Crossovers are an increasingly popular car model, spiking in popularity since their introduction in 2014. One of the more recent Honda crossover models is the Honda HR-V, which is Honda’s smallest crossover. While this is the second generation of the vehicle, the first generation was never sold in the United States.

The Honda HR-V is a great example of the popular subcompact crossover market and worth considering if you are in the market for a crossover. While the HR-V comes with a number of upgrades, it’s worth exploring the features and benefits included in the standard model. You may decide you don’t even need to splurge on an upgrade.

Honda HR-V standard performance

A 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine is the standard offering for the Honda HR-V, along with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The engine is nothing to write home about, but it gets the job done.

The standard model also comes with front-wheel drive and gets an estimated 28 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. Expect to experience easy maneuverability and a comfortable ride on relatively even surfaces.

Interior

One of the key features of the HR-V is the “Magic Seat.” The second-row Magic Seat comes standard and allows the vehicle owner to fold the rear seatbacks almost completely flat. It is also possible to fold the seat cushions up, allowing you to carry tall cargo sitting up right. The 60/40 split capability allows you to maximize the storage potential of the interior.

When the Magic Seat is not in use, the HR-V interior seats five people. Power seats don’t come standard, so you’ll need to upgrade if the ease of adjustability is important to you.

You can also expect to find some infotainment features in the standard model, including a five-inch audio display, a rearview camera, a four-speaker stereo, and Bluetooth. You’ll have to upgrade to get access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and touch screen technology.

Exterior

The standard LX model doesn’t come with many exterior bells and whistles, but you will be able to choose from four colors: Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Modern Steel Metallic. You’ll need to upgrade if you have your heart set on Aegean Blue Metallic, Milano Red, Midnight Amethyst Metallic, or Orangeburst Metallic.

You’ll also benefit from the five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels that come standard. These wheels were designed to fit in with the sporty look of the vehicle.

How safe is the standard Honda HR-V?

The Honda HR-V is a winner when it comes to safety. The 2020 model scored a five out of five on its overall crash test rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also scored five stars on its side crash test. While it only netted four stars for both the frontal crash and rollover tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named it a Top Safety Pick.

Standard safety features include a rearview camera, stability assistance, anti-lock brakes, brake assistance, and tire pressure monitoring. An upgrade to add the Honda Sensing driver aids is necessary to secure the IIHS Superior ratings for front-impact protection.

So will the Honda HR-V LX serve your needs, or will you need to look for an upgrade? It all depends on what you need out of your car. If you are a sucker for power, you will likely want to upgrade the engine. If you can’t live without Apple CarPlay, you will need a technology upgrade.

But if what you are looking for is a reliable, practical crossover, the Honda HR-V might be the car for you. It fits the bill for both of these requirements at a reasonable price point of $20,820.