2026 Honda HR-V EX-L Review: A More Mature Take on the Subcompact SUV

2026 Honda HR-V EX-L Review: A More Mature Take on the Subcompact SUV

From Fit-Based Beginnings to a Civic-Based HR-V

The Honda HR-V was among the pioneers of the subcompact crossover segment in North America when it debuted at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. Based on the now-discontinued Honda Fit platform, the original HR-V quickly became a commercial success and helped fuel the rapid growth of the small SUV market, prompting many mainstream automakers to introduce competing models. After the Fit was discontinued in 2020, Honda developed an all-new HR-V based on the Civic platform. We decided to revisit the model to see how it has evolved since the launch of its latest generation in 2022. Our test vehicle was the Honda HR-V EX-L, priced at $41,836 and assembled at Honda's Celaya, Mexico, plant.

The Honda HR-V's first generation was a good starting point design-wise, but it left a bit to be desired. It had the practicality and overall proportions of a subcompact SUV, but its styling was relatively conservative and didn't do much to stand out in a crowded segment. This second generation, however, comes in with a much more mature exterior style, giving the HR-V a stronger presence on the road without making it look unnecessarily aggressive. The redesigned front grille and bumper play a big role in that transformation, giving the nose a wider and more confident appearance. Its LED headlights add a modern touch, while the glossy black lower bumper helps tie the different elements together and gives the front end a sportier look. 

A More Confident and Distinctive Design

The paint colour stands out too. Our Nordic Forest Pearl tester was especially interesting, shifting between blue, grey, and green depending on the sun's angle and your position around the vehicle. It's subtle, but it gives the HR-V extra personality and highlights the bodywork's contours. The side profile makes the vehicle look bigger than it is, helped by a relatively long hood and clean, horizontal lines. The 18-inch glossy black wheels pair nicely with the black lower-body accents, adding contrast without overwhelming the design. The rear is less stylized than the front, with LED taillights that look almost muted in comparison. Still, the simpler design works well, and the large rear hatch isn't just visual; it adds real practicality, too. Overall, the HR-V has undergone a substantial evolution rather than a timid one. Honda clearly wanted this generation to look more grown-up and distinctive, and we're all for it.

A Simple, Functional Cabin

Step inside the 2026 Honda HR-V, and the same restrained, functional design philosophy from the exterior continues throughout the cabin. The horizontal dashboard visually widens the space, while slim air vents set into a honeycomb-style mesh panel give the interior a modern look without drawing attention to individual elements, a feature also seen in the Civic. As the top trim in Canada, the EX-L gets leather-trimmed seating and additional soft-touch materials for a more upscale feel. The front seats emphasize support and feel firmer than most competitors', offering solid lateral support without feeling restrictive. The seating position is distinctly SUV-like, with good visibility and a clear view of the road, avoiding the tall, truck-like feel of larger utility vehicles. One detail worth noting: while the driver's seat is power-adjustable, the front passenger seat is manual, a curious omission for a trim at the top of the HR-V lineup.

Technology Without the Unnecessary Complexity

Technology is integrated into the Honda HR-V's cabin in a straightforward, user-friendly manner. A 9-inch centre touchscreen serves as the main infotainment interface and sits high on the dashboard for easy visibility, though it looks a bit tacked on. The system favours ease of use over extensive customization. A notable downside: there's no available premium audio upgrade, whereas some competitors offer optional branded or higher-output systems. Physical controls remain for climate and volume, reducing the need to dig through on-screen menus. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are included on this trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. Ahead of the driver, the gauge cluster features a 7-inch colour TFT display. Rather than going fully digital, Honda blends digital information with traditional instrumentation in a familiar, easy-to-read layout that shows fuel economy, trip data, and driver-selectable menus without cluttering the view. Overall, the HR-V's technology strikes a sensible balance, delivering the connectivity and convenience most drivers need without overcomplicating the experience.

Family-Friendly Space Where It Matters

One of the cabin's biggest strengths is its sense of space. Thanks to a relatively long wheelbase for the segment and efficient packaging, the HR-V feels roomier inside than its exterior dimensions would suggest. Rear-seat passengers benefit from generous legroom, making the second row comfortable for adults on shorter trips and well suited to families with children. Headroom is also quite good, while the nearly flat rear floor is a welcome touch for those sitting in the middle seat. Parents, in particular, will appreciate the wide-opening rear doors, which make installing child seats easier, as well as the ample space available as children grow. The ISOFIX anchors are easy to locate, as are the top tether anchors in the cargo area.

Plenty of Cargo Space for Everyday Life

Cargo versatility is another strong point. With the rear seats in place, the HR-V offers 691 litres (24.4 cu. ft.) of cargo capacity, providing useful room for groceries, strollers, sports equipment or weekend luggage. Fold the 60/40-split rear seatbacks down, and that figure increases to 1,559 litres (55.1 cu. ft.), creating a large, practical load area for bulkier items. Overall, the HR-V's cabin strikes a good balance between passenger comfort and everyday versatility, with a straightforward layout that makes the most of the available space.

A Familiar Engine With No Hybrid Option

Powering the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L is a naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 138 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The engine is paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while in Canada, all-wheel drive comes standard on every trim except the base model. Unfortunately, there is no hybrid option, despite the availability of one in other markets. Fuel economy is nonetheless competitive for an all-wheel-drive subcompact SUV. Natural Resources Canada rates the HR-V AWD at 9.4 L/100 km in the city, 7.8 L/100 km on the highway and 8.7 L/100 km combined. During our time with the vehicle, we averaged approximately 9.0 L/100 km (26.1 mpg) in mixed driving, landing quite close to the official rating.

Comfortable, Competent and Definitely Not Quick

On the road, the HR-V isn't out to thrill anyone, and it doesn't pretend otherwise. Car and Driver clocked a 0-60 mph time of roughly 9.4 seconds, and that number feels about right from behind the wheel. The CVT makes itself known on highway on-ramps, droning like a lawnmower as it strains toward 100 km/h. In city driving, though, it's far less of an issue; the transmission mostly fades into the background, keeping the engine in its optimal power band during acceleration without calling attention to itself. In Canadian spec, the EX-L comes equipped with Honda's Real Time AWD system, which sends power to the rear wheels when extra traction is needed. Steering and handling are exactly what you'd expect from a subcompact SUV: nothing sporty or particularly engaging, with a touch of body roll through corners, though nothing out of the ordinary for the segment. The suspension, however, is a pleasant surprise, striking a well-judged balance between soft and firm, and it soaks up potholes and speed bumps with ease, though it leans more toward comfort than sportiness overall.

A Well-Rounded HR-V With a Few Compromises

The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L won't win any drag races or corner-carving contests, and it doesn't try to. What it does offer is a genuinely mature, well-resolved package: a distinctive exterior, a spacious and practical cabin, and a driving experience that prioritizes comfort over thrills. The CVT drones on highway on-ramps and the oddly manual passenger seat are minor blemishes on an otherwise well-rounded effort. For buyers who value substance over spectacle, the HR-V remains one of the more compelling choices in the subcompact SUV segment.

Disclaimer: Honda has lent us the vehicle as a press loan. We have no affiliation with Honda Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the car referred to above.

2026 Honda HR-V EX-L Review: A More Mature Take on the Subcompact SUV