Consider These Generations When Looking for a Pre-Owned Honda HR-V

Since 2016, drivers have been enjoying the exceptional benefits of the Honda HR-V. The smallest SUV in the Honda lineup is still one that delivers exceptional value at a great price, especially if you're looking for a used Honda for sale. This is because Honda has built a reputation for making vehicles that hold their value over time, while providing you with the safety and dependability you seek in a vehicle. This is certainly the case of the HR-V, a subcompact SUV that is small in name only. When you drive a used HR-V, you will enjoy exceptional fuel efficiency, a surprisingly roomy passenger cabin, and ample space in the trunk for your belongings.

At Ralph Honda, we offer our drivers the opportunity to buy a used Honda HR-V at a very affordable price. We have a great selection of quality used Honda vehicles, including the HR-V, giving you an affordable way to get your next vehicle. The HR-V has been in its second generation since 2023, so it is important to understand the difference between the two generations of this exceptional SUV. Our friendly sales staff will gladly walk you through the process, so you can find a used HR-V that will be perfect for you.

Maybe you can't judge a book by its cover, but you can tell some things about a vehicle from checking out its outward appearance. When it comes to the Honda HR-V, it is easy to tell the first and second generations apart.

The second generation of the HR-V was introduced in 2023, and it has a longer wheelbase than the first generation model. While the first HR-V measured 102.3 inches, the newer model is longer, at a full 104.5 inches. It also has a slightly more angular look. The front end and grille look more like the larger Pilot and CR-V; a big departure from the original HR-V, which was more sloping. This gives the second generation a more aggressive and sporty appearance.

Despite having a longer wheelbase, the second-generation HR-V has slightly less passenger volume than the first-generation models. Where the older model has a full 100.1 cu.ft. of passenger space, the latest gen provides 98.7 cu.ft. of space. However, this is larger due to the higher roofline in the back of the first-generation models, which provides rear seat passengers with 39.3 inches of legroom, compared to 37.7 inches in the second-generation HR-V.

Otherwise, the headroom, shoulder room, and hip room are comparable between the two models. For example, the second generation has 39.4 inches of headroom in the front and 38 inches in the back, which is almost the same as the 39.5 inches and 38.3 inches of front and rear legroom in the first-generation model.

When it comes to interior space, the key difference is how much cargo you can hold. When looking at first-gen models, you have two choices depending on the powertrain you choose. Front-wheel drive models provide 24.3 cu.ft. with the rear seats up, while lowering them opens that up to 58.8 cu.ft. Those figures are about a foot lower when opting for the all-wheel drive model. For the second-generation models, those configurations are the same across the board: 24.4 cu.ft. with the seats up, and 55.1 cu.ft. with them down.

When Honda decided to design a second-generation HR-V, it chose to equip the vehicle with a more powerful engine than the one in the first generation. The result is an HR-V with better speed and acceleration, but slightly less fuel efficiency. This allows you to decide what is more important to you when buying a used Honda HR-V.

The first-generation HR-V comes standard with a 1.8-liter I-4 gas engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This single overhead camshaft engine has 16 valves for its four cylinders, and uses port fuel injection to provide up to 141 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque.

The second-generation model has a larger engine. This is a 2.0-liter I-4 gas engine, also equipped with a CVT transmission. However, it has a dual overhead camshaft configuration, with 16 valves. Just like the first generation, the second generation uses port fuel injection to deliver 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque.

The differences are fairly clear. If you choose a used second-generation HR-V, you will have the acceleration to go from zero to 60 mph in just 9.4 seconds. While this won't win you any drag races, it will still give you better acceleration than a used first-generation HR-V, which will take up to 10.2 seconds to get to 60 mph.

This improved acceleration comes at a cost in terms of fuel efficiency. First-generation HR-V models are more fuel-efficient than second-generation ones. For example, if you choose a used one with front-wheel drive, you will get an estimated 30 MPG combined fuel economy, as compared to 28 MPG on second-generation ones.^[a] This difference of about two miles per gallon is the same across all three types of fuel economy ratings, whether combined, city driving, or highway.

One of the biggest differences you will find when deciding between a first- and second-generation used Honda HR-V is the advanced technology. The newer models will have HondaLink infotainment systems with larger screens and more features. You will also get more standard driver assistance features with the newer ones.

No matter which used Honda HR-V you choose, you will get a system that allows you to connect your smartphone using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This will enable you to make hands-free calls and send texts while streaming your favorite music. However, the screen on the first-generation model will be smaller. This is because lower trims feature a five-inch touchscreen, while the higher trims come with a seven-inch screen. Honda improved that in 2023 with the second-generation model. Now, the lower trim models feature seven-inch screens, while opting for a higher trim will provide a nine-inch screen.

You will also gain access to more advanced features on the second-generation models. Features such as wireless chargers, built-in navigation, and wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were introduced with the second generation. So, if this is a key factor in your decision-making, then a second-generation model may make more sense for you.

The Honda Sensing suite of active driver assistance features became standard on the HR-V with the second generation, introduced in 2023. Forward Collision Warning, a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and auto high-beam headlights are all included on the second-generation HR-V, even on the entry-level LX trim.

This will help keep you and your passengers safe by detecting potential road hazards and giving you the ability to take evasive action. The vehicle will automatically use steering and brakes to help you avoid a collision. This was not the case with first-generation models, where you had to choose an EX trim to get some of these features, as the LX and Sport trims did not offer them as optional equipment. For family drivers considering a used HR-V, this is a crucial factor to consider.

A used Honda HR-V is a great option for young families, older retirees, students, and commuters to consider. It is a reliable, safe, and efficient crossover that provides a surprisingly roomy interior for you and your passengers. However, there are certain things you need to keep in mind when buying one, especially the differences between the two generations. Fortunately, with the design differences, it is easy to tell them apart. In addition, regardless of which one you choose, you will receive a dependable vehicle that will provide you with many years of excellent driving.