Honda HR-V
Buyer's Guide

HR-V Buyer's Guide

The 2027 HR-V pairs a 158-hp 2.0L I-4 and 28-mpg FWD efficiency with AWD offered at every trim, making it a sensible, if not exciting, subcompact SUV pick.

Our RecommendationBuy
Overall Score7.2/10Based on our evaluation
  • 28 MPG Combined (FWD)FWD trims are EPA-rated 26 city/32 highway/28 combined.
  • AWD At Every TrimLX, Sport, and EX-L all offer an AWD version, not just the top trim.
  • 55.1 cu ft CargoSame cargo volume across the entire six-trim lineup.
HR-V Buyer's Guide
Best ForDaily CommutersAWD Value ShoppersFirst-Time SUV Buyers

Who This Vehicle Is For (and Isn't)

Perfect For

  • City and Highway Commuters

    28 mpg combined on FWD trims keeps fuel costs down for regular driving.

  • All-Weather Drivers

    AWD is available on LX, Sport, and EX-L, so you're not forced into the top trim for traction.

  • Budget-Conscious Shoppers

    LX FWD starts at $26,600, the most affordable entry point into the lineup.

Not Ideal For

  • Power Seekers

    158 hp and 138 lb-ft is modest output for anyone wanting quick acceleration.

  • Large-Cargo Haulers

    55.1 cu ft of cargo space is on the smaller side for buyers hauling bulky gear regularly.

  • Top-Trim Bargain Hunters

    EX-L AWD reaches $31,950, steep pricing for a subcompact SUV.

Which Trim Should You Buy?

Most Recommended

Sport FWD

Sport FWD
$28,400*Starting MSRP

Sport FWD sits mid-pack at $28,400 with the same 158-hp engine and 28 mpg combined rating as LX, giving most buyers the right mix of price and features.

  • $28,400 starting price
  • 28 mpg combined
  • Same 158-hp/CVT powertrain as every trim
View Sport FWD
Best Value

LX AWD

LX AWD
$28,100*Starting MSRP

At $28,100 - just $1,500 over LX FWD - LX AWD adds all-wheel drive while only giving up 1 mpg combined (27 vs 28).

  • $28,100 with AWD included
  • 27 mpg combined
  • Cheapest way to get AWD in the lineup
View LX AWD
Budget Choice

LX FWD

LX FWD
$26,600*Starting MSRP

LX FWD is the cheapest HR-V at $26,600, delivering the identical 158-hp engine and 28 mpg combined rating found on pricier trims.

  • $26,600 starting price
  • 28 mpg combined
  • Same powertrain as every other trim
View LX FWD
Premium Pick

EX-L AWD

EX-L AWD
$31,950*Starting MSRP

EX-L AWD tops the lineup at $31,950 with standard all-wheel drive and Honda's most complete HR-V package - not the value pick, but the one to get if you want everything.

  • $31,950 top trim
  • Standard AWD
  • 27 mpg combined
View EX-L AWD

*MSRP excludes destination charge.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Every trim shares the same 158-hp 2.0L I-4 and CVT, so power delivery is consistent no matter which one you pick.
  • AWD is offered on LX, Sport, and EX-L, not gated to a single top trim.
  • FWD models return an EPA-rated 28 mpg combined.
  • 55.1 cu ft of cargo space is consistent across the entire lineup.
  • Price spread from $26,600 to $31,950 lets buyers dial in features without changing powertrains.

Weaknesses

  • 158 hp and 138 lb-ft trail more powerful entries in the segment.
  • AWD adds a consistent $1,500 premium at every trim level and costs about 1 mpg combined.
  • No hybrid or electrified option is offered in this lineup.
  • EX-L AWD's $31,950 price is steep for a subcompact SUV.

Ownership Expectations

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What Should You Cross-Shop?

VehicleChoose It If…
Mazda CX-30you want sportier handling and don't mind trading some cargo room for driving feel.
Hyundai konayou want more trim variety, including electrified options.
Kia Seltosyou want more standard features at a similar price point.
Buick Envistaa lower starting price in a stylish package is your priority.
Nissan Kicksbudget is tight and you don't need AWD.

Why Choose the HR-V?

  • Consistent 158-hp 2.0L I-4 and CVT across every trim removes powertrain guesswork.
  • AWD is available lineup-wide, not reserved for the top trim.
  • 28 mpg combined on FWD trims keeps running costs down.
  • 55.1 cu ft of cargo space handles typical daily hauling needs.

Bottom Line

The 2027 HR-V is a straightforward, efficient subcompact SUV that doesn't chase power but delivers consistent mechanicals and AWD flexibility at every trim.

Buy Now If

you want a Honda-reliable subcompact SUV with AWD available at any trim level and don't need strong acceleration.

Wait If

you're hoping for a hybrid version, since none exists in this lineup.

Consider Alternatives If

you need more power or a lower entry price than LX FWD's $26,600.

HR-V Buyer's Guide View Inventory