2026 Honda HR-V
The SUV class is more diverse today than ever before, and many city drivers favor subcompact models in particular. The competition is strong, as there are many makes and models to choose from. At Hudson Honda, we are often asked about our recommendation for a subcompact SUV, to which we're always eager to recommend the Honda HR-V.
A new model year is here, and Honda's subcompact SUV shines once again. The 2026 Honda HR-V has everything that drivers have come to expect from the brand, but in the smallest SUV it could manage, of course. It benefits from a capable and fuel-efficient powertrain that can be paired with either a front- or all-wheel drivetrain. Beyond performance, the HR-V checks all the boxes regarding consumer demand.
The HR-V exhibits a stylish exterior design complemented by a sophisticated interior with plenty of tech. This subcompact SUV comfortably seats five and offers plenty of cargo room for situations that require it. In addition to keeping drivers connected, the 2026 HR-V also comes with a whole slate of great driver assistance features, offering drivers the protection and oversight they need on the road.
One of the most attractive aspects of the 2026 Honda HR-V is its price. With a starting MSRP of only $26,200, the HR-V is incredibly affordable, even for those on a stricter budget.[a] So, let's review the HR-V from top to bottom, inside and out; we'll look at its performance, its interior, and those safety features that allow for greater peace of mind.
MSRP: $26,200[a]
Horsepower: 158
Cargo Space: 55.1 cu.ft.
MPG city/hwy: 26/32[b]
Performance
Many drivers enjoy the subcompact SUV class for its scaled-down models, which have agile handling and get exceptional fuel economy figures. The HR-V is no exception. Honda's subcompact SUV has all the advantages of a larger model but on a smaller scale. Drivers will certainly find its performance versatile, as it can soar both on and off the pavement; it can handle the stop-and-go patterns of city driving, and it can facilitate adventures that demand dirt paths to be taken.
The 2026 Honda HR-V comes in three distinctive trim levels: LX, Sport, and EX-L. Each of these trims is equipped with the same powertrain: a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This makes Honda's subcompact SUV adept at city driving and encourages sustainable fuel economy figures.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard for the HR-V and is beneficial for drivers who spend most of their time commuting in the city. FWD versions of the HR-V achieve an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, for 28 MPG combined.[b] An all-wheel drivetrain (AWD) is available on the 2026 HR-V for light off-roading and better traction on asphalt amid adverse weather conditions. AWD doesn't hinder the 2026 HR-V's fuel economy too much, given that it still achieves 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, for 27 MPG combined.[b]
The HR-V is designed to be efficient regardless of terrain. This SUV has three driving modes: Econ, Normal, and Snow. In addition to these different modes, all three trims have Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist. The LX and EX-L trims have seven inches of ground clearance, and drivers fond of recreational activities will enjoy the boosted 7.3-inch clearance offered by the Sport trim. On and off the pavement, the 2026 HR-V can adapt to your needs.
If you're a driver who prefers to spend their time in the city, you'll love the HR-V's agile handling. This SUV comes with active noise cancellation and Honda's Eco Assist System, which are also excellent perks for city driving. The 2026 Honda HR-V provides the ideal balance of power and efficiency. Drivers can choose FWD, which is best for city driving, or AWD, which can better facilitate adventure. Both drivetrains provide exceptional fuel economy figures, allowing drivers to go farther between fill-ups.
Interior
The versatility and advantageous nature of the 2026 HR-V aren't limited to its powertrain. Having undergone a facelift for the new model year, the HR-V's interior has become far more refined and sophisticated than in previous years. This interior provides plenty of comfort features, as well as access to the apps and technologies that drivers use daily. Drivers will enjoy plenty of legroom, and they'll relish in its cargo space when storage becomes a priority.
The interior of the 2026 HR-V is anchored by a nine-inch infotainment screen that's standard on all three trims. The screen provides wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also included is a wireless phone charging pad, so you can leave the charging cables at home and use the available ports for other devices. All trims have plenty of USB ports for both rows, and a 12-volt power outlet can be found in the cargo area.
Audio quality is guaranteed, thanks to HR-V's stereo system, which will satisfy any audiophile. Every 2026 HR-V has a 180-watt system, with its speaker numbers varying per trim. The LX has four speakers, the Sport gets six, and the EX-L has eight. All trims have active noise cancellation to ensure music stays in and unwanted external noises stay out.
In addition to entertainment items, there are plenty of creature comforts and practical features available. The HR-V LX and Sport have automatic climate control, and the EX-L receives a dual-zone setup. The Sport and EX-L come with heated front seats, and the EX-L's seats are also leather-trimmed. Cargo room is plentiful on the HR-V, with over 24 cu.ft. of storage space when all five seats are occupied. When storage takes precedent, the rear seats can be folded to unlock 55.1 cu.ft. of room.
The interior of any vehicle is where you spend most of your time, so the 2026 Honda HR-V covers all the bases of what drivers tend to look for. With an advanced infotainment system to ensure connectivity and a satisfying sound system, you'll never feel lonely during your travels. Thanks to plenty of available storage space, you'll have no issues with trips to the grocery store or across-town moves.
Safety
The 2026 Honda HR-V's performance and interior are impressive, but the most important attribute of any vehicle is its safety. For those drivers who have families, it's imperative that their vehicle has a wide array of safety features, and the 2026 HR-V has multiple standard driver assistance features, all part of its Honda Sensing suite.
Honda Sensing checks many boxes regarding protection and oversight, especially for families who spend their time traveling in the city. Forward collision warning and collision mitigation braking are imperative to preserving reaction time in a potential collision. Relative to these features is adaptive cruise control, which adjusts speed during highway travel in accordance with traffic patterns; by following at a safe distance, reaction time is maximized.
Maintaining your correct position during travel is also important, so the 2026 HR-V has tools in place to assist you. Honda's road departure mitigation system alerts drivers when they veer off course in their lane and can initiate corrective steering. The inclusion of lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning bolsters this feature. The driver attention monitor can alert you when fatigue starts to set in and suggest that it might be wise to pull over and stop. Other features that come standard across all trims include traffic sign recognition and traffic jam assist, which are crucial for visibility and assistance when on the road.
Certain trims of the HR-V come with additional tech that some drivers will find beneficial for safe travels. The Sport trim gets items such as a blind spot information system and a rear cross-traffic monitor. Both of these are crucial for families who live in densely populated areas where keeping an eye on your surroundings is of the utmost importance. The EX-L trim gets these items and more advanced features, such as front and rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control.
Most automobiles have driver assistance features as standard fare, but not all brands are willing to make so many of these features standard across all trims. The 2026 Honda HR-V has an incredible amount of standard safety features, meaning no matter which trim you choose, you're getting an SUV designed to keep you safe and protected.
Visit Us Today
The 2026 Honda HR-V provides everything drivers look for in a subcompact SUV. It covers all the bases with its efficient powertrain, its technology that'll keep you entertained and safe, and its accommodating interior design. At Hudson Honda, we've got the 2026 HR-V in all three trims, and we think you should visit for a test drive.
Our professional and courteous sales team will help you review each trim to decide which will best suit your needs. Furthermore, our financing department will help you get the right lease or loan. Our dedication to you extends beyond the sales floor, too, as our service center will help keep your HR-V in pristine shape. If you want a great experience buying your next Honda SUV, visit us today!
[a] MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,395 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.
[b] 26 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 25 city/30 highway/27 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.