Just got the HRV EX with AWD after having a Civic for the last few years. It is a lot more comfortable to drive and better visibility. The 0 to 60 acceleration is not an issue for me, I didn't get this for speed, I'm more of a reliability kind of guy.
That answer is now a definite "no" the Hyundai Kona engines keep blowing up because the Piston Rings weren't tempered properly. 😅 .... I just almost bought one but found out about that issue first luckily.
Since you’re getting closer to 100k subs can you start getting press cars for review? Or go the Doug Demuro route and borrow from viewers? I feel like that would give you some more freedom in how you do reviews.
The subcompact SUV category is largely a group of hatchbacks on stilts for those who want the utility of a hatch but the styling of an SUV. And for what it is the HR-V acquits itself relatively well. Certainly superior to the Scion turned Toyota C-HR. And as long as one limits the comparison to the Hyundai KONA with the base engine, it's at least competitive. Unfortunately, for every other entry in the category, however, the KIA Seltos blows them all out of the water.
I'm shopping around and looking at the 2020 HR-V and Mazda CX-30, among one or two other vehicles in this segment. Trying to keep costs down, it seems the Mazda is the way to go as far as performance and a premium-feeling cabin. The HR-V beats the CX-30 with lots more room and practicality. It's a tough choice, to be honest, but it would be hard to ignore the way a Mazda feels and drives. We already have a CX-5 (love it!) and with two kids now away in college (well, one will be next year) our second car doesn't have to have a third row of seats these days but it should be able to seat the four of us comfortably. My fear is that the CX-30 might a lovely car that is too tight in the rear. Not sure if we can swing for a low-spec CX-5 right now but that might be what we end up trying to do. Other choices include the new 2020 Ford Escape. Larger than either the CX-30 or HR-V, Ford is offering competitive pricing and some good deals on the new for 2020 Escape. I find the looks of the Ford to be uninspiring but it's inoffensive and I could live with it. I haven't test driven one yet but I've seen they have acres of cheap, black plastic in the cabin, especially on the door cards and lower parts of the dashboard, and the 3-cylinder turbo kind of scares me. However, it definitely checks the box of having a livable back seat, and like the Mazda, the Escape has a proper transmission and not a CVT such as found in the Honda. I am spoiled for choice as all three dealers are less than 5 miles from me but my gut opinion is that the Ford will be behind both the Honda and Mazda in reliability (therefore a lease is probably the only way I'd come away with the Escape.) Anything else I should consider in this general size and price range? Not loving the styling of the Hyundai Kona or the Kia Seltos, but maybe I could have my arm twisted if the price was right. I've noticed to get the better engine and transmission choices, as well as AWD, upper-level trims of both the Kona/Seltos would be needed, somewhat diminishing their price advantage.
@@vsmahina Well, as of right now (March 2021), I haven’t made a choice yet. The compact Mazda and Honda - as well as larger CX-5/CR-V - are all still in play. Put the new car thing on hold due to other circumstances but the reality is that it will need to be addressed in the coming months.
@@RoadCone411 I'm in the same boat. I'm trying to decide between the Mazda CX-30, this, or the Hyundai Kona. I need AWD. I've not driven any of them yet, but I'd be at home with the HR-V since my current car is a 2015 Fit. I think the CX-30 would feel more premium, but I'm having a hard time accepting all that black cladding. I plan to keep the car for a long time and I have a feeling I'd get sick of the looks over time. I feel the same about the Kona. However, the HR-V seems a bit TOO plain. I guess I'm hard to please. Lol!
This car has a design flaw. I bought a 2021 HRV on March1, 2021 and noticed an irritating piercing whistling noise on my way home when I cracked open any front window or moonroof. I brought it back to Huntington Honda twice and they said they test drove 2 other new HRVs and they made the same horrible noise. So I'm basically told this is normal on all HRVs. I wonder if Honda has a design flaw or whether Huntington Honda is sitting on a bad batch?
