Crossovers have become the default vehicle of choice for numerous buyers, which is why it’s unsurprising that there’s also dime a dozen of them in the market. Therefore, it becomes increasingly hard to stand out, especially as a new model seems to come out every now and then. The 2024 Honda HR-V pretty much remains the same since it came out two years ago, but as proof of Honda’s engineering excellence, the HR-V still delights even as newer, flashing competitors have come out.
Priced at P1,649,000 for this mid-spec V Turbo, you will get what may look like the CR-V’s younger brother. This generation of HR-V always looked more appealing to me than its segment competitors. Yes, the HR-V has a similar but smaller face compared to the CR-V having long narrow headlights and grilles, but thanks to Honda’s design signature, this subcompact crossover SUV looks bigger than it actually is. I will never stop mentioning how Honda did a great job for this generation’s identity, making it what we call it here in GFO, “simple and timeless.”
The 2024 Honda HR-V has a less round and curvy body making it look more masculine than the previous generation, but the sloped roof makes it arguably fitting for all kinds of people. While we’re talking about its rear end, I am a big fan of the hidden door handles for the passenger doors and the full-width LED tail lights that make this car a looker, especially from its back side. And it’s tempting to say that it’s “business in the front, and party at the back” for this car, given all these components, but that isn’t necessarily so because this car is good-looking all the way through.
The HR-V also has a black and matte trim around the body, but it doesn’t look too out of place. It fits just right with its design. The HR-V makes for a handsome-looking car, along with what Honda calls the “Premium Opal White Silver Pearl” (only available for the V and RS variants).
Moving on to the interior, adding to the comfort and convenience of this car, you have a remote engine start accessible through the key fob and as you enter the car a heartbeat logo appears on the left-hand side digital gauge. You can access your necessities on the wheel, such as the audio and adaptive cruise control buttons. Give or take a few differences, you’ll see the same honeycomb patterns you would see on the Civic and CR-V.
The 2024 Honda HR-V V Turbo doesn’t have the same large digital display as you would on the CR-V, but it still offers enough customizability and space to display your warnings, range & fuel, speed & time, maintenance, settings, and more. The air conditioning buttons also have those clicky knobs found all across the board of all the Honda cars that have integrated this “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” design. From this portion to the center console you’ll first see two levels of compartments, the lower one having wireless charging and your input USB-A ports to connect your Apple Car Play or Android Auto to the 8-inch infotainment system. Following that, you’ll then have your shifter, and then two cup holders. You will also have your drive mode selector, hill descent control button, and your electronic parking brake.
Next, as for space, this is where Honda’s packaging excellence continues to shine. It has one of the best rear-seat spaces out of any subcompact crossover SUV. There’s tons of legroom for those seated at the rear, though the sloped roofline somewhat reduces headroom. The driver’s seat, on the other hand, is typical Honda, in that, it offers a sporty seating position rather than one that’s commanding and tall.
Packing a 1.5 4-cylinder, 16-valve VTEC Turbo engine, the 2024 Honda HR-V V Turbo has a drivetrain that’s sure to give you a satisfactory drive. Some might say that this much power on a car this petite feels very overpowered. But it delivers exactly what you need. The suspension is a bit firm, but the upside is it gives you a stable and sporty feel on turns and overtakes. The power and weight of this car will guarantee you are ahead of the line. You can trust me on this, because I’ve tried staying in tandem with the HR-V in the hands of Isaac while driving a larger and more expensive SUV on the expressways, and the HR-V zooms and accelerates too fast for me to keep up.
Given the size of the HR-V, you won’t feel the same awkwardness you’d feel driving a full-length SUV or even other regular crossovers, but you won’t also feel too short or small like you would with hatches or sedans. On the regular underdeveloped roads, you are sure to have a laid-back ride due to the high ground clearance, and though the suspension is a bit firm, it still does a reasonable job of soaking up the bumps.
Overall, the HR-V may not be the cheapest in its segment, but is my personal favorite. It was aimed to be marketed to the younger generation who want a fun yet functional car both in looks and performance, and Honda made sure to deliver. The HR-V really excites me, especially looking forward to upcoming possibilities with what could be released to us here in the Philippine market. The HR-V is a testament that despite the newer, flashier competition, a well-engineered and well-thought-out car with great driving dynamics will always be timeless.
Pricing and Rating
Exterior Design: 8/10
Interior Design: 8/10
Space and Practicality: 8/10
Features: 8/10
Safety and Driver Assistance Tech: 8/10
Acceleration: 8/10
Handling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10
Fuel Efficiency: 8/10
Value For Money: 8/10
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