The Subaru CUVs can really be upgraded with their aftermarket support though...skids, winchmounts, rockers, bumpers, rear locker, LSDs, lifted suspensions, AT/MT tires, etc.
It's great to see the slip tests on small crossovers. It made me want to go back and watch previous videos on other crossovers to see what happens. It's a great review.
Here in Western New York State it's more likely that your right side wheels will be on the shoulder if you have to pull over and stop. So I think that is the best test.
Wrangler 4cyl/auto. Suzuki 4cyl/auto vehicles. 3cyl/auto cars. NA diesel VWs. Citroen 2cyl cars. Turn off the TCS and many modern vehicles feel peppier. 140-180HP is nothing to sneeze at. My 2.5L/5spd Jeep YJ could chirp 31s going into 3rd, and it had considerably less power than a Crosstrek 2.slo/CVT, at similar curb weight. 2.72:1 4Low made it plenty torque offroad too.
I appreciate you calling it what it is, reduced traction control (instead of traction control off). That really is disappointing performance as it seems like all that's needed is different software to make a significant improvement in poor traction conditions.
Excellent work Tommy. Do you guys have this vehicle and its competitors tests bundled in a library together? I expected Honda to do better. Not good for winter driving in Michigan it seems.
Not really. It’s a city/commuter car. It doesn’t really need off road capabilities. A good set of winter tires will get the HR-V through most winter situations, unless you live out in the middle of nowhere.
Great vid! Not a great system for anything more extreme than bad weather in flat suburbs. Even a simple hill with low traction renders the awd in this thing almost useless. A cross trek or a compass is a better choice if ya really live rurally or really need a good awd system.
Sometimes I think its good to keep these vehicles plain simple just use regular AWD with brake based traction control vs putting complicated AWD and clutch packs like in Passport / Pilot / Ridgeline. I only wish it has a basic automatic transmission just like old CR-V. Keep it simple and dependable is my choice for an HR-V.
You convinced me! I will stick with my 4R TRD OR. 😉 People are just going to have to par ooze your videos to find the Rav4 roller tests to see if it is adequate for a CUV equivalent to the HRV.
"Be careful to push from the middle, so if the rollers go shootin out, they don't take out ur ankles" ...i hope that's not a suggestion from experience, Tommy lol
I really want to see this same test but with some basic all terrain tires, makes a huge difference on cross treks. I feel like better tires would have made that hrv go through the course so much easier
Honda’s recent AWD systems are notoriously bad/weak. I’ve had so many of these cars end up in the shop because the owners thought the AWD was broken. Nope, working as designed.
Somewhat confused here. My wife has the previous 2022 model. I was stunned at how well it did in 4-6 inches of snow/ice with OEM michelins. This from a guy that has had too many FJ's, Wranglers, Tacoma's and Xterras.
That's because in snow you're still on fairly flat ground and have similar traction on most of the wheels. As long as both front wheels or both rear wheels have traction then it'll do just fine.
@@B0rnToSlay Agreed, as long as the traction is fairly even at all 4 corners, it should work well. Also, in snow that's not too deep, the OEM tires on the Honda likely match the traction of many all-terrain tires -- and probably exceed the traction of most mud-terrain tires. Big solid tread blocks do not generally do well on snow and ice.
Fair is irrelevant since in the real world conditions are far less controlled. The bottom line is, it could not handle the test. Minor slope, big slope, it failed regardless.
The system is a bit disappointing. Could have used more braking on the spinning wheels to transfer power. For a company that gave us the NSX, this is not acceptable.
I like the roller test because presumably it takes the tires out of the equation. A little more tired underneath it would have helped a lot off road. But if you plan to go off road why get a Honda cute ute.
These systems are not introduced into entry-base cars to keep the price as low as possible. Otherwise, we will be looking at a $40.000 entry-level vehicle.
Base CVT Subaru Imprezas and Crosstreks are nowhere near $40K MSRP. Even a Trailhawk Compass or Renegade could be much cheaper. A base Wrangler could be $30K MSRP, plus a few hundo for a cheap aftermarket lunchbox locker.
