Pack It All in the New Compact HR-V

Honda updated the 2026 Honda HR-V, its smallest crossover SUV in the U.S. It includes has more standard features and new colors. The powertrain carries on.

Honda updated the second-generation, HR-V for 2026. The second-generation, subcompact crossover SUV model saw big changes in 2023. It grew-up and moved from the Honda Fit to the Honda Civic platform. Conversely, it receives much more subtle changes now, with updated tech inside and some styling tweaks outside.

But much remains the same. You still get three trims of HR-V to choose from: LX, Sport, and the top-of-the-line EX-L. All three come standard with front-wheel-drive (FWD) and offer all-wheel-drive (AWD) and are powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine. No hybrids here.

2026 Honda HR-V EX-L interior. Image courtesy of Honda

STANDARDIZED INSIDE

Most of the changes come inside and involve standardizing equipment, which is, aside from adding a TrailSport trim, what Honda recently announced with the 2026 Honda CR-V. What used to only come with the top EX-L trim, the 2026 HR-V gets a standard nine-inch center display, it used to be seven-inch. And that larger display includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto, the seven-inch display required a wire. Honda also added a standard wireless smartphone charger.

All trims still use a partially digital 7-in instrument cluster with an analog speedometer gauge. The EX-L stands out with added ambient lighting inside, a silver on the steering wheel spoke, and a few other details.

2026 Honda HR-V EX-L in profile. Image courtesy of Honda

ROLLING LARGE

Honda kept changes to the exterior minimal. Standard wheel size is now a 17-in alloy on the LX and 18s on both the Sport and the EX-L. Honda only offered 17s on all HR-V trims in the past.

And Honda added two new paint colors, one for each trim: Solar Reflection Metallic for the LX and EX-L trims, Boost Blue Pearl for the Sport. The Boost Blue looks quite nice and vibrant. It reminds me of Laguna Seca Blue BMW M3s.

2026 Honda HR-V EX-L rear 3/4 in action. Image courtesy of Honda

POWERTRAIN AND CHASSIS HOLD STEADY

The powertrain carries on the in the HR-V. The naturally aspirated 2.0-liter I-4 continues to make an adequate 158 horsepower and 138 lb.-ft of torque. And then sends power to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Power then goes to the front wheels as standard or to all four wheels if you spend an extra $1500.

2026 HONDA HR-V

Speaking of, the 2026 Honda HR-V already arrived at dealers and the LX with FWD starts at $27,595 (including $1395 destination charge). The Sport raises the price by $1800 to $29,395. Going with the EX-L trims yet another $2050 to the bottom line, starting at $31,445. Adding AWD brings the price up by the same $1500 for each one.

Honda truly revolutionized the HR-V back in 2023, by comparison, this update basically keeps up with the times. When I first drove it, I came away impressed with the feel and grown-up attitude. And I see no reason to think any of that has changed.

2026 Honda HR-V Sport rear 3/4 in action. Image courtesy of Honda