features very few buttons for a clean look.

For its size, the HR-V also provides ample cargo space.

Infotainment: The HR-V we tested features a nine-inch infotainment screen and I quite like the Honda system, which is easy to use and navigate.

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2024 Honda HR-V EX-L Navi

As the name of our tester suggests, it was equipped with a navigation system, and paired to eight speakers. It also features satellite radio, as well as wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers wireless device charging.

I experienced no issues with the system at all, with a good response time and quality audio sound. As was the case last time I drove the HR-V, I appreciated the fact that the touchscreen controls are complemented by a physical volume knob, as well as physical buttons for home and back functions.

Drive: The overall driving experience in the HR-V was adequate for an everyday driver in the city. While the engine certainly will not create any sense of awe with its power, it’s nonetheless plenty competent and the CVT does a good job as well.

The HR-V includes as standard some features that are nice to have, like adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assist and more to help the driver out.

Conclusion: The HR-V is a competent, well-rounded vehicle for those searching for something relatively affordable but well-equipped. Backed by the Honda quality that the Japanese brand is known for, the smallest crossover in the lineup is a good way to whet the appetite of consumers to consider Honda for future purchases.

2024 Honda HR-V EX-L Navi
Price as tested: $40,332.50
Freight: $2,000.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder/ Continuously Variable Transmission
Power/torque: 158 horsepower/ 138 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular (53 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 8.7 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 10.2 L/100 km
Warranties: 3-years/60,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Mazda CX-30, Nissan Kicks, Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos
Website: Honda Canada

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