I saw a new HRV the other day for the first time. DRLs only on at night, doing 67 in the left lane when traffic is doing 75+. Cant wait to see these when there's a dusting doing 15 mph
I almost feel like this all wheel drive system is as useful as a normal 2 wheel drive. How on a hill can it not get up. You literally have had 2 wheel drive vehicles make it up there. Disappointed in Honda. Don’t spend the extra money for the AWD in this car because it’s just gives you no benefits.
@@dmegahan of course not, without some form of torque vectoring or limit slip differentials these systems aren't doing much. Which is why I called them assisted because it is a little better then just FWD. There's a reason I still drive a 2003 S10 Zr2 in northern Michigan lol.
It only goes to prove that if you want good performance you need to get better tires. they are more concentrated on fuel economy than actual traction. Get a good set of winter or off road tires and see what happens. thanks Tommy!.
@@ThorGPA Have you driven a softop Jeep YJ lately? The Subaru boxers tend to be pretty smooth, and the ride of their CUVs is MUCH better than my old Suzuki SX4's.
@@RKmndo no, I haven't driven a YJ because there aren't any around here anymore. Have you driven a soft top humvee at highway speed? Feels like you re-entering the atmosphere! The boxer engine itself is smooth. Yes. Its everything else. There are far better driving experiences in other brands that rate higher in NVH mitigation.
thats because the real time of honda is not for that ... passport ridgeline has different AWD System .. the HRV use and AWD that don't send all the power to the rear tires... is more for security not for offroad
Just sad how pitiful this performs in these not really bad conditions. This sure seems like false advertising when it claims to be all wheel drive. Cmon Honda you need to do better.
And the HR-V is still fairly light at 3300lbs in its heaviest trim. For perspective my 03 S10 Zr2 (boxed latter frame, body on frame design) is just shy of 3800lbs
The HRV is MSRP under 30K which is most likely why the awd is meh. However i do agree (though it would make my job as a honda tech a bit more annoying) they could offer an off-road edition for a more premium cost. However its kind of a confusing vehicle, it went from "big awd fit" to "big awd civic/ small cheap crv" so if they charge too much for it they compete with their own crv.
Please stop comparing "off road" things that aren't actually made to do anything more than to get to and from the grocery store in mildly bad weather. Neither 1 of these were ever designed to go "off road"
Love these off road tests of "non-offroady" crossovers
The Subaru CUVs can really be upgraded with their aftermarket support though...skids, winchmounts, rockers, bumpers, rear locker, LSDs, lifted suspensions, AT/MT tires, etc.
Idk, that Subaru was better off.
Still a soft roader but still
It's great to see the slip tests on small crossovers. It made me want to go back and watch previous videos on other crossovers to see what happens. It's a great review.
We need more slip test Tommy.🤘
Here in Western New York State it's more likely that your right side wheels will be on the shoulder if you have to pull over and stop. So I think that is the best test.
Is it even possible to make a car more anemic than a Crosstrek with a CVT? Honda: hold my sake bro
LMAO!!!!!
Wrangler 4cyl/auto. Suzuki 4cyl/auto vehicles. 3cyl/auto cars. NA diesel VWs. Citroen 2cyl cars.
Turn off the TCS and many modern vehicles feel peppier. 140-180HP is nothing to sneeze at. My 2.5L/5spd Jeep YJ could chirp 31s going into 3rd, and it had considerably less power than a Crosstrek 2.slo/CVT, at similar curb weight. 2.72:1 4Low made it plenty torque offroad too.
Crosstreks are awesome in the snow.
All this tommy content is the greatest thing ever
I appreciate you calling it what it is, reduced traction control (instead of traction control off). That really is disappointing performance as it seems like all that's needed is different software to make a significant improvement in poor traction conditions.
Excellent work Tommy. Do you guys have this vehicle and its competitors tests bundled in a library together? I expected Honda to do better. Not good for winter driving in Michigan it seems.
