This new model with FWD will certainly fare better, maybe 28 MPG, but even with AWD, 26 disappoints. One of my best friends has the last HR-V, with front-wheel drive, and she regularly averages 32 MPG in hers. During my time with the HR-V, I averaged only 26 MPG, which isn't good enough in 2022 for a car of this size. The other glaring issue is the resulting fuel economy with the increased-capacity engine and body. Oh, and also, when you do 'nail it' (with more of a mallet than a hammer, really), the motor is far too loud and sounds like an old and struggling electric toothbrush when it finally winds up, and that's not a good thing. I had passengers in the car and when I told them I was floored, they nearly didn't believe me - There was just zero urgency flooring it from a walking pace. I had misjudged the oncoming car's speed, but I was already committed so I planted my foot to the floor and the result was so mundane I thought the car was in a limp mode. There was a point where I pulling onto a moving 45 MPH crossroad from a stop sign. 0-60 MPH takes a long nine seconds, and throttle response from slow speed is gigantically glacial, not helped by a CVT transmission that is programmed for smoothness rather than performance. This is an increase from the outgoing model's 1.8-liter and 141 horsepower. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter inline-four making a modest 158 horsepower, being straight lifted from, you guessed it, the new Civic. While the pros to this car are abundant, there are issues that can be improved upon. As good as it is, Mazda's compact CX-30 remains the benchmark for driving dynamics and athleticism in this class. All-wheel drive here will help in the snow and rain, but most will likely not need it.
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Whereas a Corolla Cross felt wayward, as if steered by a rudder, the HR-V reminds us that Honda knows how to make a car drive well. The surprising part is that the HR-V seems willing for it, too only its all-season 215 tires really let it down. Look, you ain't carving canyons in an HR-V, but if you're out in the wilderness and bit by a rattlesnake, you can hustle this thing harder and faster to a hospital than you'd think possible. Body control impresses as does the ride quality, likely owing thanks to the complex multi-link rear suspension. The steering is direct with a chassis that responds to inputs in a way that resembles a sports car relative to the bloated and blunt SUVs and crossovers of yesteryear. On the road, the HR-V is typical Honda: confident. This example has a 9" touchscreen that is easy enough to use, though the standard 7" would be tough to picture here after using the bigger unit, as it'd look downright wimpy and disappointing in stature. There really isn't much this doesn't have, and it should satisfy legions of casual car buyers.
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Of course, this new HR-V has all the niceties you could hope for, like active safety systems, LED lights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated seats to name a few. Don't even think about Toyota's weird CH-R. For the same price, this larger HR-V is a revelation. Toyota's new Corolla Cross, even in comparable trim, is downright destitute in comparison, with cheap and grungy materials and a dour design motif. The seats on this EX-L are leather, as is the steering wheel, and both are comfortable and feel quite nice. While I won't call this luxury, materials are soft throughout and all seems screwed and glued together to a very high standard. In fact, it really just does feel like a Civic inside, and that's a good thing. The interior sees a complete overhaul, drawing inspiration and themes from the excellent new Civic sedan. For those wanting to spend less, the base model starts at under $25,000. Okay, so it's not quite exactly compact anymore, but the price certainly is, with this well-optioned EX-L AWD model coming at $30,590 as-tested. In fact, that's only two inches shorter than the larger CR-V. The original HR-V always was renowned for generous interior space front and rear despite such diminutive exterior dimensions, and the new model goes further, with extra room throughout courtesy of a 10" stretch to the overall length, now at 180-inches.
Trust me, it looks better in person verse the original press photos. While the nose is undeniably similar to Ford's Escape, it's nipped and tucked here to bestow some elegance in an affordable car. Wearing a completely new face and clothes from top to bottom, inside and out, this is an automotive glow-up done right.