The top-spec EX-L model driven was powered by the same 2L, normally aspirated four found in the LX and EX Civics. In the HR-V, the engine is loud and coarse when combined with its CVT automatic, which keeps revs high when any significant acceleration is requested. The effect is especially noticeable when accelerating onto a highway on-ramp. Road and wind noise are also both elevated. The HR-V rides well, handling is confident and braking is responsive.

Unlike the previous, Honda-Fit-based HR-V, the new one is a spin-off of the Honda Civic. While built on a 125 mm (4.9 inch) longer wheelbase, and considerably longer and wider than the past HR-V, passenger space and cargo volume have not increased significantly, as the HR-V no longer uses the wizard-like, space-efficient platform of the Fit.

Other than a somewhat unfortunate grille and oddly-shaped front end, the new HR-V is a neat enough, anodyne, styling job. Inside, the driver faces the same gauges as Civic drivers and interacts with the same touchscreen and climate controls, but the components are located in a dashboard that is unique to the HR-V. The rest of the cabin looks contemporary but the unlike the Civic, which looks luxurious, the cabin of the HR-V looks a bit cheap.

Mechanical components are from the Civic parts bin. The base engine is a normally-aspirated 2L four that is puts out 158 horsepower, with a 1.5L turbo rated at 180 horsepower, optional. Honda generally offers a front-wheel drive variant of the HR-V but the majority of buyers will likely select all-wheel drive. The sole transmission offered is a CVT.

All-wheel drive, standard on the Sport and EX-L-Navi, is a $2300 option on the LX. The LX includes the Honda Sensing safety suite as well as blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, alloy wheels, L.E.D. headlights, heated seats and auto temperature control. Moving up to the Sport adds variable windshield wipers, leather wraps for the steering wheel and shifter, heated steering wheel, a sunroof and dual-zone climate control, among other things, and is reasonable value. The EX-L Navi upgrade comes with leather seating, navigation, wireless phone charging and iOS-Android phone hookup, a larger infotainment screen and an eight-speaker audio system, and is priced to reflect the value of the additional content.

Predicted reliability is above average. Some reports of CVT failure on the previous-generation car.