Confused because my 2017 HRV kills it in the Mt. Pocono Winter Snow year after year 😐
Hope Honda is watching. That needs improvement!
What went wrong Scott? 🙂
Not really. It’s a city/commuter car. It doesn’t really need off road capabilities. A good set of winter tires will get the HR-V through most winter situations, unless you live out in the middle of nowhere.
Great video Tommy keep it up man ! I like this new gen but this real world review is making me think about it now as our 2nd vehicle 🤔
Great vid! Not a great system for anything more extreme than bad weather in flat suburbs. Even a simple hill with low traction renders the awd in this thing almost useless. A cross trek or a compass is a better choice if ya really live rurally or really need a good awd system.
Sometimes I think its good to keep these vehicles plain simple just use regular AWD with brake based traction control vs putting complicated AWD and clutch packs like in Passport / Pilot / Ridgeline. I only wish it has a basic automatic transmission just like old CR-V. Keep it simple and dependable is my choice for an HR-V.
The AWD system in the Passport/Pilot/RDX/MDX/TLX not only adds traction, it also adds more fun when driving.
Not similar purpose or target market. But the tires are smaller and street tires
Sorry but the tires are more aggressive on the Subaru compared to Hondas tires . What do you think?.
Just unacceptable. Glad I bought my Crosstrek. Great video guys 👍
Take a good set of capable tyres and be happy
Love the slip test. Should be tested on all awd/4wd vehicles.
But nothing beats y’all’s Colorado trail rides.
WHY doesn't Honda add the VTM-4 system to ALL of their awd models? Might save them time and money to use only 1 system
It's both heavy and expensive.
How long before Tommy crashes into the shed on one of those tests?
He crashed the shed a couple of times. Lol.
All that struggle with only one person inside. Imagine a whole family plus gear inside it.
More weight, more traction?
@@7cougar0 On an icy slope?
@@Malc664 still applies
You convinced me! I will stick with my 4R TRD OR. 😉 People are just going to have to par ooze your videos to find the Rav4 roller tests to see if it is adequate for a CUV equivalent to the HRV.
The gas mileage and cost are quite a bit different
@@Tallnerdyguy That's not the point of the video. This is not an MPG comparison nor is it about cost. It is about OR capability for snow driving.
Maybe not pointing the cars at a building a few feet away?
I own a Civic and Ridgeline. I would pick the Subaru for myself. But I would pick the HRV for my wife.
Is your wife not capable of picking out her own car as an adult?!
I wonder how the x3 and x5 perform.
The Ivtm4 costs money, which the hrv is trying to avoid
Where it REALLY struggles is with exterior design asthetic. Some person(s) on that design team deserves to be unemployed.
"Be careful to push from the middle, so if the rollers go shootin out, they don't take out ur ankles"
...i hope that's not a suggestion from experience, Tommy lol
I think it’s more city SUV not those trails
Well it’s not exactly supposed to compete with the Subaru lol
I really want to see this same test but with some basic all terrain tires, makes a huge difference on cross treks. I feel like better tires would have made that hrv go through the course so much easier
Wouldn't it be safer to do your traction test, not facing a building?
Get video, great information, love these types of videos. 👍🏻👍🏻
So glad to finally see rollers!
Hi Tommy! Good review....still thinking about the 2022 hrv at local dealer
Honda’s recent AWD systems are notoriously bad/weak. I’ve had so many of these cars end up in the shop because the owners thought the AWD was broken. Nope, working as designed.
Wow, that's a little disappointing. This was on my radar for my next vehicle... I'm not so sure it could handle a New Hampshire winter.
Pressing the touch screen 2xs is "a lot of work" to get unstuck?? Getting out and having to push it, by hand, out of a snow bank....THAT'S WORK.....
Have you test the slip test on a 2022 Mazda cx30
Not sure if they did the CX-30, but they did do a slip test video with the CX-5. I'd imagine they have the same awd system.
The HRV was not intended for off-road use. Talk about knowingly setting up a test, while having a pretty good idea of what the likely outcome will be.
Fantastic test!
