2022 Honda HR-V Review: Is It Worth The Drive?

by Alex Braham 47 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV that's been making waves. If you're in the market for a versatile, fuel-efficient vehicle, the HR-V might be on your radar. But is it really worth your hard-earned cash? Let's break it down and see what this little SUV has to offer.

Overview of the 2022 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Honda HR-V marks the beginning of its second generation, bringing a fresh design and a host of improvements over its predecessor. This subcompact SUV aims to blend practicality with modern styling, targeting young professionals and small families. Honda has packed it with features designed for urban living and occasional adventures. From its updated powertrain to its enhanced safety tech, the HR-V promises a more refined driving experience.

One of the most notable changes is the exterior design. The 2022 HR-V sports a sleeker, more mature look compared to the somewhat quirky styling of the first generation. The front fascia features a larger grille, and the body lines are smoother and more aerodynamic. This gives the HR-V a more sophisticated presence on the road, helping it stand out in a crowded segment. The interior has also been revamped with higher-quality materials and a more intuitive layout. Honda has clearly focused on creating a more comfortable and user-friendly cabin.

Under the hood, the 2022 HR-V gets a new engine that provides a welcome boost in power. The previous generation's engine was often criticized for being underpowered, so this upgrade is a significant improvement. The new engine delivers better acceleration and overall performance, making the HR-V more enjoyable to drive in various conditions. Honda has also tweaked the suspension and steering to improve handling and ride comfort. The result is a more composed and confident driving experience, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.

In terms of technology, the 2022 HR-V comes standard with a range of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features. Higher trim levels offer even more goodies, such as a larger touchscreen, premium audio system, and additional driver-assistance technologies. Honda has made a strong effort to keep the HR-V competitive in terms of tech offerings, ensuring that it appeals to tech-savvy buyers. Overall, the 2022 Honda HR-V represents a significant step forward for the model, offering a more refined and capable package than its predecessor.

Driving Performance

Let's talk about how this thing actually drives. The driving performance of the 2022 Honda HR-V is a mixed bag, but overall, it's a noticeable improvement over the previous generation. The new engine provides a welcome boost in power, making it more responsive in various driving situations. However, it's not exactly a powerhouse, so don't expect thrilling acceleration. The HR-V is more about practicality and efficiency than outright speed.

The engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. While this isn't groundbreaking, it's a step up from the previous model's anemic 141 horsepower. The extra power makes a difference when merging onto the highway or climbing hills. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is smooth and efficient, but it can sometimes drone under hard acceleration. Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and holds the engine in the higher revs, which can be useful for more spirited driving.

Handling is decent for a subcompact SUV. The HR-V feels relatively stable and composed in corners, with minimal body roll. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. However, it lacks some of the feedback and precision you might find in more sporty SUVs. The ride quality is generally comfortable, but it can get a bit bumpy on rough roads. The suspension does a good job of absorbing most imperfections, but larger potholes can still send a jolt through the cabin. Overall, the HR-V is a competent and easy-to-drive SUV, but it's not the most exciting vehicle in its class. It's more suited for daily commuting and running errands than tackling twisty back roads.

Fuel economy is one of the HR-V's strong suits. With front-wheel drive, it gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined (26 mpg city/32 mpg highway). With all-wheel drive, those numbers drop slightly to 27 mpg combined (25 mpg city/30 mpg highway). These are respectable figures for a subcompact SUV, and they can help you save money at the pump. The HR-V is a great choice if you're looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle that's also practical and versatile.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside, the interior and comfort of the 2022 Honda HR-V are generally well-executed, with a focus on usability and practicality. The design is modern and clean, with a minimalist dashboard and well-placed controls. The materials are decent for the price point, but don't expect luxury-grade finishes. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. However, some taller drivers may find the driver's seat lacking in lumbar support. Overall, the HR-V's interior is a pleasant place to spend time.

Space is one of the HR-V's biggest strengths. Despite its subcompact dimensions, it offers a surprising amount of room for both passengers and cargo. The rear seats are particularly spacious, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adults. The HR-V can comfortably accommodate four adults, or even five in a pinch. The cargo area is also generous, with 24.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area to a cavernous 55.1 cubic feet. This is more than enough space for groceries, luggage, or even a small piece of furniture. The HR-V's versatility makes it a great choice for those who need to haul cargo on a regular basis.

Technology is another area where the HR-V shines. It comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's easy to use and responsive. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Higher trim levels offer a larger 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other available tech features include a premium audio system, wireless charging, and a digital instrument cluster. The HR-V's tech offerings are competitive for its class, and they help to enhance the overall driving experience.

However, there are a few downsides to the HR-V's interior. The base model lacks some features that are standard on other subcompact SUVs, such as automatic climate control and a center armrest. The infotainment system can also be a bit slow to respond at times. Overall, the HR-V's interior is well-designed and comfortable, but it's not perfect. It's a good balance of practicality, space, and technology, making it a great choice for those who value usability.

Technology and Features

The technology and features in the 2022 Honda HR-V are designed to enhance both convenience and safety, making it a well-rounded package for modern drivers. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. This allows you to access your favorite apps, navigation, and music directly from the car's display. Higher trim levels upgrade to a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the need for cables.

Safety is a priority in the HR-V, with Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features coming standard. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more relaxed. Blind-spot monitoring is also available on higher trim levels, providing an extra layer of protection when changing lanes.

Convenience features abound in the HR-V, with available options such as a power moonroof, heated front seats, and a premium audio system. The power moonroof lets in natural light and fresh air, while the heated front seats provide warmth and comfort on cold days. The premium audio system delivers crisp and clear sound, making your favorite music sound even better. Other available features include a wireless charging pad, a digital instrument cluster, and a hands-free power tailgate.

One of the standout features of the HR-V is its Magic Seat system. This unique system allows you to fold the rear seats in multiple configurations, creating a variety of cargo-carrying options. You can fold the rear seats flat to create a large cargo area, or you can fold them up to create a tall, narrow space for carrying taller items. The Magic Seat system is incredibly versatile and makes the HR-V a great choice for those who need to haul a variety of cargo.

While the HR-V offers a good array of tech and features, it's not the most cutting-edge vehicle in its class. Some competitors offer more advanced features, such as a head-up display or a 360-degree camera system. However, the HR-V's features are well-integrated and easy to use, making it a practical and user-friendly choice.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2022 Honda HR-V:

Pros:

  • Fuel Efficiency: Excellent gas mileage for its class.
  • Spacious Interior: Ample room for passengers and cargo.
  • User-Friendly Technology: Easy-to-use infotainment system with smartphone integration.
  • Standard Safety Features: Honda Sensing suite comes standard.
  • Versatile Magic Seat: Unique rear seat configuration for flexible cargo options.

Cons:

  • Engine Performance: Can feel underpowered at times.
  • CVT Transmission: Can drone under hard acceleration.
  • Ride Quality: Can be bumpy on rough roads.
  • Base Model Features: Lacks some features that are standard on competitors.

Final Verdict

So, is the 2022 Honda HR-V worth the drive? Absolutely, if you prioritize practicality, fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior. It's a great choice for city dwellers, small families, and anyone who needs a versatile vehicle for daily use. While it's not the most exciting SUV on the market, it's a well-rounded package that offers a lot of value for the money. If you're looking for a subcompact SUV that's easy to drive, comfortable, and fuel-efficient, the HR-V is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to test drive it and compare it to other SUVs in its class before making a final decision.

Alright guys, I hope this review was helpful! Happy driving!