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Drawing of the Honda HR-V

Honda HR-V

2016 HR-V: a fuel tank in the center let the rear seat fold flat into the floor.1

Researched October 22, 2026 from 32 sources

Also called

  • Joy MachineHonda used it in print ads for the original; UK marketing particularly associated it with the front-wheel-drive version.23
  • Beauty with BrainsHonda Malaysia's marketing label linked the HR-V's appeal to its cabin space, usability and practical features.4

At a glance

0100200
103.5–180 hpPower
07.515
7.8–12 s0–100 km/h
0100200
162–198 km/hTop speed
0150300
135–253 N·mTorque
07501,500
1,180–1,494 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.5678131415

Engine
1.5–2.0 L fours: gas, turbo, diesel and hybrid; varies by market and generation611
Layout
Front engine; front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive6
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals, CVT; Vezel i-DCD: 7-speed DCT; e:HEV: e-CVT6912
Built at
Original: Suzuka, Japan; US 2016: Celaya, Mexico6

The story

Created for active young buyers around Honda's Small is Smart brief, the HR-V later made packaging its calling card: the US 2016 model's center-mounted fuel tank let its Magic Seat fold completely flat into the floor.156

1998: Japan launches the 1.6-liter HR-V19982006: Original production ends20062015: US manual: 8.4 seconds to 60 mph20152018: Malaysia's 1,020-car Mugen edition20182019: UK Sport gets 180 hp and a manual20192021: Europe's new HR-V goes hybrid-only20212024: Global facelift reshapes the nose2024 Honda HR-V / Vezel (RU): 2013–2022RUHonda HR-V / Vezel (global) (RV): 2021–presentRVHonda HR-V (North America) / ZR-V (RZ): 2022–presentRZ 200020052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones69
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2013–2022Honda HR-V / Vezel (RU)
2021–presentHonda HR-V / Vezel (global) (RV)
2022–presentHonda HR-V (North America) / ZR-V (RZ)
1998Japan launches the 1.6-liter HR-V
2006Original production ends
2015US manual: 8.4 seconds to 60 mph
2018Malaysia's 1,020-car Mugen edition
2019UK Sport gets 180 hp and a manual
2021Europe's new HR-V goes hybrid-only
2024Global facelift reshapes the nose
  1. 1998

    Japan launches the 1.6-liter HR-V

    Sales began September 22, targeting young buyers with a compact body and a choice of 104-hp SOHC or 123-hp VTEC engines.5

  2. 2006

    Original production ends

    The original HR-V's production stopped, beginning a seven-year absence before the name returned on a model based on the third-generation Fit.36

  3. 2015

    US manual: 8.4 seconds to 60 mph

    The 2016 US HR-V arrived in May. A six-speed manual tested at 8.4 seconds to 60 mph; AWD, leather and navigation required the CVT.67

  4. 2018

    Malaysia's 1,020-car Mugen edition

    The V-based Mugen Limited Edition added a nine-item kit, including front, rear and side under spoilers, a tailgate spoiler and a special grille.4

  5. 2019

    UK Sport gets 180 hp and a manual

    A Civic-derived 1.5-liter VTEC turbo, 240 Nm and a six-speed manual gave the front-drive Sport a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 7.8 seconds.8

  6. 2021

    Europe's new HR-V goes hybrid-only

    The global model debuted February 18. Europe received only the 1.5-liter e:HEV hybrid, retaining Magic Seats whose bases tip up for tall cargo.910

  7. 2024

    Global facelift reshapes the nose

    The March 14 reveal brought a revised front fascia and rear LED graphics, plus changes to e:HEV energy management.9

Every generation

  • Honda Logo
    Honda Logo
  • Honda Fit (third generation)
    Honda Fit (third generation)
  • Honda HR-V / Vezel
    RU2013–2022
  • Honda HR-V / Vezel (global)
    RV2021–present
  • Honda HR-V (North America) / ZR-V
    RZ2022–present

Power over the years

From 104 hp to 180 hp in 21 years.