Somewhat confused here. My wife has the previous 2022 model. I was stunned at how well it did in 4-6 inches of snow/ice with OEM michelins. This from a guy that has had too many FJ's, Wranglers, Tacoma's and Xterras.
That's because in snow you're still on fairly flat ground and have similar traction on most of the wheels. As long as both front wheels or both rear wheels have traction then it'll do just fine.
@@B0rnToSlay Agreed, as long as the traction is fairly even at all 4 corners, it should work well. Also, in snow that's not too deep, the OEM tires on the Honda likely match the traction of many all-terrain tires -- and probably exceed the traction of most mud-terrain tires. Big solid tread blocks do not generally do well on snow and ice.
@@andrewsnow7386 Modern mudders often have siping now.
How about 2023 CRV 4 wheel drive, same test?
That concrete pad seams to be more slopes than where you have done it at your offices. Is that the case? Maybe that is why it struggled so much?
Fair is irrelevant since in the real world conditions are far less controlled. The bottom line is, it could not handle the test. Minor slope, big slope, it failed regardless.
The guy pushed it off the rollers by hand. Doesn’t seem like it’s much of a factor.
Sometimes I think “all wheel drive” is more of a marketing term and less of a useful driver aid for slippery or low traction situations.
Please test the Bronco Sport Badlands. I have a feeling that it will absolutely ace both challenges.
They did it with a Big bend and it did it without struggle 🤷♂
I was wondering what you did with those rollers for the slip test.
front looks like an european ford puma and back like an small audi q
Good stuff Tommy
About to drop some cash on the 2WD version which is making more sense.
The system is a bit disappointing. Could have used more braking on the spinning wheels to transfer power. For a company that gave us the NSX, this is not acceptable.
Nice vid!
I like the roller test because presumably it takes the tires out of the equation. A little more tired underneath it would have helped a lot off road. But if you plan to go off road why get a Honda cute ute.
Love this tests. As for the car...it honestly seems like they made it without any will of selling them
For the price, yes they will. Considering 90% of 4 runners never do more than a dirt road
Can you do a slip test of the non badlands Bronco sport? Would love to see it
Whats a good way to reach out?
What's the purpose of having AWD when it doesn't even work
So every future owner of this HR-V will need Brandon's help when they get stuck?! Nice job Honda! :)
Hondas SH-AWD/ivtm4 is probably the best single speed awd system off road. Any of their other systems are the worst.
These systems are not introduced into entry-base cars to keep the price as low as possible. Otherwise, we will be looking at a $40.000 entry-level vehicle.
Base CVT Subaru Imprezas and Crosstreks are nowhere near $40K MSRP. Even a Trailhawk Compass or Renegade could be much cheaper. A base Wrangler could be $30K MSRP, plus a few hundo for a cheap aftermarket lunchbox locker.
To be fair....are those the tires you would put on your Jeep?
They should make a HRV type R
😂😂😂😂
I've watched 3 videos with the New 2023 Honda HR-V and none of them perform well off-road.
Wow the Crosstrek even got some wheelspin off of the one wheel with traction! lmao
I saw a new HRV the other day for the first time. DRLs only on at night, doing 67 in the left lane when traffic is doing 75+. Cant wait to see these when there's a dusting doing 15 mph
Living in MT I would not buy this car. Great testing!!! Honda really put the cheap traction control in this crossover.
The hrv barely does any brake torque distribution that's the main problem.
Yep! Their i-VTM4 systems are great. This one in the HR-V, not so much.
Mazda cx30 next?
The tires look terrible, so that may have played a part.
I'd like to see a Ford Focus RS on the slip test.
Look at the Bronco Sport Badlands same drivetrain
I liked it so much better when people bought compact wagons with no pretenses of off-road ability at all.
I almost feel like this all wheel drive system is as useful as a normal 2 wheel drive. How on a hill can it not get up. You literally have had 2 wheel drive vehicles make it up there. Disappointed in Honda. Don’t spend the extra money for the AWD in this car because it’s just gives you no benefits.
For these more basic "AWD" systems I tend to call them "assisted" FWD.
