The 2020 Honda HR-V lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor transmission software and stereo system issues. At $19,775 to $28,000, it’s a great value for a small SUV with excellent long-term reliability ratings as it ages.
Is the 2020 Honda HR-V a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is an excellent year for the Honda HR-V since it offers good practicality and reliability ratings. Owner reviews praise the available safety features, low running costs, along with the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are fairly basic, the seats are supportive, cargo space is also decent for an SUV of its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems reported on the 2020 HR-V. Avoid models from 2016 which have electrical issues, while 2017–2022 are more dependable.
- Performance 6/10 – The standard engine is fairly weak, focusing more on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 HR-V is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, optional upgrades include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 30 MPG, giving 396 miles of range out of the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $42 cheaper than average at $157 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Honda HR-V is cheaper than many other small SUVs on the market with reasonable depreciation rates, making it a very good value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Honda HR-V?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Honda HR-V is an excellent and practical subcompact SUV, with great owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Honda HR-V at 4.3/5, enjoying the excellent visibility with large windows, but doesn’t like that the touchscreen is complicated to use.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the HR-V a 4.1/5, praising the versatile interior with a lot of cargo space, but owners don’t like it’s not very sporty to drive.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Honda HR-V Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Honda HR-V include delayed gear changes, stereo system issues, along with some brake noise. Overall, these problems are similar to other small SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as an HR-V ages.
Delayed gear changes are the most widespread complaint from 2020 HR-V owners, showing up at around 1,500 miles. There are updates available for the transmission control module, which improves the speed of gear changes. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $100 for the labor.
Stereo system issues have also been reported by 2020 HR-V owners within the first 2,500 miles. The stereo system is known to freeze, and has to be restarted. There are some stereo system software updates available which make it more reliable. Usually these updates are installed for free, while some shops charge around $50.
Brake noise is another problem that is found on some 2020 HR-V models at roughly 10,000 miles. The noise is caused by brake pad wear. Changing out the brake pads costs around $150, while new rotors are $400 if they have been damaged.
There is only one recall on the 2020 Honda HR-V, which is better than other small SUVs from the same year. The recall covers the rearview camera, which will not display an image. Honda will update the software on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Honda HR-V Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Honda HR-V can last around 250,000 miles, which is slightly shorter than the Toyota C-HR. Regular annual maintenance costs are cheaper than other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $301 per year.
As a used 2020 HR-V reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the blower motor for $190, windshield washer fluid reservoir costing $300, along with the oil pan gasket, which costs about $400.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is basic, and includes a 5-inch central display. Optional upgrades include a 7-inch touchscreen, along with a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is also simple, and only features a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Road departure mitigation
- LaneWatch blind spot camera
Is the 2020 Honda HR-V a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Honda HR-V is a good value since it’s cheaper than most other small SUVs on the market, while still offering a lot of practicality. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $19,775 to $28,000, making it less than a Subaru Crosstrek or Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $20,920 to $28,990. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Honda HR-V?
There are five main models of the Honda HR-V offered from the entry-level LX, through to the more luxurious Touring. The HR-V comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
LX is the entry-level model with:
- Base model with essential features
- 17-inch alloy wheels for a stylish look
- 5-inch LCD radio display for basic infotainment needs
- Bluetooth streaming audio for wireless connectivity
- Cloth upholstery for comfort
- USB port for device charging and connectivity
- Rearview camera for easier parking and reversing
- Four-speaker stereo system for audio entertainment
- No Honda Sensing safety suite
- Options like front/rear parking sensors and remote start may be available
Sport is a step up, adding:
- Builds upon LX features
- Larger 18-inch wheels for improved aesthetics
- 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system for enhanced interaction
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for smartphone integration
- Additional USB port for more connectivity options
- Six-speaker stereo system for a better audio experience
- Paddle shifters for a sportier driving feel
- Fog lights for improved visibility in poor weather conditions
EX includes upgrades such as:
- Includes Honda Sensing safety suite
- Heated front seats for added comfort in cold weather
- Upgraded sound system for high-quality audio
- Power moonroof for an open-air feel
- Proximity keyless entry for ease of access
- Automatic climate control for maintaining optimal cabin temperature
- Satellite radio and HD Radio for diverse entertainment options
- Advanced safety features: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control
- LaneWatch blind spot camera for enhanced side visibility
EX-L offers more features such as:
- Adds luxury touches to EX features
- Leather seats for a premium feel
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel for a sophisticated touch
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror for reduced glare at night
Touring is the flagship model, which has:
- Top trim level with advanced features
- Standard all-wheel drive for better traction and handling
- LED headlights for enhanced nighttime visibility
- Universal garage door opener for added convenience
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat for optimal driving comfort
- Integrated satellite navigation for easy route finding
- Voice recognition for hands-free control of various functions
What Engines Come In the Honda HR-V?
