Fit Crosses Over
2019 Honda HR-V AWD Sport
The Honda HR-V shares the same platform (and the same factory) as the Honda Fit. Many times, siblings show a strong, facial resemblance. But in this case, the pair look most alike in the back seat, which is quite versatile. The leg room in said seat measures 39.3 inches. That’s more than any competitive vehicle that comes to mind, and translates to adult sized space — unusual, in a subcompact crossover. The seatbacks also fold forward, and so set, cargo capacity goes from 23.2 — 57.6 cubic feet (in AWD models) — again, large, by segment standards, with a flat load floor, and a low lift over height. The back seats do one more thing.
The bottoms fold up and lock against the rear seatback, allowing second row storage for tall items. It also makes for a low entry height, if you want to take your dog along, and said dog doesn’t like to jump up on seats. The floor, while low, has a pronounced hump in the middle, which my dog pointed out to me, via sideeye. (A couple of towels for padding settled the dispute).
Up front, HR-V offers 41.2 inches of leg room, and if you’re six feet or taller, you wouldn’t say no to another inch or so. An eight-way power seat is offered, but only on top trim models.
Front cabin stowage spots are few, and run small. HVAC controls are handled in a deck of dials located half way up the center stack. They’re intuitive and easy to reach, Adjustments for infotainment functions are channeled through a 7-inch touchscreen on the center stack, in all but base trim models. The screen doesn’t respond to input from a gloved hand, but secondary controls (on the steering wheel) are available as a workaround, to switch channels.
Happily, the former (ineffective) sliding touch controls for sound system volume, has been replaced by a simple (effective) knob. An integrated navigation system is only offered on the top trim level. However, the new display audio system incorporates Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, so owners can bring their phone-based navigation apps along for the ride. A rearview camera is standard on all models. Honda eschews typical, mirror mounted blind spot detection in favor of a system called Lane Watch, which is included on mid-level trim (EX) and up. Switching on the right hand turn signal (or pressing a button on the end of that stalk) activates the system, which displays a camera generated image of what’s behind your vehicle on the right side, onto the center screen.
Blind spot monitoring systems are really an essential part of a belt and suspenders approach to lane changes (along with turning your head and looking). The downside to the Lane Watch system is that it’s right-side only. Since drivers make lane changes both left and right, the system is only half as good as it ought to be.
The compensation for limited oomph is solid fuel economy: 26 city/31 highway/28 combined.
Staying with safety, Honda Sensing is a suite of driver assistance and active safety technology. Offered as standard equipment on mid through top trim levels, the package includes: Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning.
All HRVS are fitted with a 1.8L fourcylinder engine (rated at 141 horsepower and 127 lb. ft. of torque) and linked to a Continuously Variable Transmission. A six-speed manual transmission was formerly offered on FWD models, but is no longer available.
The engine is loud at full throttle, though it quiets down when cruising. HR-V is on the low end of the segment, with respect to acceleration. There’s enough power on hand for normal, ’round town driving, but since it takes time to gather speed, you need to pick your spots, when it comes to highway merges or passing.
The compensation for limited oomph is solid fuel economy. EPA estimates for AWD HRVS are 26 miles per gallon city, 31 highway, 28 combined. FWD versions check in at 28/34/30. I logged 23 mpg’s during my recent week behind the wheel. HR-V ride quality belies its size, and the subcompact dimensions mean that it isn’t choosy about the size of parking spot you find. The electric power steering has a nicely weighted feel, and it feels nimble.
HR-V’S trim levels expand from three to five this year. Sport — which slots in one rung above the base model — gets 18-inch rims, sport pedals and modelspecific, blackout trim inside and out. Touring — the new range topper — features multi-element LED headlights and fog lights and leather trimmed seats.
The revised lineup now looks like this: LX (MSRP $20,520), Sport (new, $22,220), EX ($23,720), EX-L ($25,320) and Touring (new, $28,540). Those numbers are for front-wheel-drive.
Upgrading to AWD adds $1,400 to the sticker price, and destination charges are $1,045.
The engine is loud at full throttle, though it quiets down when cruising.