The 2020 Honda HR-V stands as a popular subcompact SUV, and for those prioritizing safety, understanding its safety ratings is crucial. This article provides an in-depth look at the safety performance of the HR-V 2020, based on rigorous testing, offering a clear picture for potential buyers and current owners alike.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end (driver-side in this case) impacts an object. This is a challenging test that evaluates how well the vehicle structure protects the driver in such a severe crash scenario.
Driver-Side Performance
The HR-V 2020 achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test. Key evaluation points and technical measurements are detailed below:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
Action shot during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test of the Honda HR-V 2020, demonstrating vehicle deformation and safety system deployment.
The structural performance was robust, maintaining the driver’s survival space effectively.
Post-crash dummy position in the Honda HR-V 2020 driver-side small overlap test, showing excellent survival space maintenance.
Airbags played a vital role in protecting the driver’s head.
Frontal and side curtain airbags deployment in the Honda HR-V 2020 small overlap test, effectively protecting the driver’s head.
Lower extremities were also well-protected, minimizing injury risks.
Leg and foot protection in the Honda HR-V 2020 driver-side small overlap crash, indicating low injury risk.
Technical Measurements – Driver Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 6 |
| Footrest | 6 | |
| Left Toepan | 5 | |
| Brake Pedal | 6 | |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 3 | |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Steering Column | 0 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 5 | |
| Upper Dash | 5 | |
| Lower Instrument Panel | 4 |
| Injury Measure | Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Head | HIC-15 | 179 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No Contact | |
| Neck | Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 4 | |
| Maximum Nij | 0.21 | |
| Chest | Maximum Compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur (kN) | Left | 1.0 |
| Right | 0.1 | |
| Knee Displacement (mm) | Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 | |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (%) | Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 | |
| Maximum Tibia Index | Left | 0.38 |
| Right | 0.34 | |
| Tibia Axial Force (kN) | Left | 1.7 |
| Right | 2.0 | |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | Left | 68 |
| Right | 43 |
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Evaluation
Evaluating the passenger side in the small overlap front crash is equally important for overall occupant safety. The Honda HR-V 2020 also underwent this assessment.
Passenger-Side Performance
The HR-V 2020 secured a “Good” overall rating for passenger-side small overlap performance, indicating comprehensive frontal crash protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable (A) |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
Technical Measurements – Passenger Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 11 |
| Footrest | 9 | |
| Right Toepan | 10 | |
| Center Toepan | 6 | |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 4 | |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Center Dash | 8 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 11 | |
| Upper Dash | 11 | |
| Right Lower Dash | 10 |
| Injury Measure – Passenger | Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Head | HIC-15 | 295 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No Contact | |
| Neck | Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 18 | |
| Maximum Nij | 0.19 | |
| Chest | Maximum Compression (mm) | 21 |
| Femur (kN) | Left | 2.0 |
| Right | 3.4 | |
| Knee Displacement (mm) | Left | 3 |
| Right | 4 | |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (%) | Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 | |
| Maximum Tibia Index | Left | 0.52 |
| Right | 0.24 | |
| Tibia Axial Force (kN) | Left | 2.7 |
| Right | 2.7 | |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | Left | 53 |
| Right | 71 |
| Injury Measure – Driver | Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Head | HIC-15 | 118 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No Contact | |
| Neck | Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 10 | |
| Maximum Nij | 0.17 | |
| Chest | Maximum Compression (mm) | 25 |
| Femur (kN) | Left | 0.1 |
| Right | 0.5 | |
| Knee Displacement (mm) | Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 | |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (%) | Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 | |
| Maximum Tibia Index | Left | 0.25 |
| Right | 0.21 | |
| Tibia Axial Force (kN) | Left | 1.4 |
| Right | 0.3 | |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | Left | 34 |
| Right | 62 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Assessment
In the moderate overlap front test, a significant portion of the vehicle’s front width impacts a deformable barrier. This test represents a common type of frontal collision.
Performance in Moderate Overlap Test
The Honda HR-V 2020 earned a “Good” rating in the original moderate overlap front test, demonstrating strong frontal impact protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Left | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Footwell Intrusion | Footrest | 4 |
| Left | 10 | |
| Center | 10 | |
| Right | 9 | |
| Brake Pedal | 2 | |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement | Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 | |
| Steering Column Movement | Upward | 2 |
| Rearward | -6 | |
| A-Pillar Rearward Movement | 0 |
| Injury Measure | Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Head | HIC-15 | 323 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No Contact | |
| Neck | Tension (kN) | 1.5 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 9 | |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 | |
| Chest | Maximum Compression (mm) | 23 |
| Legs | Femur Force – Left (kN) | 0.5 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | 0.2 | |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | 0 | |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | 0 | |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.31 | |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.29 | |
| Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) | 1.5 | |
| Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) | 2.1 | |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | Left | 63 |
| Right | 95 |
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Evaluation
The side impact test assesses occupant protection in side collisions. Two variations were conducted: the original and an updated test. We’ll first review the original side impact test results for the 2020 HR-V.
Original Side Impact Performance
The HR-V 2020 achieved a “Good” rating in the original side impact test, indicating effective protection in this type of collision.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
Honda HR-V 2020 post-original side impact crash test, showcasing structural integrity.
Interior damage and airbag deployment in the Honda HR-V 2020 after the original side impact test.
Side curtain airbags effectively protected both driver and rear passenger heads.
Driver head protection by side curtain airbag in the Honda HR-V 2020 original side impact test.
Rear passenger head protection by side airbag in the Honda HR-V 2020 original side impact test.
