The 2024 Honda HRV has been turning heads, and as a recent owner of the EX-L trim in the distinctive Nordic Forest color, I’m excited to share my personal experience. Coming fresh from Mexico, this vehicle has quickly won me over, particularly for its practicality and enjoyable driving dynamics. My primary need was a vehicle that could comfortably accommodate a wheelchair user, and the HRV has proven to be an ideal solution. The ease of entry and exit is remarkable, requiring minimal assistance – a significant advantage. Beyond its accessibility, the HRV is simply a joy to drive, boasting smooth handling and a surprisingly engaging ride. For those considering the 2024 Honda HRV, I want to offer some insights based on my ownership, emphasizing that for its price point, this vehicle represents excellent value, especially when considering its driving dynamics, anticipated reliability, and strong resale value.
What Makes the 2024 Honda HRV a Great Choice?
After spending some quality time with the 2024 HRV, several aspects stand out as genuinely impressive. These are the features that have made daily driving a pleasure and solidified my positive opinion of this compact SUV.
Smooth Driving and Handling
The overall handling, ride quality, and drivetrain smoothness are immediately noticeable. The HRV delivers a refined driving experience that belies its segment. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease, feeling more substantial and composed than expected. You truly need to get behind the wheel to appreciate how well this vehicle handles various road conditions.
Adequate Power and Reliable Engine
Power delivery is more than sufficient for everyday driving. While it’s not designed for high-speed thrills, the 2.0-liter engine paired with the CVT provides ample power for typical driving scenarios. The CVT operates smoothly and efficiently. Importantly, the engine is a proven design, reminiscent of reliable powertrains from two decades ago. This means no stop-start system, MPI fuel injection instead of direct injection, and no cylinder deactivation – all contributing to potential longevity and reduced maintenance concerns. This simpler, robust engine design is a significant plus for long-term reliability.
Comfortable Ride Quality
The ride and handling balance is exceptional. It’s tuned to provide comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. The HRV manages to smooth out rough roads, providing a ride quality often associated with larger, more expensive vehicles. This makes for a comfortable experience, whether you’re commuting daily or taking longer trips.
Interior and Tech Features
The interior design is appealing, and the electronics package is user-friendly. The radio sound quality is also perfectly satisfactory for daily listening. The cabin presents a modern and functional aesthetic, making it a pleasant space to be in.
Solid Build Quality and Quietness
The doors close with a reassuringly solid thunk, and the body structure feels tight and well-assembled. On smooth pavement, wind and road noise are within expected levels for a vehicle in this price range. The overall sense of solidity contributes to a more premium feel than you might anticipate.
Practicality and Space
The HRV effortlessly maintains speed at any legal limit. The air conditioning is remarkably effective, even in high temperatures, proving its capability in demanding climates. Both the front and back seats offer generous space, with ample legroom and headroom in the rear. Its compact dimensions are also a boon for urban environments, fitting easily into garages where larger SUVs might struggle. Parking is simplified by the effective camera and sensor system.
Wireless Phone Charging and CarPlay
The inclusion of wireless phone charging, which works seamlessly with an iPhone 14 even with an Otter Box case, is a welcome convenience. Wireless CarPlay is also a significant feature, working flawlessly and negating the need for built-in navigation, which the HRV lacks. For users who prefer smartphone-based navigation and entertainment, this integration is seamless and highly practical.
Areas Where the 2024 Honda HRV Could Improve
While the 2024 Honda HRV excels in many areas, there are a few points where potential buyers might find room for improvement. These are minor drawbacks in an otherwise compelling package, but worth noting for a balanced perspective.
CVT Performance from a Stop
The CVT, while generally smooth, exhibits a slight hesitation from a complete stop when accelerating aggressively. Unlike some CVTs with a launch gear, flooring the accelerator from a standstill can result in a momentary bogging sensation. However, this is easily mitigated by a gentler initial acceleration. For normal, everyday driving, this is rarely an issue. It’s important to remember that the HRV is not designed for rapid acceleration; its strengths lie in fuel efficiency and smooth cruising.
Road Noise on Coarse Surfaces
On rougher road surfaces, road noise becomes more noticeable, which is typical for vehicles in this class. While not excessive, it’s something to be aware of, particularly if you frequently drive on less-than-perfect roads. However, compared to some competitors, the HRV’s noise levels are reasonable.
Rear Seat Amenities
The rear seat area is somewhat basic in terms of amenities. It lacks power outlets, dedicated AC vents, and a center armrest. The cupholders in the door panels are also quite small. For a top-trim model, the absence of at least some of these features is a minor disappointment, especially considering the inclusion of rear grab handles. On the plus side, it does feature modern LED overhead lights.
Missing Features
Several minor convenience features are absent, such as an eyeglass holder, illumination in the console box and glove box, and a temperature gauge. The lack of a temperature gauge is particularly unusual in modern vehicles. Additionally, there’s no 12-volt cigarette-type outlet in the front cabin, although one is available in the rear hatch area.
Cheap Dipstick
Perhaps the most surprisingly low-quality component is the oil dipstick. Its construction is remarkably basic, featuring a metal rod with a pressed-on plastic handle and measurement tip. This design feels flimsy and potentially less durable. The plastic tip can also be difficult to read, especially when the oil is clean, due to the lack of contrast.
Final Verdict: Is the 2024 Honda HRV Right for You?
Despite these minor shortcomings, my overall impression of the 2024 Honda HRV remains overwhelmingly positive. It’s a vehicle that prioritizes driving enjoyment, practicality, and value. The few drawbacks are easily outweighed by its strengths, particularly its smooth driving dynamics, comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliable engine. It effectively addresses the needs for accessible transportation and daily usability.
The 2024 Honda HRV occupies a sweet spot in the market, offering a well-rounded package at a competitive price. While some features might be reserved for higher trims or larger models like the CR-V, the HRV delivers exceptional value for its segment. I wholeheartedly recommend taking the 2024 Honda HRV for a test drive to experience its qualities firsthand. Ultimately, experiencing the vehicle yourself is the best way to determine if it aligns with your needs and preferences. Don’t rely solely on online reviews – get behind the wheel and discover what the 2024 Honda HRV has to offer.
