The Honda HR-V receives a slight update for 2026, but despite its increased interior space and more powerful powertrain, the second generation of this subcompact SUV still falls short of its predecessor.

Summary of the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L

The Honda HR-V is Honda’s smallest and most affordable crossover in North America.
The EX-L trim level, at the top of the lineup, starts at $41,823 in Canada.
Fuel consumption is rated by Natural Resources Canada at 8.7 L/100 km; I achieved 8.3 L/100 km.
For 2026, the HR-V gets a larger standard touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a few aesthetic tweaks.

Strengths

Solid feel and handling
Refined powertrain
Decent interior space

Weaknesses

Uncomfortable seats (especially in the rear)
Lack of soundproofing
Price is difficult to justify

While the first-generation Honda HR-V was a clever product designed on the foundation of the subcompact Fit, the manufacturer’s second-generation entry-level crossover still struggles to make people forget the one it replaces.

This can be explained in many ways, but the bottom line is that the current HR-V simply isn’t the best in any category anymore. It does everything rather well, but nothing better than what is found elsewhere.

For 2026, slight tweaks have been made, aimed primarily at making the entry-level versions more attractive by giving them a 9-inch touchscreen and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—features previously reserved for more expensive models. This means the EX-L model I tested differs from a 2025 only by its new alloy wheels and other small aesthetic details.

Understated Styling

2026 Honda HR-V EX-L | Photo: Anthony Lemonde

The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L doesn’t reinvent the wheel regarding automotive design, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Indeed, the style of this small crossover blends into the mass, but it remains relatively elegant, particularly with the EX-L version’s new 18-inch machined alloy wheels.

In my opinion, the current model is prettier than the first generation and looks a bit more premium than the Toyota Corolla Cross, without equaling the dynamism of the Mazda CX-30.

The vehicle’s slender shape and sloping roof reduce interior space somewhat compared to boxier models like the Volkswagen Taos and Kia Seltos, but this gives the HR-V a more youthful look than the old model.

This is a deliberate choice by the manufacturer, who sought to lower the age of this model’s target clientele. It seems to have worked well, as the HR-V, once favored by older buyers, is now the best-selling SUV among first-time buyers and Gen Z drivers in the United States. That is excellent news for Honda!

More Space Than Before, But Less Efficient Packaging

Inside, the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L offers a sober presentation, but one not completely devoid of visual appeal. The dashboard is a reduced version of what is found in practically all of the brand’s other models, meaning it features a partially analog instrument cluster, a touchscreen perched atop the dash, and an excellent climate control panel with three easy-to-understand and easy-to-use knobs.

The EX-L benefits from a slightly more premium touch due to a chrome accent around the air vents and contrasting white stitching on the seats and dashboard.

The center console has an original design, with the buttons for the downhill speed control, electronic parking brake, brake hold, and drive mode selector placed on a sort of “bridge” connecting the armrest to the gear shifter.

Under this bridge is an open storage space and a USB-C port, adding to the deep bin under the armrest and the two cup holders located in front of the gear shifter.

Another interesting design element: several plastic surfaces, such as the bottom of the doors and the wheel wells in the trunk, are wavy. This adds nothing to the practicality of the vehicle, but it is less drab than a smooth surface.

Speaking of plastics, those in the HR-V are not all of the highest quality, and the front door panels are mostly hard plastic, with the exception of the upper ledge and the armrest.

This isn’t the only place where Honda has cut corners. For example, rear passengers are not entitled to any USB ports, although a space on the console seems to have been designed to receive them, and the flimsy mesh cargo cover that droops in the center and does not retract when the trunk is opened is ridiculous.

We understand that this is Honda’s entry-level model and that we cannot expect the same quality as in its more expensive models, but the competition manages to do better at a lower price…

Regarding the trunk, it is well-sized, in the upper average of the segment, but it no longer benefits from what made its predecessor unique: the Magic Seat.

Indeed, the old HR-V, just like the Fit on which it was based, allowed the rear seat cushions to be flipped up to store bulky items vertically behind the front seats.

The current model cannot do this, but it at least offers a flat load floor once the seatbacks are folded conventionally.

Passenger space has also been improved compared to the old model; the current HR-V can accommodate four adults, and child seats can be installed in the back without having to move the front bucket seats forward.

A word on the infotainment system: it only includes basic audio functions and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While we would have liked a slightly more comprehensive system in the EX-L, the one we get is at least extremely simple to use.

A Refined Driving Experience, But Not Without Flaws

On the road, the 2026 Honda HR-V shares some qualities with the brand’s more expensive models, notably a refined powertrain and a feeling of solidity. The 2.0L four-cylinder engine and the CVT gearbox that equip all versions of this model are very smooth and show very little vibration, making the onboard experience more pleasant than in certain rivals. All-wheel drive is optional on the base trim level but standard on the EX-L. With a power output of only 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, one cannot expect exceptional performance, but the HR-V holds its own, and most drivers will be satisfied.

