This simple guide analyzes every Honda HRV model, from the 2016 model to the most recent model. It also categorizes the worst and best years.
This guide will break down all the Honda HRV models, showing you the years that are the most desirable to purchase and those to avoid.
Based on reliable sources such as Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, we’ve thoroughly analyzed Honda HR-V performance over the years. Power.
The article will highlight differences between Honda HRV models, including changes to engine performance, technology advancements, reliability and common problems. It will also identify the top and bottom model years of the Honda HRV.
Let’s jump right in!
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Honda HR-V Gens.
The Honda HRV, which was released in its second version in 2015 quickly gained popularity in the market for compact SUVs. The HR-V was known for its flexibility, and its ” magic seat” design allowed it to be a very practical vehicle.
The interior was comfortable and well-equipped, and the engine choices were efficient. This made it an excellent choice for both city driving and long journeys.
This table shows the Honda HRV generation from 2016 until now:
| The Generation of the Right to Generate | The Year |
|---|---|
| Second generation (RU). | 2016-2022 |
| 3rd generation (RZ) | 2023-Present |
It is important to understand the generations of Honda HR-V models. This will help you decide on which year model best fits your needs and preferences.
Honda HR-V’s Best, Worst, and Neutral Years
Our rankings and categorizations of the Honda HR-V model year consider a number of factors including:
- Owner-reported reliability surveys
- Maintenance costs
- Safety Ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability score
- Consumer Reports scores of owner satisfaction
- NHTSA investigations, recalls and complaints
- Edmunds Owner Ratings
- JD Power Owner Ratings
- Kelley Blue Book owner ratings
- Owner ratings for VehicleHistory
- Owner ratings on Cars.com
This graph consolidates all of these ratings, giving a complete picture of Honda HR-V performance over the years.
Based on our extensive data and research, we’ve categorized Honda HR-V model years into the best, neutral and worst.
| The Generation of the Right to Generate | Best Years | The Worst Years |
|---|---|---|
| Second generation (RU). | 2017 2020 2021 2022 | 2016 2018 2019 |
| 3rd generation (RZ) | 2024 | 2023 |
The “Neutral Years”, or years with no significant reliability issues, offer a balance option to potential buyers.
NHTSA Recalls are some factors that negatively affect our classification. An increased number of recalls and complaints usually indicates lower reliability.
Here’s a look at the Honda HRV in its best, neutral and worst years.
Honda HR-V Second Generation: Best and Worst Years (2016-2022).
The Honda HR-V, second generation, was designed to build on the success of the first-generation model. Its versatility, fuel economy, and interior made it one of the most popular choices in the segment for compact SUVs.
The Honda HR-V second-generation is best suited for years 2017 and 2020-2022, and the worst years are 2016-2018 and 2019.
The best years: 2017 2020 2021 2022
What is the ideal year to buy a Honda HRV? According to our research, the two-generation HRV’s best years are 2017 and 2020.
The models were equipped with an 1.8L I4 motor delivering 141 horsepower, and a continuously-variable transmission ( CVT), which provided a comfortable driving experience, as well as good fuel efficiency, at around 28 city/34 highway.
In these years, there were many technological advancements, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other features that enhanced the infotainment.
In later years, honda Sensing technology was added to the safety features. This provided advanced driver assistance technologies like adaptive cruise and lane keeping assist.
Honda HR-V models from 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022 were praised for their high reliability, lower mechanical problems and customer satisfaction. They are the most popular years in this generation.
2016-2018, 2019: The worst years
Honda HR-V models from 2016, 2018 and 2019 are the most important years to buy.
Honda HR-V 2016 had several problems, such as issues with the powertrain and electrical system.
The owners reported issues such as inoperative buttons for start/stop, failures of the instrument cluster, peeling paint, problems with CVT transmissions and brake failures. This model is subject to a recall due to insufficient coating of the rear piston calipers, which can reduce braking performance.
Honda HRV 2018/2019 models continue to have issues, especially with brakes and the instrument panel. This has led to recalls due to inoperative rearview cameras, failures of fuel pumps, and inadequate coatings on rear caliper pilars.
The combination of these issues and the need for recalls has significantly reduced the appeal and reliability of this particular model year, making it less attractive to potential buyers.
NHTSA 2016,, 2018, and 2019, HondaHR-V Recalls.
Honda HR-V Third Generation: Best and Worst Years (2023-Present).
The Honda HR-V, third generation, introduced new technology, improved performance and a more modern design. It aimed to raise the bar in the segment of compact SUVs.
The Honda HRV third generation model should be avoided in 2023, but 2024 is the ideal year.
2024: The best years
J.D. Power and Consumer Reports owner ratings are higher than average, so 2024 is the best year for the third-generation Honda HR-V. Power and Consumer Reports, the Honda HR-V third-generation is expected to be the most popular model in 2024.
The engine is more powerful and efficient than the one in the previous generation, which enhances the driving experience.
It has a 158-horsepower 2.0L I4 and a continuous variable transmission that provides a smooth and efficient driving. The fuel economy averages 26 city/32 Highway MPG.
The 2024 HRV offers a high level of safety, with the Honda sensing package as standard. This includes features such as collision mitigation brakes, road deviation mitigation and adaptive cruise control.
Technology inside the car has been upgraded to include a user-friendly infotainment, larger touchscreens and improved connectivity.
Interior trim and construction quality have improved significantly, which makes the Honda HR-V 2024 a great choice for anyone looking for a compact, modern SUV that is safe and comfortable.
The worst years: 2023
Honda HRV 2023, the model year for the third generation Honda HR-V, had some early problems with the structure and steering of the vehicle.
The rear glass has spontaneously shattered without impact in some cases, which raises concerns over structural integrity.
Some owners also reported sticky steering which can affect driving safety and experience.
The recall was for unsecured pretensioners of seat belts, an important safety feature.
NHTSA Honda 2023 HondaHR-V Recalls and Complaints
Honda HR-V Resale Values
This graph shows the average Honda HR-V resale value across different model years.
The conclusion of the article is:
What is the best Honda HRV model?
The best year to buy a Honda HRV is between 2017 and 2020.
What are your top features for a small SUV such as the Honda HR-V?
Comment your thoughts!
