8 Best & Worst Honda HR-V Years (With Facts & Stats)

The subcompact SUV segment is fiercely competitive and the HR-V makes a classy yet practical option.

It made its North American debut for the 2016 model year and has received some notable upgrades over the years.

To find out about the best and worst HR-V years, keep reading!

Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Honda HR-V Are:

The best Honda HR-V model years are 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. The worst model years of the HR-V are 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.

What Are The Best Years For The Honda HR-V?

Listed below are the HR-V models that deserved the title of “the best of the best”.

2023 Honda HR-V

The all-new 2023 Honda HR-V utilizes the same platform as the Civic and uses a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four from the iconic compact sedan.

It has been completely revamped for the 2023 model year and boasts a sleek style, lots of safety features, impressive outward visibility and comfy seats.

  • Edmunds: 3.5 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 3.8 / 5.0
  • JD Power: 75 / 100

2023 Honda HR-V, Edmunds review:

“Love my car! Pick up is amazing for a 4 cylinder. Acceleration is much better than a 4 cylinder Camry I purchased previously”

2023 Honda HR-V, Kelley Blue Book review:

“Just purchased this vehicle for my son who graduated high school. He and my other son were on the way home from work and were in a pretty bad accident where another driver ran a red light. The airbags deployed, vehicle was totaled but it did it’s job by protecting my sons with very little to no injuries.”

2022 Honda HR-V

There are not too many significant changes for this model year although it is still praised for its versatile cargo area and nicely appointed cabin.

However, acquiring a new, younger model year is still beneficial when it comes to resale value and integrity of components and mechanisms. 

  • Edmunds: 4.0 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
  • JD Power: 75 / 100

2022 Honda HR-V, Edmunds review:

“Great small SUV with surprising good space inside. I compared it to Hyundai Venue and by far more space and more comfortable. Both cars ride well and smooth, but the space and comfortability sold me. The price was also a factor, my final deal wasn’t over priced by $5,000 like other dealerships. I did go through the internet sales department to get my price.”

2022 Honda HR-V, Kelley Blue Book review:

“Love the leg room. I have tall kids and headroom is not great for my son in front passenger seat (6’2”) his head hits the ceiling when sitting in front. I love how this car handles except the lack of power from a dead start.”

2021 Honda HR-V

Subtle upgrades were made to the 2021 HR-V, among which are upgrades to the Sport variants of the SUV – namely a refreshed wheel design and stock window tint on the rear windows. 

  • Edmunds: 4.2 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
  • JD Power: 78 / 100

2021 Honda HR-V, Edmunds review:

“I chose the Sport because I love the android auto/apple carplay for myself and passengers to play their playlists with apps. Smooth drive, way more comfortable seats than my old car. I could probably drive in this for hours and my back won’t hurt. I like that it tells me if I’m wasting gas by the way I drive and I like the all electronic dash…”

2021 Honda HR-V, Kelley Blue Book review:

“Excellent Car, Handling, ridership. Don’t want to turn it in, but coming to the end of the lease. Interested in the car.”

2020 Honda HR-V

Although there are no significant upgrades, the 2020 HR-V managed to work on a lot of problem areas that the previous model years had, making this a more reliable version than its predecessors. 

  • Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
  • JD Power: 79 / 100

2020 Honda HR-V, Edmunds review:

“Fuel goes LONG way with this awd model! Handles great in snow! The backseat folds down as well as up and rear seat can be split at same time so its a great asset for space! The downside, lacks moon/sun roof, flimsy body, has an active recall and not even a year old…”

2020 Honda HR-V, Kelley Blue Book review:

“I bought this model because I drove a CRV for over 5 years and was frustrated at the handling during acceleration onto interstates. My HRV is my zippy in and out. Great gas milage on interstate travel. I love the size.”

Consumer Scores For Best Honda HR-V Years

Below is a table that presents all the consumer ratings of the best Honda HR-V model years from reputable vehicle websites:

Model YearEdmunds’ Consumer RatingKelley Blue Book’s Consumer RatingJD Power’s Consumer Rating
2023 Honda HR-V3.5 / 5.03.8 / 5.075 / 100
2022 Honda HR-V4.0 / 5.04.3 / 5.075 / 100
2021 Honda HR-V4.2 / 5.04.3 / 5.078 / 100
2020 Honda HR-V4.3 / 5.04.3 / 5.079 / 100

What Are The Worst Years For The Honda HR-V?

The Honda HR-V has also been on the receiving end of several complaints over the years.

The models listed below are the versions of the vehicle that you may want to avoid…

2019 Honda HR-V

The biggest safety-related issue experienced by a few 2019 HR-V users was related to unintended acceleration and brake failure.

A few reports indicated that brakes were very problematic – from brake failure while in motion to brake failure during parking (electronic parking brake). 