050100150200 20002005201020152020 hp 1998 · 104 hp · Japan 1.6 SOHC1998 · 123 hp · Japan 1.6 VTEC2013 · 150 hp · Japan Vezel Hybrid (system)2016 · 141 hp · US 1.8 i-VTEC2019 · 180 hp · UK Sport 1.5 VTEC Turbo2021 · 129 hp · UK e:HEV Advance (drive motor)2022 · 175 hp · Indonesia Turbo RS2023 · 158 hp · US 2.0-liter 180 hp UK Sport 1.5 VTEC Turbo 104 hp Japan 1.6 SOHC
1568910111216
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1998104Japan 1.6 SOHC
1998123Japan 1.6 VTEC
2013150Japan Vezel Hybrid (system)
2016141US 1.8 i-VTEC
2019180UK Sport 1.5 VTEC Turbo
2021129UK e:HEV Advance (drive motor)
2022175Indonesia Turbo RS
2023158US 2.0-liter

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    J / J4

    1998

    104 hp

  • Standard

    LX / Sport / EX-L (US)

    2023

    158 hp

  • Standard

    Sport / Touring (US)

    2019

    141 hp

  • Performance

    JS4 VTEC

    1998

    123 hp
  • Sport 1.5 VTEC Turbo (UK)

    Performance

    Sport 1.5 VTEC Turbo (UK)

    2019

    180 hp
  • Turbo RS (Indonesia)

    Performance

    Turbo RS (Indonesia)

    2022–2025

    175 hp
  • VEZEL e:HEV X HuNT package

    Special

    VEZEL e:HEV X HuNT package

    2024

  • VEZEL e:HEV Z PLaY package

    Special

    VEZEL e:HEV Z PLaY package

    2024

  • VEZEL Touring Modulo X / Hybrid Modulo X

    Special

    VEZEL Touring Modulo X / Hybrid Modulo X

    2019

  • Limited

    Black Edition (UK)

    2017

  • Limited

    Mugen Limited Edition (Malaysia)

    2018

How to spot one

Look for

  • Original generation: twin round lamps inside each headlight and pronounced wheel-arch extensions.22
  • Original generation: three-door or longer five-door body.6
  • Second generation: sharply rising side crease and rear door handles concealed in the window area.112
  • Global third generation: body-color horizontal grille slats and a full-width rear LED light bar.9
  • 2023 US model: long hood, large grille, widely spaced lights and a tailgate spoiler.11

Year by year

  1. 2001 (Japan)

    The original generation gains a honeycomb grille and larger front and rear bumpers.22

  2. 2003 (Japan)

    A front spoiler arrives with the final update; the three-door body is dropped.22

  3. 2018 (Japan)

    Vezel gains a revised chrome grille bar, Civic-like LED headlights, a new front bumper and a thin chrome tailgate strip.6

  4. 2019 (US)

    A dark-chrome wing stretches over new projector headlights; smoked rear turn-signal lenses are linked by a thin chrome strip.17

  5. 2024 (Europe)

    A revised nose and rear lighting mark the facelift; privacy glass becomes standard, and Advance Style Plus joins the range.923

  6. 2026 (US)

    LX gets gray 17-inch wheels, Sport revised black 18s and black tailgate badges, and EX-L grows to machined 18s. LX gains rear privacy glass.24

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Honda HR-V
    HR-V
    Photo of a Honda XR-V (second generation HR-V relative)
    Honda XR-V (second generation HR-V relative)

    Honda XR-V (second generation HR-V relative)

    The China-market relative has reshaped front and rear ends; its narrower LED taillights span the rear width.6

  • Photo of a Honda HR-V
    HR-V
    Photo of a Honda CR-V
    Honda CR-V

    Honda CR-V

    The second-generation HR-V is smaller; look for its sloping coupe-like roof and rear handles hidden in the window area.612

Against its rivals

  • Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid

    HR-V vs Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid

    Test fuel economy

    HR-V55.1 mpg (UK)
    Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid54.3 mpg (UK)
    10

  • HR-V vs SEAT Arona 1.0 TSI DSG

    Test fuel economy

    HR-V55.1 mpg (UK)
    SEAT Arona 1.0 TSI DSG43.5 mpg (UK)
    10
  • Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD

    HR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD

    0–97 km/h (approx.) lower is better

    HR-V9.8 s
    Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD9.3 s
    26

  • HR-V vs Hyundai Kona Hybrid Ultimate

    List price lower is better

    HR-V36,295 £
    Hyundai Kona Hybrid Ultimate34,225 £
    14

Prices

Value today $12.5K–$24.0K28

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $12,467–$23,956 2016 · $19,995 · US base2019 · $21,515 · US LX FWD, including destination2019 · $29,535 · US Touring AWD, including destination2023 · $24,895 · US LX FWD2026 · $27,595 · US LX FWD, including destination2026 · $29,395 · US Sport FWD, including destination2026 · $31,445 · US EX-L FWD, including destination 1998 · 1,298 · Japan/Tokyo J 5MT, 1998; approx. JPY130/USD, before tax 2025 · $9,300 · 1999 HR-V 4WD 5-speed, 54k miles, BaT $9.3K BaT, 2025
5715172430
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1998Launch price$9,985Japan/Tokyo J 5MT, 1998; approx. JPY130/USD, before tax
2016Price when new$19,995US base
2019Price when new$21,515US LX FWD, including destination
2019Price when new$29,535US Touring AWD, including destination
2023Price when new$24,895US LX FWD
2026Price when new$27,595US LX FWD, including destination
2026Price when new$29,395US Sport FWD, including destination
2026Price when new$31,445US EX-L FWD, including destination
2025Auction sale$9,3001999 HR-V 4WD 5-speed, 54k miles, BaT
2026Value today$12,467–$23,956

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 10 stories from its legend
    • “Drive an HR-V in Honda Meta Race”
    • “Daisuke Akojima's global third generation”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 32 sources
  1. 2016 Honda HR-V Press Kit hondanews.com
  2. Honda Teases Successor To The World's Most Tepid Car jalopnik.com
  3. Ode to Joy – Driven to Write driventowrite.com
  4. Honda HR-V Mugen Limited Edition Now Available To Thrill Malaysians | Press Release | Honda Malaysia honda.com.my
  5. Jムーバーシリーズ第二弾 新しいジャンルのクルマ ホンダ「HR-V」を新発売 | Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  6. Honda HR-V - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. 2016 Honda HR-V FWD Manual Instrumented Test – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  8. New Honda HR-V Sport 2019 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  9. Honda HR-V (third generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  10. Honda HR-V vs Renault Captur vs SEAT Arona: 2021 group test review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. 2023 Honda HR-V Press Kit hondanews.com
  12. Honda to Begin Sales of New Vehicle "VEZEL" | Honda Global Corporate Website global.honda
  13. Używana Honda HR-V (1999-2006) - Motoryzacja w INTERIA.PL motoryzacja.interia.pl
  14. Hyundai Kona vs Honda HR-V: hybrid SUVs battle for supremacy | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  15. Tested: 2023 Honda HR-V Surprises with Excellent Ride and Redesign caranddriver.com
  16. 2022 Honda HR-V launched in Indonesia - four variants, 1.5 litre NA and turbo versions; fr RM104,738 - paultan.org paultan.org
  17. 2019 Honda HR-V Gets New Look, New Trims, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ Integration and Available Honda Sensing® hondanews.com
  18. 「VEZEL」をマイナーモデルチェンジし発売 | Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  19. 「VEZEL TOURING Modulo X／VEZEL HYBRID Modulo X」を発売 | Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  20. Used Honda HR-V (Mk2, 2015-2021) buyer's guide: a spacious small SUV | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  21. Honda HR-V gets Black Edition treatment | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  22. 「3ドアでハイランダー、スタイリッシュでクロカン」、ホンダHR-Vは不思議なクルマだった【時代が追いつけなかったクルマ】 - Webモーターマガジン web.motormagazine.co.jp
  23. Used Honda HR-V (Mk3, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: small SUV suits the city | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  24. 2026 Honda HR-V Debuts New Styling and Tech Upgrades to Grow Popularity with Young Buyers hondanews.com
  25. Honda HR-V Used Car Research & History | GoAuto goauto.com.au
  26. 2023 Honda HR-V First Test Review: 0–60 MPH in How Long? motortrend.com
  27. Honda dan Telkom Hadirkan Keseruan Balap :: Honda Indonesia honda-indonesia.com
  28. Honda HR-V Resale Value and Depreciation - iSeeCars.com iseecars.com
  29. 2023 Honda HR-V Rear Windows Shattering | CarComplaints.com carcomplaints.com
  30. No Reserve: 1999 Honda HR-V 4WD 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,300 on August 20, 2025 (Lot #206,137) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 2016 Honda HR-V Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  32. 2023 Honda HR-V Price, Cost-to-Own, Reviews & More | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  • hondanews.com
  • jalopnik.com
  • driventowrite.com
  • honda.com.my
  • global.honda
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • motoryzacja.interia.pl
  • paultan.org
  • web.motormagazine.co.jp
  • goauto.com.au
  • motortrend.com
  • honda-indonesia.com

Photo credits

Other car files