The HR-V is one of the most popular models in Honda’s SUV lineup. This subcompact crossover has several pros and cons, but what are its biggest hit and its biggest miss? Here’s a closer look at the 2024 Honda HR-V.

Biggest hit: The 2024 Honda HR-V provides a roomy interior

The 2024 Honda HR-V has plenty of good points, but its biggest hit is its spaciousness for a subcompact crossover.

The HR-V provides 39.4 inches of headroom in the front and 38 inches in the rear. And legroom is 41.9 inches in the front and 37.7 inches in the back. For comparison, the rival Subaru Crosstrek’s headroom is 39.8 inches in the front and 38 inches in the back. As for legroom, it has 42.9 inches in the front and 36.5 inches in the rear.

Although both SUVs have comparable space in the front, the HR-V provides over an inch more legroom for backseat passengers. That might not seem like much, but an inch could be the difference between achy knees and a comfortable ride. 

In addition, the HR-V’s roominess extends to the cargo area. It boasts 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back row and 55.1 cubic feet with that row folded. On the other hand, the Crosstrek has only 19.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.7 cubic feet maximum. 

Biggest miss: The 2024 Honda HR-V has a weak engine

With the good comes the bad. And the Honda HR-V’s biggest miss is its performance. This crossover has a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces a measly 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque.  

With such a weak engine, this SUV doesn’t have much oomph for highway merging and passing. According to Edmunds, the HR-V takes over 10 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Reaching higher speeds requires a heavier foot on the pedal, but that strains the engine. The comparable Toyota Corolla Cross is slightly faster, with an acceleration time of 9.6 seconds. 

And though the HR-V’s fuel economy ratings aren’t bad, they lag behind rivals. The HR-V gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. But the comparable Crosstrek achieves 27/34 mpg city/highway. 

Will consumers agree on the pros and cons?

Individual opinions always vary, and that will hold true for the 2024 Honda HR-V. But there’s no denying the HR-V is spacious for a subcompact SUV, making it appealing for small families. 

And despite the engine’s lackluster performance, owner reviews on Edmunds haven’t complained about a lack of pep. Some even say the 2023 version (which carries over mostly unchanged for the latest model) is quick on the highway and rate their purchase five out of five stars. So that bodes well for the 2024 HR-V.