The engines are not the same. The LX and Sport do not have a turbo engine. They also do not have the safety features. This is the reason I bought my Sport. I traded my 2018 CR-V EX for the 2020 HR-V Sport. Those “safety” features are not so “safe” and in the long run will cause more accidents for some people.
@Terry Tarbeck, I mainly traded the CR-V for the HR-V because of the gas/oil dilution problem the 2017-2020 CR-V’s turbo engine has. If you are thinking about getting one you should research this issue. All CR-V’s have this engine. The HR-V Sport does not have a turbo engine and it also does not have all the safety features like emergency braking and lane assist which I hated. I wanted a non-turbo engine. Even though the HR-V is smaller I find it to feel roomier than the CR-V. The back seats can fold down or the seat portion can tilt up so you can put taller items in. CR-V doesn’t have the tilt up feature. I find the HR-V to have plenty of room and a more versatile use of space.
Hey Gold Pony Been watching your videos for a while now. I leased my wife a 2020 Rogue Sport off your video and recommendation. Now I’m looking for something for my 20 year old daughter. Want it to be under 200 a month. Also looking for a small cross over. As far as the safety features (lane assistance, driver alerts and blind spot detection) what would you recommend? Honda HR-V EX Hyundai Kona SEL Toyota C-HR Or something else
Those are the 3 I would consider as well actually... I'd be between the HR-V & Venue in the end just because IIHS Top Safety Picks but either one of those are solid 👌
LOL, You're a college student and already want a new vehicles? You parent must be rich. When I was in college, heck any cars/trucks would do. Hehe! Tiguan is a money pit, Crosstreck have engine issues and the HR-V would be fine for you. It don't have alot of power, yet it get you safely and economically for your commute and will last long after you graduate from college. If, I were your friends, I would comment the HR-V EX which have all the safety features you'll needs. We own a 2019 HR-V EX and it's fine.
That 2.4NA was no prize, and may not fit the HRV. The 1.5T from the Civic, minus the oil gas dilution issue, would make the most sense. I sat in the HRV, and while the design is decent, and the vehicle is comfy, I would not buy one with the powertrain that is so slow, and way overdue for an update. The underpowered engine gets magnified by the CVT.
@@moeanthony9308 It was not built to race and adventuring uphill but for practicality and urban commuting. If your lifestyle is 80%+ in urban or small town, then it's enough. If you're into fast traveling then don't pick it. Preferences are based on what lifestyle you want to have with your car, not the other way around.
@@Mary_305 Mary trust me I was disappointed too. I was going to buy one until I test drove.. It was horrible. Not refined and suspension being torsion beam very choppy.
We absolutely love our 2020 Honda Sport HR-V, Great value for the money, Fun to drive, Honda Sensing just love it!! 👍🇨🇦
Just got a 2020 HRV EXL after having a 2019 Fit LX.... definitely worth the money so far!!
One of the many things I learned here is the Honda HR-V can come to a stop quicker than the car behind it.
All it needs is more power, dual climate control and a premium sound system.
When will SUV all makes make a better CVT as when they go there gone.
i would make that front door handle Chrome! really make it look more Coupie lol :)
Great review
Kona > HRV
Did I miss it? Which, in your opinion, is better? The HRV or the Kona. I'm considering both
Just got the HRV EX with AWD after having a Civic for the last few years. It is a lot more comfortable to drive and better visibility. The 0 to 60 acceleration is not an issue for me, I didn't get this for speed, I'm more of a reliability kind of guy.
I hear you. We own a 2019 HR-V EX AWD and like it. It handle better and have better traction in snows then the 2016 CR-V AWD we got. LOL
Kia's defiantly look nice but can they compete with the reliability of a Honda long term?
That answer is now a definite "no" the Hyundai Kona engines keep blowing up because the Piston Rings weren't tempered properly. 😅 .... I just almost bought one but found out about that issue first luckily.
Above average reliability . That's all I need to know .
comparing Honda with Hyundai (garbage), are you serious ?
Since you’re getting closer to 100k subs can you start getting press cars for review? Or go the Doug Demuro route and borrow from viewers? I feel like that would give you some more freedom in how you do reviews.