@@ThorGPA not a bad name but I’m this case they are not doing much assisting. I can’t really think of a time it would get you out of a bad situation
@@dmegahan of course not, without some form of torque vectoring or limit slip differentials these systems aren't doing much. Which is why I called them assisted because it is a little better then just FWD.
There's a reason I still drive a 2003 S10 Zr2 in northern Michigan lol.
🇺🇸 hr v... and jeep wrangler have one thing in common! 99% of the time will be driven to Walmart!
It looks a lot like the 2023 Ford Escape.
we need the cx50
It only goes to prove that if you want good performance you need to get better tires. they are more concentrated on fuel economy than actual traction. Get a good set of winter or off road tires and see what happens. thanks Tommy!.
Tires had nothing to do with this test.
The HRV's TCS didn't really vector torque, but it DID reduce the spinning of the slipping wheels.
This is why people suffer the NVH of a Subaru.
NVH?
@@RKmndo Noise, Vibration, harshness
@@ThorGPA Have you driven a softop Jeep YJ lately?
The Subaru boxers tend to be pretty smooth, and the ride of their CUVs is MUCH better than my old Suzuki SX4's.
@@RKmndo no, I haven't driven a YJ because there aren't any around here anymore.
Have you driven a soft top humvee at highway speed? Feels like you re-entering the atmosphere!
The boxer engine itself is smooth. Yes. Its everything else. There are far better driving experiences in other brands that rate higher in NVH mitigation.
@@ThorGPA Yup.
thats because the real time of honda is not for that ... passport ridgeline has different AWD System .. the HRV use and AWD that don't send all the power to the rear tires... is more for security not for offroad
no off road Truck or SUV should have a CV trans!
I didn't see an offroad vehicle in this video
brendan love from england..xx
i think the hrv is for daily commuting and not for off roading
The redesign looks great but the wheels look like auto part store Hubcaps from 2005. Do better Honda.
Definitely an Urban CUV. Something that should stay on the pavement.
Ummm... looks like honda has a lawsuit on their hands cough it's a ford escape cough
Bring back the glasses
Want to recommend a vehicle like this to my brother, but this is a huge negative for him. Otherwise the HRV seems great.
Fit your off-road needs LOL
Take it to the beach I’d like to see how it does on sand
Surprisingly bad slip performance. Especially considering other Hondas get through it fine.
And this is why we drive an Impreza and WRX
try Kia Sportage Bro...
Great work!
So basically it's garbage. hahaha to bad Honda has some great tech, but no one seems to make a good AWD anymore.
This Honda needs a 'Toyota' button!
You are comparing Differents Awd systems
Just sad how pitiful this performs in these not really bad conditions. This sure seems like false advertising when it claims to be all wheel drive. Cmon Honda you need to do better.
CVT is just yucky.
Honda ruined the HR-V, much too large now 😞
Didn't it used to be based on the Fit? Now it's based on the Civic.
Agreed. The trend always seems to be "go bigger" when some of us like it small. We have a '17 and got 39MPG on a recent road trip.
It would be okay if it didn't have a CVT also cars are getting to fat
And the HR-V is still fairly light at 3300lbs in its heaviest trim.
For perspective my 03 S10 Zr2 (boxed latter frame, body on frame design) is just shy of 3800lbs
Non SH-AWD Honda's have be a disappointment. That and it doesn't have much power conspire against it performing well.
The HRV is MSRP under 30K which is most likely why the awd is meh. However i do agree (though it would make my job as a honda tech a bit more annoying) they could offer an off-road edition for a more premium cost. However its kind of a confusing vehicle, it went from "big awd fit" to "big awd civic/ small cheap crv" so if they charge too much for it they compete with their own crv.
Well, it's pretty much useless... Come on Honda, pony up and put the IVTM4 programming in this as well ...oh, and get rid of the stupid CVT
Please stop comparing "off road" things that aren't actually made to do anything more than to get to and from the grocery store in mildly bad weather. Neither 1 of these were ever designed to go "off road"