The 2019 HR-V had a total of 10 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 56 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

  • Door won’t open from inside the vehicle
  • Infotainment display screen problems
  • Braking issues
  • Engine slowing down while driving

2018 Honda HR-V

Much like its successor, the 2018 HR-V also had a handful of brake-related problems, causing vehicle damage (internally) and accidents on the road.

A few reports specified that when the brake pedal was pressed, the brake pedal jitters heavily – this left owners feeling as though the brakes might give out.

The 2018 HR-V had a total of 10 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 57 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

  • Soy-based wires chewed by rodents
  • Extremely uncomfortable seats
  • Braking issues
  • Electronic parking brake cannot be used in an emergency

2017 Honda HR-V

The 2017 HR-V had quite a few problems. The most frequent issue reported by users was unintended acceleration. Reports indicated that the RPMs sometimes shot up even without stepping on the gas pedal.

In some instances, owners put the car in reverse and it accelerated forward.

The 2017 HR-V had a total of 16 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 89 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

  • Rodents chew soy wiring
  • Locking system problems
  • Window gaskets are loose
  • RPMs jumping
  • Uncomfortable seats 

2016 Honda HR-V

Similar to the 2017 HR-V, the 2016 HR-V had its fair share of issues when it came to vehicle acceleration.

One report even stated that even when driving as slowly as 10 miles per hour, the vehicle suddenly accelerated.

The 2016 HR-V had a total of 71 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 161 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

  • Uncomfortable seats
  • Powertrain issues
  • Transmission slipping
  • Paint defective
  • Water leak 

Related: Honda HR-V Beeping Problems? (7 Causes & Solutions)

What Years Have The Most Complaints?

There are several Honda HR-V model years, both old and new, that have received numerous complaints through the years. Listed below are complaints and problems listed for each model year: 

Model YearComplaints
(CarComplaints.com)
Problems
(CarProblemZoo.com)
2023 Honda HR-V
2022 Honda HR-V027
2021 Honda HR-V110
2020 Honda HR-V29
2019 Honda HR-V1056
2018 Honda HR-V1057
2017 Honda HR-V1689
2016 Honda HR-V71161

What Problems Do Honda HR-Vs Have?

Based on the information we have gathered online, here are the most common issues that you may encounter with a Honda HR-V:

  • Uncomfortable seats
  • Paint defective
  • Rodents chew soy wiring 

What Are The Best Alternatives To The Honda HR-V?

The Honda HR-V is considered one of the top picks in its class.

Here are a selection of alternatives and their respective stats.

Make & ModelScoreMSRPFuel Economy (MPG)
Hyundai Kona8.5$21,300 – $34,200City: 20 – 30 /Highway: 27 – 35
Kia Soul8.5$19,790 – $24,090City: 28 – 29 /Highway: 33 – 35
Mazda CX-308.5$22,200 – $34,400City: 22 – 24 /Highway: 30 – 31
Kia Seltos8.2$22,840 – $28,340City: 25 – 29 /Highway: 30 – 35
Honda HR-V7.9$23,650 – $28,950City: 25 – 26 /Highway: 30 – 32
Buick Encore GX7.8$24,400 – $30,600City: 26 – 29 /Highway: 29 – 32
Hyundai Venue7.8$19,000 – $22,250City: 29 /Highway: 33
Mini Cooper Countryman7.8$29,100 – $41,500City: 23 – 26 /Highway: 30 – 33
Subaru Crosstrek7.8$23,645 – $29,495City: 22 – 28 /Highway: 29 – 34
Chevrolet Trailblazer7.7$21,800 – $27,400City: 26 – 29 /Highway: 30 – 33
Jeep Renegade7.5$24,195 – $30,595City: 22 – 24 /Highway: 27 – 32
Buick Encore7.4$24,600 – $25,220City: 23 – 24 /Highway: 30 – 32
Chevrolet Trax6.9$21,400 – $23,820City: 23 – 24 / Highway: 30 – 32
Toyota C-HR6.7$24,280 – $27,300City: 27 /Highway: 31
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport6.6$21,445 – $28,045City: NA /Highway: NA
Fiat 500XNA$27,300 – $29,290City: 24 /Highway: 30
Nissan KicksNA$19,990 – $22,550City: 31 /Highway: 36
Nissan Rogue SportNA$24,460 – $30,590City: 24 – 25 /Highway: 30 – 32
Toyota Corolla CrossNA$22,195 – $27,625City: 29 – 31 /Highway: 32 – 33
Volkswagen TaosNA$23,495 – $33,645City: NA /Highway: NA

Source: cars.usnews.com

Related: Honda HR-V Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs (Complete Guide)

References

https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/hr-v-2022

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/honda/hr-v

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/HR-V/

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/honda/hr-v/

https://www.edmunds.com/honda/hr-v/

https://www.kbb.com/honda/hr-v/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/honda/hr-v

Author:

  • Ian Sawyer

    Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...