2017 Honda HR-V Driving Efficiency & Handling Performance

The stylish and versatile Honda HR-V crossover vehicle, the 2016 Green SUV of the Year, adds a new color for 2017 and goes on sale tomorrow with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $19,365 for the LX 2WD with a 6-speed manual transmission.

With bold and sporty coupe-like styling, SUV versatility and a 34-mpg EPA highway fuel economy rating (2WD CVT), by any measure the 2017 Honda HR-V is a standout in the entry crossover market. Delivering outstanding value with a long list of standard features and technologies, including 17-inch alloy wheels, push-button electric parking brake with Automatic Brake Hold, rearview camera with guidelines, Pandora® radio and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, the 2017 HR-V also adds a sophisticated new color – Lunar Silver metallic – to its palette, replacing Alabaster Silver.

Available in LX, EX and EX-L Navi trims, the 2017 HR-V is powered by a highly refined and efficient 1.8-liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine producing a peak 141 horsepower and 127 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with one of two efficient and responsive Honda transmissions: a seamless and sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT), available on all models, or an engaging 6-speed manual transmission, available on LX and EX models with 2WD.

The HR-V is designed to achieve class-leading safety ratings and features including Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision protection. For 2017 HR-V carries forward the 2016 model’s five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Standard safety and driver-assistive features include four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) electronic stability control system; a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; driver and front passenger side airbags; side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Honda LaneWatch® display is included with EX and EX-L Navi trims.

Power comes from a highly refined and responsive 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC® valvetrain, producing a peak 141 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine is mated to a sporty and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda “G-design” shift logic, or a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission (LX and EX FWD only). The HR-V is available with front-wheel-drive or with Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ for outstanding all-weather traction and control.

The HR-V utilizes a unique center-mounted fuel tank layout that enables the 2nd-Row Magic Seat® to fold completely flat into the floor, creating a more spacious and versatile interior package. Driving efficiency, handling performance and cabin quietness are further aided by an aerodynamic shape and a lightweight yet rigid body structure with significant noise-insulating materials and design features. Twenty-seven percent of the body is composed of advanced ultra-high strength steel for improved rigidity that enhances collision-protection, handling response, ride quality and a quiet cabin environment.

Fully independent front and torsion-beam rear suspension systems with amplitude reactive dampers maximize rear seating and cargo space while also providing outstanding handling characteristics and ride quality. Electric Power Steering (EPS) provides a refined and sporty steering feel while minimizing energy requirements. All models feature power-assisted four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Hill Start Assist, an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 215/55R17 all-season tires.

The HR-V offers a high level of standard equipment for an affordable crossover vehicle, along with a long list of available premium features to accommodate a wide variety of consumer needs. LX and EX trims with front-wheel drive can be equipped with either the 6-speed manual transmission or sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT), and all models can be specified as front-wheel-drive or equipped with Real Time AWD™. Models with Real Time AWD™ are available only with a CVT.

The 2017 Honda HR-V is covered by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Honda Roadside Assistance, which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance during the 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty term. The HR-V was developed by Honda R&D Co. Ltd. in Japan, and is manufactured at Honda’s eighth and newest auto plant in North America, in Celaya, Mexico.