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Why Lease The HR-V?

Photo of Donna Kelly by: Donna Kelly

Donna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.

Honda HR-V Review 2021

First introduced in 2016, the Honda HR-V continues to make waves in the small SUV market, making for an attractive alternative to the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, Mazda CX-3 and Suzuki Vitara.

Our Honda HR-V review covers:

Honda HR-V Key Features

  • Bold new look inspired by Honda's e:Concept prototype
  • Futuristic interior with seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system 
  • 470-litre boot and 60/40 split second-row Magic Seats
  • 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for increased efficiency
  • Four models available, including S, SE, EX and Sport trim

Design and Practicality

Recently refreshed, the third-generation Honda HR-V boasts a bold new look inspired by Honda's e:Concept prototype, with its broad radiator grille and 20mm lower coupe-style roofline. Honda also increased the HR-V's ride height by 10mm, adding to its bold new stance. 

Honda HR-V exterior

Despite its relatively compact size, the HR-V offers decent passenger space inside and is much roomier than its rival, the Nissan Juke. Honda's 60/40 split second-row 'Magic Seats' allow the rear seats to be folded up against the seatbacks, making it easier to fit taller items in the back.

The HR-V's 470-litre boot space can also be expanded to 1,533 litres with the rear seats folded down. That's around 250 litres more than the Mazda CX-3 and nearly 350 litres more than the Nissan Juke, making for plenty of room for all the family's luggage.

Interior and Trims

Inside, the Honda HR-V boasts a futuristic interior with funky touch-sensitive heating and ventilation controls. The HR-V's sweeping dashboard provides a spacious and calming experience, and despite some cheap-feeling plastics, the HR-V still feels a lot more upmarket than its rivals, the Suzuki Vitara and Peugeot 2008. Shame then that Honda's seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system isn't the most straightforward system to use.

There are four trim levels to choose from, including the S, SE, Sport and EX. 

The entry-level S model comes with cruise control, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, alloy wheels, and plenty of safety kit, including automatic emergency braking as standard.

The mid-range SE gets a leather-trimmed steering wheel, extra speakers for the standard DAB digital radio, Garmin sat-nav and 17-inch alloy wheels.

As implied by the name, the Sport trim adds sporty styling, including 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-mode paddle shifters, sports pedals, gloss-black underbody spoilers, and optional AWD.

The top-spec EX version gets leather seats and a panoramic glass roof.

Power and Performance

Under the bonnet, the Honda HR-V combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for increased efficiency. The 60 cell battery pack gives the HR-V a combined output of 129bhp for improved performance. 

Honda HR-V interior

The hybrid has three drive modes to choose from: Sport mode, which provides a sharper throttle response; Econ, which alters the air-conditioning and throttle for increased efficiency; and Normal, for a middle-ground between the two.

Out on the road, the Honda HR-V performs pretty well and is similar to the Nissan Qashqai in terms of comfort and handling. The HR-V also manages to smooth out bumps well while at higher speeds and feels stable and secure.

Leasing vs Buying

Prices for the new Honda HR-V start from £29,020.00 OTR* or to lease from £368.08 per month.

Want to know more about leasing the Honda HR-V? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts works directly with the UK Honda dealer network to offer great lease deals on the HR-V. 

All our lease deals include the full manufacturer's warranty (from date of registration), road tax for the contract duration, breakdown cover and free mainland GB delivery to your home or workplace (exclusions apply). 

What's more, with fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay and flexible mileage and contract terms, leasing a Honda HR-V could be cheaper to lease than you think.

*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and typically includes one year’s road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Always check with the manufacturer. 

Customer Reviews

Honda HR-V
Average Rating Based on 25 reviews
4.1 out of 5

  • Practicality
  • Performance
  • Running Costs
  • Comfort
  • Value For Money
3.1 out of 5
Ian Honda HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC SE

the main problem I have with this vehicle is that it is the noisiest car I have ever driven, particularly in the first 3 gears, the in cab noise is horrible, also very noticible tyre noise, could also do with digital speed reading on dash. I think the engine should be bigger for more and smoother.

  • Practicality
  • Performance
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  • Value For Money
2.9 out of 5
John Honda HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC S

On the whole, it is what it is. Not the greatest for interior storage. Dash board, door skins and roof seem flimsy. Sound proofing from the engine is poor. Disappointed with the gear changing, very clunky. Seats are quite comfortable and plenty of boot storage although a proper rear boot shelf would have been better than the flimsy trampoline style shelf. Good on fuel consumption and easy access getting in and out of the vehicle. Audio system seems a little dated for a brand new car.

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3.7 out of 5
Graham Honda HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC SE

Don’t like the radio and digital mileage set up

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3.6 out of 5
Hugh Honda HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC SE CVT

Due to COVID very little mileage consequently at present find that car is a little underpowered however haven,t done any long mileage to finally make a definite decision on honda

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4.4 out of 5
Philip Honda HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC S

The vehicle would be improved by having parking indicators as standard. Overall this is a good low cost crossover and I would recommend it to others.

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4.6 out of 5
Annalee Honda HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC SE

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4.3 out of 5
Gayathri Honda HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC SE CVT

The touch screen functionality is very poor and it is difficult to get it working. Also the air vents are quite cheap and not as convenient in this 'mid' level car as in cheaper cars

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3.4 out of 5
Helen Honda HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC SE

There is nothing wrong with the car, I just always change my cars

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5.0 out of 5
Heather Honda HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC EX

It is comfortable, drives well and is economical, especially on long journeys, looks good - I love it

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4.7 out of 5
Nigel Honda HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC EX

The Honda HRV EX is one of the best equipped most comfortable cars I have ever driven, it does everything well and in comfort. My wife was initially concerned that the vehicle was larger then the mini she was used to, but she loves the HRV, so much so that I struggle to get to drive it. A great car that has all the bells and whistles you could ever want

  • Practicality
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3.4 out of 5
John Honda HRV 1.5 i-VTEC EX CVT

Because of Coved not used car that much. Engine noise very loud but seems a good reliable car.

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3.6 out of 5
Rita Honda HRV 1.6 i-DTEC SE Navi

  • Practicality
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  • Value For Money
4.3 out of 5
Kate Honda HRV 1.5 i-VTEC EX

  • Practicality
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2.7 out of 5
Simon Honda HRV 1.5 i-VTEC SE

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5.0 out of 5
David Honda HRV 1.5 i-VTEC SE CVT

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