Technical Measurements – Original Side Impact Test
| Measurement Category | Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion | B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -18.5 |
| Injury Measure – Driver | Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Head | HIC-15 | 149 |
| Neck | Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.2 | |
| Shoulder | Lateral Deflection (mm) | 38 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 1.6 | |
| Torso | Maximum Deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 26 | |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 3.09 | |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.45 | |
| Pelvis | Iliac Force (kN) | 0.8 |
| Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.0 | |
| Combined Force (kN) | 1.8 | |
| Left Femur | L-M Force (kN) | 0.8 |
| L-M Moment (Nm) | 135 | |
| A-P Moment (Nm) | 30 |
| Injury Measure – Passenger | Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Head | HIC-15 | 177 |
| Neck | Tension (kN) | 0.3 |
| Compression (kN) | 1.3 | |
| Shoulder | Lateral Deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 1.0 | |
| Torso | Maximum Deflection (mm) | 23 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 16 | |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 2.11 | |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.19 | |
| Pelvis | Iliac Force (kN) | 0.3 |
| Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.5 | |
| Combined Force (kN) | 1.5 | |
| Left Femur | L-M Force (kN) | 1.6 |
| L-M Moment (Nm) | 150 | |
| A-P Moment (Nm) | -52 |
Side Impact Crash Test: Updated Evaluation
An updated side impact test, which is more rigorous, was also performed on the HR-V 2020.
Updated Side Impact Performance
In the updated side impact test, the Honda HR-V 2020 received a “Poor” overall rating. This indicates a need for improvement in side impact protection compared to the more stringent updated standards.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Poor (P) |
| Structure and safety cage | Poor (P) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis | Marginal (M) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Acceptable (A) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis | Marginal (M) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
Honda HR-V 2020 after the updated side impact crash test, showing structural damage.
Interior damage after updated side impact test, revealing airbag deployment and occupant compartment deformation in the Honda HR-V 2020.
Despite the “Poor” overall rating, head protection remained “Good” for both driver and rear passenger.
Driver head protection in the Honda HR-V 2020 updated side impact test, still rated as Good.
Rear passenger head protection in the Honda HR-V 2020 updated side impact test, also maintaining a Good rating.
Technical Measurements – Updated Side Impact Test
| Measurement Category | Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion | B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -2.5 |
| Injury Measure – Driver | Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Head | HIC-15 | 325 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No Contact | |
| Neck | Tension (kN) | 1.5 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.2 | |
| Shoulder | Lateral Deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 1.5 | |
| Torso | Maximum Deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 34 | |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 3.04 | |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.57 | |
| Pelvis | Combined Force (kN) | 5.3 |
| Injury Measure – Passenger | Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Head | HIC-15 | 359 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No Contact | |
| Neck | Tension (kN) | 0.5 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.4 | |
| Shoulder | Lateral Deflection (mm) | 40 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 1.8 | |
| Torso | Maximum Deflection (mm) | 40 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 35 | |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 3.59 | |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.74 | |
| Pelvis | Combined Force (kN) | 5.9 |
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test measures the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash.
Roof Strength Performance
The Honda HR-V 2020 achieved a “Good” rating for roof strength, demonstrating robust protection in rollover scenarios.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,035 lbs |
| Peak force | 15,604 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.14 |
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation
This evaluation assesses the effectiveness of head restraints and seats in preventing neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
Head Restraints & Seats Performance
The Honda HR-V 2020 received a “Good” overall rating for head restraints & seats, indicating effective whiplash protection.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Measurement Category | Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Geometry | Backset (mm) | 36 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 16 |
Headlights Ratings
Headlight performance is critical for nighttime visibility and safety. The HR-V 2020 has different headlight options depending on the trim level.
Headlight Performance by Trim
The headlight ratings vary across trim levels for the 2020 HR-V:
Touring Trim Headlights
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
EX and EX-L Trim Headlights
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Marginal (M) |
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
LX and Sport Trim Headlights
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Poor (P) |
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems help avoid or mitigate frontal collisions.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention
The Honda HR-V 2020 with optional “Honda Sensing” package achieved a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Meets requirements |
| 12 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph test | Collision Avoided |
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Ease of use of child seat anchors is important for child passenger safety.
LATCH System Evaluation
The Honda HR-V 2020 received an “Acceptable” rating for its LATCH system.
| Overall evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle trim | LX |
| Seat type | cloth |
LATCH Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tether anchor: Easy-to-find, but other hardware could be confusing. Lower anchors: Too deep in seat, but not too much force needed and easy to maneuver around. | |
| 2 | Tether anchor: Hard-to-find, other hardware could be confusing. Lower anchors: Can be borrowed from positions 1 and 3. | |
| 3 | Tether anchor: Easy-to-find, but other hardware could be confusing. Lower anchors: Too deep in seat, but not too much force needed and easy to maneuver around. |
Conclusion
The Honda HR-V 2020 demonstrates a mixed bag of safety performance. It excels in frontal crash tests and roof strength, providing “Good” ratings. Head restraints and front crash prevention systems also perform well. However, the updated side impact test reveals a “Poor” rating, indicating a significant area for potential improvement. Headlight performance varies greatly by trim level, with only the Touring trim achieving an “Acceptable” rating. For families with young children, the LATCH system is rated “Acceptable,” with some notes on anchor accessibility.
Overall, while the HR-V 2020 has strengths in several key safety areas, the “Poor” rating in the updated side impact test and varying headlight performance should be carefully considered by safety-conscious buyers. It’s important to weigh these factors when making a vehicle purchasing decision.