No mention of the 2020 Hyundai Kona as in the title.
The subcompact SUV category is largely a group of hatchbacks on stilts for those who want the utility of a hatch but the styling of an SUV. And for what it is the HR-V acquits itself relatively well. Certainly superior to the Scion turned Toyota C-HR. And as long as one limits the comparison to the Hyundai KONA with the base engine, it's at least competitive. Unfortunately, for every other entry in the category, however, the KIA Seltos blows them all out of the water.
I'm shopping around and looking at the 2020 HR-V and Mazda CX-30, among one or two other vehicles in this segment. Trying to keep costs down, it seems the Mazda is the way to go as far as performance and a premium-feeling cabin. The HR-V beats the CX-30 with lots more room and practicality. It's a tough choice, to be honest, but it would be hard to ignore the way a Mazda feels and drives. We already have a CX-5 (love it!) and with two kids now away in college (well, one will be next year) our second car doesn't have to have a third row of seats these days but it should be able to seat the four of us comfortably. My fear is that the CX-30 might a lovely car that is too tight in the rear. Not sure if we can swing for a low-spec CX-5 right now but that might be what we end up trying to do.
Other choices include the new 2020 Ford Escape. Larger than either the CX-30 or HR-V, Ford is offering competitive pricing and some good deals on the new for 2020 Escape. I find the looks of the Ford to be uninspiring but it's inoffensive and I could live with it. I haven't test driven one yet but I've seen they have acres of cheap, black plastic in the cabin, especially on the door cards and lower parts of the dashboard, and the 3-cylinder turbo kind of scares me. However, it definitely checks the box of having a livable back seat, and like the Mazda, the Escape has a proper transmission and not a CVT such as found in the Honda. I am spoiled for choice as all three dealers are less than 5 miles from me but my gut opinion is that the Ford will be behind both the Honda and Mazda in reliability (therefore a lease is probably the only way I'd come away with the Escape.)
Anything else I should consider in this general size and price range? Not loving the styling of the Hyundai Kona or the Kia Seltos, but maybe I could have my arm twisted if the price was right. I've noticed to get the better engine and transmission choices, as well as AWD, upper-level trims of both the Kona/Seltos would be needed, somewhat diminishing their price advantage.
BloomingOnion@What did you end up buying?
@@vsmahina Well, as of right now (March 2021), I haven’t made a choice yet. The compact Mazda and Honda - as well as larger CX-5/CR-V - are all still in play. Put the new car thing on hold due to other circumstances but the reality is that it will need to be addressed in the coming months.
@@RoadCone411 I'm in the same boat. I'm trying to decide between the Mazda CX-30, this, or the Hyundai Kona. I need AWD. I've not driven any of them yet, but I'd be at home with the HR-V since my current car is a 2015 Fit. I think the CX-30 would feel more premium, but I'm having a hard time accepting all that black cladding. I plan to keep the car for a long time and I have a feeling I'd get sick of the looks over time. I feel the same about the Kona. However, the HR-V seems a bit TOO plain. I guess I'm hard to please. Lol!
My 2020 HRV is a very sluggish and bumpy ride; power and smooth ride are not it's strong suits.
Chr has this beat. Way more refined.
This car has a design flaw. I bought a 2021 HRV on March1, 2021 and
noticed an irritating piercing whistling noise on my way home when I
cracked open any front window or moonroof. I brought it back to
Huntington Honda twice and they said they test drove 2 other new HRVs
and they made the same horrible noise. So I'm basically told this is
normal on all HRVs. I wonder if Honda has a design flaw or whether
Huntington Honda is sitting on a bad batch?
The engines are not the same. The LX and Sport do not have a turbo engine. They also do not have the safety features. This is the reason I bought my Sport. I traded my 2018 CR-V EX for the 2020 HR-V Sport. Those “safety” features are not so “safe” and in the long run will cause more accidents for some people.
Looks like a nice car. May I ask why you traded to a smaller car? Was the CR-V not a practical size? Thanks.
