Overview
To combat the onslaught of desirable and stylish small SUVs, Honda is gearing up its 2022 HR-V with a full redesign. The outgoing generation was practical and offered good value, but the restyled model needs more curb appeal and a more compelling powertrain in order to challenge the segment’s best, such as the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos, and the Mazda CX-30. A four-cylinder is sure to remain the HR-V’s chosen powertrain, but we aren’t sure yet if it will be of the turbocharged or natural-aspirated variety. To preserve the outgoing model’s unbeatable versatility, we expect the second row Magic Seat to make a repeat appearance; a modernized cabin with updated technology is also sure to be part of the redesign.
What’s New for 2022?
Honda’s smallest crossover will be completely redesigned for the 2022 model year and is expected to debut before the end of 2021.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Pricing for the 2022 HR-V shouldn’t increase too much from the current model. Our recommendation for the midrange EX will likely also carry over as we expect that trim to offer the best mix of features for the price. When we learn more about the 2022 HR-V’s pricing, features, and options, we’ll update this story with those details.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Our hope is that Honda will offer a more powerful powertrain in the next-generation HR-V—that could come in the form of a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder borrowed from the Civic compact car. Other possibilities include a turbocharged 1.5-liter or a hybrid arrangement similar to the one in the Insight. The outgoing HR-V never offered the quiet athleticism we expect of modern Hondas, nor did it provide a particularly supple ride over potholed roads, so we are hoping for improvement in those areas, as well. When we get a chance to drive the new HR-V, we will update this story with driving impressions and test results.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
There’s no word yet on the new HR-V’s fuel economy ratings, but the outgoing model was particularly efficient so it has big shoes to fill. For more information about the HR-V’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The HR-V will likely adopt a more modern interior design with this new generation; it could mirror that of the also newly redesigned 2022 Civic. That car’s minimalist approach looks both classic and attractive, with a practical storage bin ahead of the shifter on the center console and a long rectangular air vent dividing the upper and lower dash panels. From spy photos, we can see that the new HR-V will have a free-standing infotainment display, but that’s the only discernable feature so far. The outgoing model offered Honda’s novel Magic Seat, which allows the rear bench to flip and fold to a very low, flat floor. That feature helped the tiny HR-V lead the segment in cargo capacity in spite of its size.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All models will likely come with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We can see from spy photos that the screen will stand proud in the middle of the dashboard and is likely to be larger than the 7.0-inch screen in the outgoing model. We expect niceties such as onboard Wi-Fi, SiriusXM radio and in-dash navigation, at least as options.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
We expect more standard driver-assistance features to make their way to the HR-V for 2022, including more advanced tech such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. For more information about the HR-V’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Honda’s standard warranty package is fairly basic, and rival SUVs such as the Kona and Seltos come with much longer coverage plans. Buyers of the Toyota C-HR will find a two-year complimentary maintenance plan, but Honda offers no such perk.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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