The 2024 Honda HRV has been generating buzz in the subcompact SUV market, and for good reason. Combining Honda’s renowned reliability with a fuel-efficient engine and a surprisingly spacious interior, the HRV is positioning itself as a strong contender for city dwellers and small families alike. This review dives into a real owner’s experience with the 2024 HRV EX-L, alongside expert insights, to provide a comprehensive overview for potential buyers.
First Impressions: Ride, Handling, and Powertrain
Fresh off the lot, the 2024 Honda HRV immediately impresses with its smooth handling and comfortable ride. One owner, who recently acquired a Nordic Forest EX-L model, highlights the vehicle’s exceptional ability to absorb bumps and road imperfections, making it feel like a larger, more premium SUV. This superior ride quality is a significant advantage in the subcompact class, often praised in 2024 Honda Hrv Reviews.
Under the hood, the 2.0-liter engine paired with a CVT provides adequate power for daily driving. While not designed for high-speed acceleration, the HRV offers sufficient responsiveness for city and highway cruising. The owner notes, “It has plenty of power for the purpose IMO; I’m not drag racing and the CVT works fine.” This sentiment is echoed in many expert reviews, emphasizing the engine’s reliability and longevity, a hallmark of Honda vehicles. The engine’s design, a proven MPI system without stop-start or direct injection, contributes to its expected durability, a key factor for long-term ownership satisfaction.
Interior and Technology: Comfort and Convenience
Stepping inside the 2024 HRV reveals a well-designed interior with a focus on user-friendly technology. The electronics package and radio sound quality are commended by the owner, indicating a satisfying in-cabin experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, a significant advantage for smartphone integration. The inclusion of wireless phone charging, which the owner found to work flawlessly even with a phone case, adds another layer of convenience.
Space is another strong suit of the HRV. Both front and back seats offer ample legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for passengers of all sizes. The cargo area is also surprisingly spacious for a subcompact SUV, enhancing its practicality for everyday tasks and longer trips. The owner specifically mentions the ease of parking and maneuvering, noting that the HRV fits comfortably in a garage where a larger CR-V would be too tight. The backup camera and sensors further simplify parking in urban environments.
Practicality and Everyday Usability
Beyond comfort and technology, the 2024 HRV excels in practicality. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating city streets and parking in tight spots, while still offering enough interior space for passengers and cargo. The owner’s primary need for the vehicle – to comfortably transport a person using a wheelchair – highlights the HRV’s accessible design and ease of entry and exit. The seat height and door openings are well-suited for individuals with mobility challenges, a crucial factor often overlooked in standard car reviews.
The air conditioning system is described as “dynamite,” performing exceptionally well even in high temperatures. This is a significant benefit for drivers in hot climates. The inclusion of features like LED overhead lights in the back seat, despite the absence of other rear passenger amenities, indicates attention to detail in specific areas of the vehicle’s design.
Areas for Improvement: Minor Drawbacks
While the 2024 Honda HRV is largely praised, some areas could be improved. The CVT, while functional and fuel-efficient, exhibits a slight lag from a dead stop when accelerating aggressively. The owner explains, “from a dead stop if you floor it – it kinda feels like it bogs briefly.” This is a common characteristic of CVTs without a launch gear and may disappoint drivers accustomed to quicker off-the-line acceleration. However, in normal driving conditions, this is less noticeable, and the CVT performs smoothly and efficiently.
Road noise on coarse pavement is another point of concern, typical for vehicles in this price range. While not excessively loud, it is worth noting for those prioritizing cabin quietness. The rear seat area is described as a “dead zone” lacking power outlets, AC vents, and a center armrest, features often expected in higher trim levels. Minor omissions like the absence of an eyeglass holder, console box illumination, and a temperature gauge are also mentioned, though these are generally considered minor inconveniences.
The most significant critique is directed towards the oil dipstick, described as “incredibly cheap” and poorly designed with a plastic tip that is difficult to read and potentially fragile. This is a notable point of cost-cutting that detracts from the overall perceived quality of the vehicle.
Conclusion: A Well-Rounded Subcompact SUV
Despite minor drawbacks, the 2024 Honda HRV emerges as a highly recommendable subcompact SUV, especially when considering its price point. Its strengths in ride comfort, handling, interior space, and practical features outweigh its weaknesses. The reliable engine and expected Honda resale value further enhance its appeal. As the owner concludes, “I really dig it. It’s a price point thing. …it drives so sweet it brings a smile to me.”
Potential buyers are encouraged to test drive the 2024 Honda HRV to experience its driving dynamics and assess if it meets their specific needs and preferences. While online reviews offer valuable insights, personal experience behind the wheel remains the most crucial factor in making an informed purchase decision. The 2024 Honda HRV reviews consistently point to a well-sorted vehicle that delivers on its promise of practicality, comfort, and Honda reliability in a compact package.
