With impressive cargo space, a thoroughly modern interior, and available all-wheel drive across all three trims, the 2025 Honda HR-V is redefining just what a subcompact crossover can be. From the entry-level LX to the stylish Sport and feature-packed EX-L, the 2025 Honda HR-V can go toe-to-toe with any other model in the hotly contested segment. The third-generation model hit the streets in 2023, with Honda completely redesigning the crossover to meet the ever-changing demands of the modern driver. While there haven’t been any major updates since then, there’s a lot to love about the 2025 model and plenty of reasons to seek out a Honda HR-V for sale. We’ve managed to narrow the crossover’s resume down to three main selling points, so read on to discover what the HR-V has to offer and learn why it’s earned a reputation as a must-see model for any driver exploring the subcompact crossover market.
Cargo and Passenger Space
Cargo space has never been the forte of the subcompact crossover segment, but the HR-V defies its demure designation to offer a spacious interior. The subcompact’s 60/40-split rear seats give drivers the opportunity to accommodate large, bulky cargo without sacrificing the entire back row, but it’s the HR-V’s pure capacity that makes it such a standout in the segment. Honda’s popular crossover leads other subcompacts with 24.4 cubic feet of rear cargo volume, a number that expands to 55.1 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down. Those numbers put the HR-V ahead of the Buick Encore GX and Kia Soul, which offer 23.5 and 23.4 cubic feet of cargo space, respectively, and give the crossover a comfortable margin over the Subaru Crosstrek at 19.9 cubic feet.
How did Honda manage to create such a capacious crossover while staying within the subcompact category? It all comes down to some clever engineering. The Japanese automaker designed the HR-V with a low load floor that amplifies both cargo space and passenger comfort. The crossover’s fold-flat rear seats are a popular way to maximize space, giving the surprisingly spacious subcompact the ability to haul bulky cargo with ease. Add in the HR-V’s wealth of convenient cubbies spread throughout the cabin, and it’s hard to make a case against the crossover from a storage perspective. The HR-V also excels in terms of passenger space, especially in the second row. With 37.7 inches of second-row legroom, the HR-V easily outclasses the Toyota Corolla Cross, which asks passengers to make do with just 32 inches. And with 38 inches of headroom and 55.2 inches of shoulder room, the HR-V’s rear-seat passengers certainly won’t be hurting for space or lacking in comfort on longer rides.
Advanced Driving Tech
There’s no underestimating the importance of all-wheel drive (AWD) when it comes to tackling tough winter weather conditions or venturing from the beaten path for a brief off-road excursion. The enhanced traction that an AWD system provides can go a long way toward improving safety and comfort, allowing drivers to face wet, icy, or muddy routes without worry. That said, not all AWD systems are created equal. Just take Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System, for example. Available across the entire 2025 trim ladder for the HR-V, the Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System marks a notable improvement over your garden-variety AWD.
The sophisticated system constantly monitors changing road conditions in real time and can quickly route the HR-V’s power to the rear wheels when it’s needed most. The rear differential is paired with a multi-plate clutch system, evenly distributing torque across all four wheels to help drivers conquer steep hills or slippery roads and even provide a little extra stability through turns. Best of all, the Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System is extremely responsive and electronically activated, meaning drivers won’t have to divide their attention and fiddle with complex controls when the going gets a little rough. The Intelligent Control feature uses an electric motor to quickly adjust the transmission, minimizing lag and creating a seamless––and safe––driving experience.
The Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System isn’t the only bit of advanced driving tech in the HR-V arsenal. Those who know their way around an ice scraper will appreciate the HR-V’s dedicated Snow Mode. When the white stuff starts to fly, simply throw your HR-V in Snow Mode, and the crossover will automatically adjust its pedal sensitivity and make second gear the transmission’s default setting. By starting in a higher gear, the HR-V will minimize wheel slippage, improve traction, and provide the sort of stability and control that’ll have you braving the elements with confidence.
The HR-V also includes a Normal drive mode, as well as an Econ setting that maximizes fuel economy by adjusting the crossover’s drive-by-wire throttle and climate control systems to help drivers achieve the model’s EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. Hill Descent Control rounds out the HR-V’s suite of advanced driving tech, serving as a sort of specialized cruise control that’ll come in handy when navigating steep declines. Simply engage Hill Descent Control to maintain your desired speed and turn your attention to steering while the HR-V handles all the rest.
Interior and Safety Technology
With a starting price that’s just over $25,000, drivers might not be expecting the latest and greatest in automotive tech when they step inside the 2025 HR-V. That’s why the crossover’s well-appointed interior comes as such a pleasant surprise. Honda has packed the subcompact with an impressive array of comfort, convenience, entertainment, and safety features, starting with the touchscreen infotainment system. A seven-inch display comes standard, but the optional nine-inch version offers plenty of real estate for scrolling through apps, keeping an eye on GPS directions, or playing road trip DJ with your favorite tunes.
The nine-inch display also includes a dedicated volume knob, customizable feature settings, and some built-in smart shortcuts that improve both accessibility and safety. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come standard, with the range-topping EX-L trim adding wireless smartphone connectivity into the mix. The EX-L also boasts a 180-watt audio system with eight speakers, a wireless smartphone charging pad, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot that’s perfect for getting a little work done or keeping everyone occupied on longer rides.
Some unique HR-V features include a speed-sensitive volume compensation feature for the stereo, electrostatic second-row reading lights, and HondaLink technology across all three trims. The cloud-based software suite gives drivers the opportunity to connect their Honda vehicle to their smartphone or any Alexa-enabled device, providing remote access, roadside assistance, vehicle location, maintenance reminders, automatic collision notification, concierge services, the ability to remotely view your vehicle’s mileage, fuel level, and oil life, and so much more.
While these creature features certainly up the HR-V’s profile from a comfort and convenience perspective, it’s the generous Honda Sensing package that really puts the SUV over the top. The advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) found in the Honda Sensing system are nothing new, but Honda’s decision to offer almost the whole package as a standard feature is certainly noteworthy. From Adaptive Cruise Control and a Collision Mitigation Braking System to Lane Departure Warning and a Lane Keeping Assist System, the 2025 HR-V has certainly earned its five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor is limited to the Sport and EX-L trims, but the HR-V still bests most of its rivals in terms of standard safety tech.
Punching Above Its Weight
The 2025 Honda HR-V isn’t just a highlight of the subcompact class; it also stacks up pretty well against larger compact and midsize models with its ample cargo room, advanced driving tech, and cutting-edge interior. Throw in the peppy powertrain, solid five-star safety rating, and thrifty fuel economy, and it’s easy to see why the crossover routinely ranks as one of the brand’s best-selling models. The HR-V’s low starting price is a major selling point, and when you factor in Honda’s rock-solid reputation for reliability, it’s hard to make a case against the versatile SUV. The crossover’s 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine might not provide the sorts of thrills some drivers are seeking, and the lack of a hybrid option is still a little confounding, but if you’re in the market for a well-rounded crossover that punches well above its modest starting price, the 2025 Honda HR-V should be right at the top of your list.