@Terry Tarbeck, I mainly traded the CR-V for the HR-V because of the gas/oil dilution problem the 2017-2020 CR-V’s turbo engine has. If you are thinking about getting one you should research this issue. All CR-V’s have this engine. The HR-V Sport does not have a turbo engine and it also does not have all the safety features like emergency braking and lane assist which I hated. I wanted a non-turbo engine. Even though the HR-V is smaller I find it to feel roomier than the CR-V. The back seats can fold down or the seat portion can tilt up so you can put taller items in. CR-V doesn’t have the tilt up feature. I find the HR-V to have plenty of room and a more versatile use of space.
@@donnalibby6246 Thanks. I'm going to look at the HR-V.
All models of SUV they need to look at the CVT it's old technology and when it goes very expensive to fix.
I heard HONDA's CVT kinda better than the other ones. What do you think?
@@LoynePueblos All Manufacturers need betterCVT once they go that is it and they are shit.
Hey Gold Pony
Been watching your videos for a while now. I leased my wife a 2020 Rogue Sport off your video and recommendation. Now I’m looking for something for my 20 year old daughter. Want it to be under 200 a month. Also looking for a small cross over.
As far as the safety features (lane assistance, driver alerts and blind spot detection) what would you recommend?
Honda HR-V EX
Hyundai Kona SEL
Toyota C-HR
Or something else
Those are the 3 I would consider as well actually... I'd be between the HR-V & Venue in the end just because IIHS Top Safety Picks but either one of those are solid 👌
It needs the civic’s turbo engine
And sound system! 😁
Top markotop brother
debating between a 2020 Honda HR-V, VW Tiguan SE, and Subaru CrossTrek Premium. Any suggestions for a college student who will be traveling alot?
LOL, You're a college student and already want a new vehicles? You parent must be rich. When I was in college, heck any cars/trucks would do. Hehe! Tiguan is a money pit, Crosstreck have engine issues and the HR-V would be fine for you. It don't have alot of power, yet it get you safely and economically for your commute and will last long after you graduate from college. If, I were your friends, I would comment the HR-V EX which have all the safety features you'll needs. We own a 2019 HR-V EX and it's fine.
I hear from friends, VW very expensive to maintain, at least with Honda any one can work on them, reputation for reliability✌️🇨🇦
Honda , young lady . Good luck with your studies . Make us proud 😊
Gold pony thanks for the good review on the hrv thanks keep up the good work
Honda the power of dreams! fastes SUV in his class with 1.5 Turbo!!!
It's not a dream. Honda offer that 1.5T motor in other country so why aren't they offer here in the USA? Piss me off.
Can u do a test on the xv Subaru middle of the range
Major redesign on its way.
Definitely the Kona, but what Honda should have did was put the discontinued 2.4 engine from the CRV in the HRV now were talking.
That 2.4NA was no prize, and may not fit the HRV. The 1.5T from the Civic, minus the oil gas dilution issue, would make the most sense. I sat in the HRV, and while the design is decent, and the vehicle is comfy, I would not buy one with the powertrain that is so slow, and way overdue for an update. The underpowered engine gets magnified by the CVT.
@@digitaldoc100 the engine is a 2006 civic engine. Hence the reason
@@moeanthony9308 Really makes no sense why someone would want such an outdated engine. Honda foists these things on the unsuspecting public.
not a big fan of the honda hrv
@@cloudm865 because the engine is from 2006.1.8 too weak for the weight. The old civic has the same engine.
@@moeanthony9308 Wow I was thinking of buying Honda HRV.
@@moeanthony9308 It was not built to race and adventuring uphill but for practicality and urban commuting. If your lifestyle is 80%+ in urban or small town, then it's enough. If you're into fast traveling then don't pick it. Preferences are based on what lifestyle you want to have with your car, not the other way around.
@@Mary_305 why not if it fits your lifestyle? What's your big WHY of getting a car? Racing? Rushing? Always in a hurry? Adventuring uphill?
@@Mary_305 Mary trust me I was disappointed too. I was going to buy one until I test drove.. It was horrible. Not refined and suspension being torsion beam very choppy.