Everything the Cheapest Honda SUV of 2024 Gets Wrong and Right
The market is flooded with SUVs catering to various tastes and budgets. In a sea of small crossovers, the 2024 Honda HR-V stands out. Combining practicality, style, and affordability, this subcompact SUV is an enticing choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, is it a good value for the price point, or does it miss the mark? Let’s look at the 2024 HR-V’s pros and cons to see what the cheapest Honda SUV gets right and wrong.
Overview: Price, specs, and features
Pricing:
The 2024 Honda HR-V offers three trim levels — LX, Sport, and EX-L — each with a low base price appealing to budget-conscious consumers. Starting MSRPs are $24,100, $25,650, and $27,650, making the HR-V one of the most affordable new SUVs.
Powertrain and fuel economy:
To help keep those starting prices low, Honda provides only one engine. It’s a 2.0-liter inline-four, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), making 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. Though the 2024 HR-V is far from the fastest in its class, it strikes a balance between responsive performance and fuel efficiency.
Speaking of gas mileage, 2024 HR-V models with standard front-wheel drive get an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Trims with optional all-wheel drive get 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Notable features:
The 2024 Honda HR-V comes adequately equipped. Standard features include the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, a user-friendly 7.0-inch color touchscreen infotainment system, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Though the interior styling might not scream luxury, its clean, functional design complements this subcompact SUV’s practicality-focused nature.
For a few thousand dollars more, the range-topping EX-L trim adds many appealing upgrades. They include:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charger
- 9.0-inch color touchscreen with volume knob, customizable feature settings, and smart shortcuts
- Eight-speaker audio system
- SiriusXM
- HD Radio
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Automatic-dimming rearview mirror
- Ambient LED lighting
- Heated front seats
- Leather trim
- Moonroof
- Front and rear parking sensors
What does the 2024 Honda HR-V get wrong?
The 2024 HR-V is a budget-friendly SUV but has several drawbacks:
- Sluggish acceleration: One notable disadvantage is the HR-V’s slow acceleration, thanks to its weak engine. Car and Driver testers clocked it from 0 to 60 mph in a “lazy” 9.4 seconds.
- Overly firm seats: Not every rider might like the seats’ firmness, potentially causing discomfort during longer drives. Personal preferences regarding seat comfort vary widely, so some passengers may find the HR-V’s seats too rigid, while others might find them supportive.
- Cheap-looking interior materials: The HR-V’s interior, though functional, lacks the upscale feel consumers have come to expect in modern cars. Higher-quality materials and finishes could be used sparingly to make the cabin appear luxurious without the luxury price. (The rival Mazda CX-30 excels in that regard.)
- Lack of a hybrid or electrified model: In an era when environmental concerns and fuel economy are paramount, the absence of a hybrid or electrified option is a misstep. An electric HR-V variant could also solve the acceleration problem.
What does the cheapest Honda SUV get right?
Besides its bargain-basement starting price, the 2024 Honda HR-V excels in three key areas:
- Stylish exterior: What the 2024 HR-V lacks on the inside, it makes up for on the outside. This small SUV impresses with a sleek body and attractive color choices that complement its design.
- Spacious interior: Another advantage is its notably roomy cabin for its class. Passengers have ample space, and cargo capacity is impressive. Expect 24.4 cubic feet behind the back row and 55.1 cubic feet with that row folded flat. For comparison, the rival 2024 Hyundai Kona has 19.2 cubic feet and 45.8 cubic feet, respectively.
- Generous standard safety features: Every HR-V trim includes Honda’s trademarked Collision Mitigation Braking System, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation system, lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.
The 2024 Honda HR-V is a budget-friendly option for shoppers seeking a small crossover balancing practicality, style, and affordability. Despite its drawbacks, its low starting price and range of features make it a compelling choice in the competitive subcompact SUV class.
