2016 Honda HR-V LX 4WD CVT

Honda is well known for producing efficient, fun-to-drive and fun-to-own vehicles at affordable price points. The new 2016 HR-V is the latest of the breed. Given the continued growth, both in sales and girth, of its popular CR-V, Honda saw an opportunity to create a new entry-level crossover SUV model. The result is the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V. If Honda's Pilot is "papa" and its CR-V is "mama," then the HR-V should fit perfectly within the family as the "baby." Being the tyke of the family doesn't mean there's a lack of utility, though. Just like the subcompact Fit hatchback on which it's based, the HR-V has what Honda calls a "Magic Seat," which is a configurable rear seat that gives the HR-V a distinctive ability to take on bulky or long cargo items with relative ease. The HR-V also provides high fuel economy, a sporty driving feel, available all-wheel drive and a solid collection of tech and convenience features for the money. If you want a crossover SUV but have found the mainstays a little too big or expensive, Honda's HR-V could very well meet your needs.

The HR-V happens to be part of a growing group of subcompact crossover offerings. The segment includes Nissan's Juke, which is more powerful but less roomy than the HR-V, and the recently introduced Jeep Renegade, which boasts the best off-roading credentials of the bunch. Another new option is the Mazda CX-3, which distills the Mazda CX-5's sporty personality into a smaller package. There's also the stylish Fiat 500X to consider. You'll want to check out at least a few of these before you decide, but if interior versatility and space are priorities, Honda's "baby" crossover could very well be the ideal pick. The Honda HR-V comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine good for 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. For the front-wheel-drive LX and EX, the engine comes paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional on those trim levels and standard for the front-drive EX-L Navi. All-wheel drive (AWD) is an available option on all three trim levels, but only with the CVT.

In Edmunds testing, an HR-V EX-L Navi with AWD accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds, which is slower than average for a subcompact crossover.

According to the EPA, a front-drive HR-V will get 28 mpg in combined driving (25 city/34 highway) with the manual transmission or 31 mpg combined (28/35) with the CVT. Opting for all-wheel drive reduces fuel economy slightly to 29 mpg combined (27/32). The 2016 Honda HR-V subcompact crossover seats five and comes in three trim levels: LX, EX and EX-L Navi. The LX starts off with 17-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a configurable 60/40-split folding rear seat (Magic Seat), a 5-inch display screen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB port. Standard safety features for the Honda HR-V include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and a rearview camera.