The 2020 Honda HR-V comes with a single engine option across all its trims. This engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, capable of producing 141 horsepower. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this engine offers a fuel economy of 30 MPG. The 0-60 MPH acceleration time for the HR-V with this engine is around 8.6 seconds, providing a balance of efficiency and performance suitable for both city and highway driving.
What Colors Does the Honda HR-V Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Honda HR-V?
The 2020 Honda HR-V stands out for its comfort, which is a key aspect of its appeal in the compact SUV market. The vehicle’s interior design focuses on maximizing passenger comfort, featuring well-cushioned and supportive seats. These seats are designed to provide ample support, particularly during long drives, reducing the fatigue commonly associated with extended periods of sitting. The front seats offer generous head and legroom, accommodating passengers of various heights comfortably. The rear seats are also noteworthy for their space, especially considering the HR-V’s compact size, offering a comfortable ride for adults and children alike.
In terms of ride quality, the HR-V delivers a smooth and stable experience. Its suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, making for a serene journey even on less-than-ideal road surfaces. The cabin is well-insulated from external noise, which contributes to a peaceful driving environment, allowing for easy conversation and an enjoyable audio experience.
Additionally, the climate control system in the HR-V is effective and easy to use, maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature in various weather conditions. Overall, the 2020 Honda HR-V provides a comfortable and pleasant driving and riding experience, making it a popular choice for both daily commutes and longer journeys.
How Much Storage Space Does the Honda HR-V Have?
The 2020 Honda HR-V is renowned for its versatile and spacious interior, catering to a variety of storage needs. This compact SUV offers an impressive amount of room, considering its size. The total cargo space available is a substantial 58.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This expansive area is more than adequate for large items such as bicycles, multiple large suitcases, or even a small piece of furniture. When the rear seats are in use, the cargo space is understandably reduced but remains practical at 24.3 cubic feet. This is enough for daily needs like grocery shopping, carrying several backpacks, or transporting smaller sports equipment.
In addition to the main cargo area, the 2020 HR-V excels in providing numerous small storage solutions within the cabin. These include a sizable glove compartment, door pockets in both the front and rear, and a center console with an armrest that doubles as a storage compartment. Cup holders are conveniently placed for both front and rear passengers. The model also features Honda’s unique ‘Magic Seat’ system in the rear, which allows the seat bottoms to fold up, providing space for taller items in the footwell area behind the front seats.
These various storage options make the HR-V a highly practical vehicle for both everyday use and for longer trips where more space might be required. Its clever design maximizes the available space, offering a level of versatility that is exceptional for a vehicle in its class.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Honda HR-V was launched for the 2016 model year as the smallest SUV in Honda’s lineup.
2016: First model year for the Honda HR-V, which is a smaller and sportier version of the Honda CR-V.
2017: Unchanged from the launch last year.
2018: No major updates from 2016.
2019: Refreshed front and rear bumpers, new Sport and Touring models introduced standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Honda Sensing Suite of safety features.
2020: No changes from earlier years.
2021: Tinted rear glass is now standard on the Sport model.
How Does the Honda HR-V Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Honda HR-V is a very good small SUV, offering excellent reliability ratings paired with a practical cabin, which helps it earn our recommendation for shoppers.
The Honda CR-V is another small SUV which costs around $2,500 more. Passenger room is slightly better in the Honda CR-V, while the Honda HR-V is easier to park in large cities that have small parking spots. We recommend the Honda CR-V, but both are very good and worth test driving to see which you prefer.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a popular competitor, which costs about $1,500 more. Off-road performance is better in the Subaru Crosstrek with its standard all-wheel drive system, while the Honda HR-V offers a smoother ride. We recommend the Honda HR-V since it’s more affordable to own long-term, but both are worth checking out.