What You Can Expect From the 2026 Honda HR-V

There’s nothing more frustrating than having your ambitions held back by outdated tools. So why not chase your adventures with something that feels both familiar and refreshingly modern? The 2026 Honda HR-V is just that—it’s the same dependable SUV drivers have come to trust, now updated with thoughtful refinements that make it more appealing than ever. With cutting-edge tech, sleek styling, and the kind of performance you can count on, the latest HR-V is built to help you keep pace with a world that never stops moving. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything new and noteworthy about the 2026 HR-V—let’s dive in.

The 2026 Honda HR-V delivers solid performance for its price point, thanks to a 2.0L I-4 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unlike traditional transmissions that shift through gears, the CVT provides smooth, constant acceleration, making for a more refined driving experience.

This 2.0L engine produces 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque—more than enough for navigating city streets or confidently merging onto the highway. While front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard, All-wheel drive (AWD) is available, giving the HR-V added versatility and enhanced grip on slick or rainy roads.

Like the previous 2025 models, front-wheel drive (FWD) models deliver an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 28 MPG combined.^[a] Opting for all-wheel drive (AWD) slightly lowers those numbers to an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 27 MPG combined, allowing you to stay on the road longer and make fewer of those disruptive stops at the gas station.^[a]

One of the Honda HR-V’s biggest strengths is space—specifically, passenger and cargo room. After all, if an SUV can’t handle people or gear comfortably, what’s the point? Fortunately, the 2026 HR-V delivers exactly what we’ve come to expect from Honda’s subcompact SUV, and the results are impressive.

With the rear seats upright, it offers 24.4 cu.ft. of cargo space—more than rivals like the Kia Soul, Buick Encore GX, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. Fold those seats down—for moving furniture, hauling a giant TV, or any other oversized cargo—and the HR-V opens up to 55.1 cu.ft. of space. That gives it an edge over competitors like the Chevy Trailblazer, Chevy Trax, and Encore GX, making the HR-V one of the most spacious options in its class.

The 2026 HR-V offers generous head and legroom, making it a subcompact SUV you’ll actually enjoy spending time in. These spacious measurements are consistent across all three trims—LX, Sport, and EX-L—with just one small caveat. The rear-seat headroom remains the same at 38 inches for all trims, while the front-row headroom is 39.4 inches in the LX and Sport but drops slightly to 38.4 inches in the EX-L due to its moonroof.

That said, legroom is identical across the board: 41.9 inches up front and 37.7 inches in the rear. So while there’s a slight variation in front headroom, it’s not enough to sway most buyers—comfort is a given, no matter which trim you choose.

There’s never been so much parity between the base HR-V and its more premium siblings, and it’s all thanks to tech that was once reserved for higher-tier trims, which are now becoming standard on the LX. This includes the upgraded infotainment center and its associated features and ports.

Keen-eyed drivers might recognize the 2026 Honda HR-V’s infotainment system—it originally debuted on the 2023 model but was previously exclusive to the top-tier EX-L trim due to its more premium design and functionality. That all changes with the 2026 model, opening the door for more drivers to enjoy these enhanced features without the premium price tag. So, what exactly has changed?

The first change you’ll notice is the upgraded infotainment screen. While earlier HR-V models came standard with a seven-inch display, the 2026 HR-V now features a crisp and vibrant nine-inch touchscreen as standard. But it’s not just about size—the built-in tech has seen key upgrades as well. For starters, USB-C ports are now standard, replacing older USB-A ports.

If you’re not familiar, USB-C is the modern standard thanks to its faster data transfer and charging speeds, broader compatibility, and greater durability. Every new iPhone has USB-C, and most modern Android phones do as well. These new ports make powering your devices easier than ever—but that’s not all. The 2026 HR-V also now includes a wireless phone charging pad as standard equipment, so you can keep your phone powered up without the clutter of cables, or allow passengers to charge their devices while yours charges on the pad.

Speaking of ditching the cables, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on the LX and Sport trims. Combined with the wireless charging pad, you can keep your phone powered up and connected without ever plugging in. It’s a seamless, tetherless experience that makes solo drives more convenient than ever—your phone stays charged while syncing effortlessly with the HR-V’s infotainment center.

Once connected, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give you full access to your phone’s essential features. You can send and receive texts, make hands-free calls, and have responses read aloud by your digital assistant—all while keeping your eyes on the road. And when it comes to entertainment and navigation, you’re in total control. Stream music or podcasts from Apple Music, Spotify, and more, or navigate with apps like Google Maps or Waze. Since both platforms support third-party apps via their respective app stores, you’re never stuck using just the default options.

It’s the kind of thing you might not realize at first glance, but the 2026 HR-V includes more standard safety features than optional ones—and much of that comes down to the inclusion of Honda Sensing. This robust suite of advanced safety and driver-assist features is designed to help keep you and your passengers protected every time you hit the road.

Standard systems include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and more.

So, what do these features actually do? Let’s break it down: FCW scans the road ahead and alerts you if a potential collision is detected. If you don’t brake in time, CMBS can step in and apply the brakes automatically to help avoid or lessen the impact of a crash. Meanwhile, TSR reads road signs as you pass them, such as speed limits, and displays them on your dashboard—perfect for when you’re unsure of the posted limit.

Now imagine you’re cruising along the freeway. It’s a sunny day, you glance down at the speed display, and in that split second, you drift toward the edge of your lane. LDW senses that you’re crossing the line without signaling and issues an alert. If you don’t respond quickly enough, LKAS gently guides the HR-V back into position. It’s all about giving you added awareness and support when you need it most. Every feature in Honda Sensing is there for a reason—and in the 2026 HR-V, many of them are standard. However, this begs the question: What available features can be added depending on the trim you choose?

The first feature that isn’t standard on the LX—but becomes available on the Sport and EX-L trims—is the Blind Spot Information System (BSI). As the name suggests, this system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot using both audible warnings and illuminated indicators on the side mirrors, giving you added confidence when changing lanes. (Of course, it’s still smart to glance over your shoulder just to be safe.) Another helpful tool is the Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM), which detects vehicles approaching from the side when you’re reversing out of tight or busy spaces.

Some features are exclusive to the Sport trim, including Low-Speed Braking Control and front and rear parking sensors. These parking sensors help prevent minor bumps by warning you when your vehicle is too close to an object while maneuvering. Meanwhile, Low-Speed Braking Control works similarly to the Collision Mitigation Braking System but is designed for lower speeds and a broader range of potential obstacles—like walls, poles, or curbs—making it especially useful in parking lots and garages.

When we think of “textbook” Honda vehicles—the models that truly embody what makes the brand great: reliability, longevity, and quality—a few names naturally come to mind. The Civic and Accord are prime examples, but those are sedans, and not everyone is in the market for a sedan.

That’s why we’re here to tell you the HR-V deserves the same recognition. It’s every bit a textbook Honda, delivering the same dependability in a versatile subcompact SUV form. And now, with its nine-inch infotainment center and premium tech features made standard, this classic Honda has never felt more modern. In short, it’s exactly what you’d expect from Honda—only better.

________________________________

_{[a] 26 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 25 city/30 highway/27 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.}