Like other small Honda models, the HR-V has a very firm suspension that allows for above-average handling, but fortunately, bumps seem a bit better damped here than in some other products from the company, including the Civic.

However, one cannot truly qualify the HR-V as comfortable due to its seats, which are also very firm and do not provide much support. It’s worse at the rear, where the seat bottom is too low for adults, leaving them with no thigh support. Still on the topic of comfort, soundproofing is deficient, and road and engine noise easily penetrate the cabin.

Returning to handling, the steering deserves praise for its speed and precision, even if it doesn’t transmit much sensation. Combined with a small steering wheel that fits well in the hand, its quickness contributes to making the HR-V very maneuverable in the city and rather pleasant to drive on a winding road, even if it isn’t truly sporty. This satisfying handling and good build quality give the HR-V a reassuring feeling of solidity on the road that is not found aboard all its rivals.

Here again, Honda’s subcompact SUV struggles to stand out from its rivals, as it is neither the most dynamic, certainly not the most comfortable, nor the most economical. With an average announced by Natural Resources Canada of 8.7 L/100 km, the 2026 AWD HR-V is certainly not a gas guzzler, but it still ranks above the segment average. In mostly rural and highway driving, I obtained 8.3 L/100 km, which is a bit better, but it would be interesting to see Honda add its hybrid powertrain to this model.

What to Look Out For

2026 Honda HR-V Launches with Styling and Technology Upgrades

Although the previous generation had some issues, notably CVT transmissions needing replacement and headlights/taillights filling with water, the current model of the Honda HR-V seems faithful to its manufacturer’s reputation for reliability, with very few recurring problems reported by owners on online forums. On the Transport Canada side, two recalls are listed for the current generation, neither applying to the 2026 model. These relate to the steering system, which could have been manufactured incorrectly, and the seatbelts, whose pre-tensioners might not be attached correctly.

Maintenance costs for the 2026 Honda HR-V should be rather low, and the resale value remains above the segment average, somewhat amortizing the premium required at purchase.

Price of the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L

Regarding the price, the 2026 Honda HR-V is quite expensive when compared to its competition.

With a bill of $42,123, our test model was more expensive than many top-of-the-line versions of its competitors, most of which have turbocharged engines and more extensive equipment.

The 2026 HR-V price scale starts with the front-wheel-drive LX listed at $33,423, to which all-wheel drive can be added for $2,300.

Next comes the Sport model, at $39,023, which adds black 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirrors, a sunroof, and a heated steering wheel, among other things.

The only options offered are paint colors, most of which are charged at $300.

Considering that one can get an AWD subcompact SUV under the $33,000 mark at Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota, the price of $35,723 asked by Honda for the HR-V LX AWD also appears high.

Even worse, you can get your hands on the hybrid XSE AWD, the most expensive trim level of the Toyota Corolla Cross, for about the same amount as the HR-V EX-L, which is less economical and less powerful.

This is the biggest weak point of Honda’s subcompact crossover: It fails to justify the premium demanded compared to its competitors.

Conclusion

The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L is not a bad little SUV in itself, offering generous interior space, refined driving that is slightly more dynamic than average, and a reassuring reputation for reliability. Unfortunately, its low level of comfort, unimpressive fuel economy, and reduced versatility compared to the old model do not allow it to occupy the forefront of the category. In short, the 2026 HR-V gets lost in the crowd of subcompact crossovers, practically all of which are very competitive.


Model	Honda HR-V EX-L	Mazda CX-30 GT	Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE
MSRP (Canada)	$38,700	$38,200	$38,635
Powertrain	2.0L 4 cyl. / CVT transmission with AWD	2.5L 4 cyl. / 6-speed auto. with AWD	2.0L 4 cyl. with electric motor / eCVT transmission with AWD
Horsepower	158 hp	191 hp	196 hp combined
Torque	138 lb-ft	186 lb-ft	290 lb-ft (Est.)
Average Fuel Consumption (NR Can)	8,7 L/100 km	8,2 L/100 km	5,6 L/100 km
Headroom (FR/RR)	976 mm / 964 mm	960 mm / 973 mm	1 003 mm / 993 mm
Legroom (FR/RR)	1 064 mm / 958 mm	1 059 mm / 922 mm	ND
Shoulder room (FR/RR)	1 438 mm / 1 402 mm	1 412 mm / 1 361 mm	1 339 mm / 1 331 mm
Vargo volume (behind 1st row / behind second row)	1 559 L / 691 L	1 280 L / 572 L	1 750 L / 609 L