Are you shopping for your next car? Do you have the 2020 Honda HR-V in mind? If you do, then we’re here to tell you that you can do better. While the HR-V is competitively priced and has a handful of awards to its name, there are a few reasons as to why you should skip the 2020 Honda HR-V and choose the 2020 Hyundai Kona instead.

Why you should steer clear of the 2020 Honda HR-V

As Consumer Reports so eloquently put it, “the HR-V is really showing its age.” Though, with the current generation of HR-V models having arrived way back when in 2016, that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise.

Unfortunately for the HR-V, that’s not all Consumer Reports had to say about it either. Its base 4-cylinder engine is underpowered. Its engine gets loud when accelerating. And, to top it all off, Consumer Reports says the “ride is stiff, and the front seats lack support.”

Kelley Blue Book had a similar take on the 2020 HR-V, saying that its engine is “on the weak side.” Kelley Blue Book also took issue with the HR-V’s continuously variable transmission, adding that it’s “guaranteed to make an enthusiast think of something else.”

Would current owners rebuy it?

Not all owners of the 2020 Honda HR-V have been happy with it either. According to CarComplaints.com, multiple owners of the HR-V have complained about experiencing electrical problems.

“Battery goes down to 6 – 9 volts and can’t start the vehicle. Had to call Honda road service 5 times to come jump. When they jump it, it starts right away. Can hardly let the vehicle sit over-night and think it will start the next morning. Honda dealer has been very accommodating and tested the electrical system twice and nothing shows up,” reads one of the most recent complaints.

And when it comes to predicted owner satisfaction? Consumer Reports gave the HR-V low marks for its acceleration and handling, and its seats, climate control, noise, and ride. It did, however, earn higher marks in terms of its styling and value.

Overall though, per Consumer Reports’ owner satisfaction ratings, only 52% of Honda HR-V owners would consider rebuying the HR-V. 

Why you should choose the 2020 Hyundai Kona instead

The 2020 Honda HR-V isn’t the only vehicle available in the segment. Compared to the 2020 Hyundai Kona, it’s clear that it’s a better choice than the current HR-V. 

Though the ride may be stiff, Consumer Reports says its base engine is “adequate around town,” and its “nimble handling makes the Kona feel very responsive in corners.” Unlike the 2020 Honda HR-V, this year’s Kona also comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC, making it easy to forgo the HR-V’s lackluster continuously variable transmission.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona is also a tad cheaper than the 2020 Honda HR-V. While the HR-V’s starting price comes in at $20,920, the Hyundai Kona starts at $20,300.

Is the 2020 Honda HR-V really that bad?

There are some upsides to be had when it comes to the 2020 Honda HR-V, though. Not only does it offer strong fuel economy ratings, but according to J.D. Power, the HR-V also earned a ‘Great’ quality and reliability rating. 

However, in the end, the HR-V’s flaws do outweigh its strengths. And with options like the 2020 Hyundai Kona currently available, you can certainly do better than the 2020 Honda HR-V.