Honda HR-V Review

Nowadays, the competition in the B-segment SUV market is becoming increasingly fierce. Many family users not only want balanced practicality, but also hope for up-to-date configurations, all while keeping their budgets under control. As the entry-level version of its lineup, the 2025 Honda HR-V 1.5L S, priced at RM 115,900, retains Honda's signature spatial flexibility and basic smart features. It is even more tailored for daily use in details compared to the previous model. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether, as an entry-level model, it can meet the core needs of most family users and where exactly its value-for-money advantage lies compared to its competitors in the same segment.

Approaching the 2025 HR-V 1.5L S, one immediately notices that its body length is slightly extended compared to the 2022 model, reaching 4347mm, giving it a more elegant appearance visually. The front features the brand's signature design language, with a shiny black grille trim connected to the LED daytime running lights on both sides, forming a through-type visual effect with high recognizability. The side of the vehicle showcases smooth lines, with a strong waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear of the vehicle. Paired with 225/50 R18 tires, the overall stance feels more robust than the 17-inch wheels on the older model. At the rear, the LED tail lights adopt an L-shaped design, with clear illumination effects when lit, while the silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a touch of SUV ruggedness.

Opening the door, the interior adopts a design with black as the dominant tone, and the center control layout is simple and straightforward. The areas within hand's reach, such as the top of the center console and the inside of the door panels, are wrapped with soft materials. Although it lacks leather coverings compared to higher trims, the overall texture is respectable for this price range. The center control screen has an 8-inch display with clear layout logic and supports basic Bluetooth connectivity and media playback, making it quite user-friendly. The instrument cluster has been upgraded to a 4.2-inch TFT display, making it easier to view vehicle information and the status of the driving assistance system compared to the traditional mechanical dials of the 2022 model. The seats are made of fabric material with good support, and the front seats support manual adjustment. The rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents, enhancing passenger comfort on long journeys.

Space performance has always been an advantage of the HR-V, and the 2025 1.5L S model is no exception. The wheelbase remains at 2610mm. A front passenger standing 175cm tall finds ample headroom with a margin of two fingers above their head after adjusting their seat. The rear seat offers two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring that even three adults can sit comfortably without feeling cramped. The trunk has a standard capacity that can accommodate two 20-inch suitcases, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split. With Honda's ULTRA Seat functionality, the rear seatbacks can be folded down or the seat cushions lifted up, providing flexibility for carrying larger items such as bicycles or baby strollers. The interior storage options are also abundant. The front door pockets can hold two bottles of water, while the center armrest console and glove compartment offer enough space for daily essentials.

Starting the vehicle, the idle noise of the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine is well-controlled, with almost no noticeable vibrations inside the cabin. This engine delivers a maximum power of 89kW (121PS) and a maximum torque of 145N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During daily drives, the power output is smooth, and the throttle response is linear, providing a brisk driving experience in urban road conditions. When the accelerator is pressed hard, the CVT transmission simulates gear shifts, avoiding the common "rev noise without much movement" issue seen in traditional CVTs. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 12.1 seconds, which, while not fast, is sufficient for daily commuting and occasional highway overtaking needs.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel provides moderate turning effort and has minimal play, making it quite nimble when making U-turns in narrow urban roads or parking lots. The suspension system consists of a front MacPherson strut and a rear torsion beam combination, tuned for comfort. It effectively absorbs most bumps when driving over speed bumps or rough roads, maintaining stable body posture. At high speeds, the chassis feels solid without any obvious floating sensation, and the body roll during cornering is within an acceptable range. The fuel consumption performance is one of the highlights of this car. The official combined fuel consumption is 5.9L/100km. During our test drive under both urban traffic and highway conditions, the actual fuel consumption was about 6.3L/100km, showcasing commendable fuel economy.

During the drive, the in-cabin noise control is impressive. At speeds below 60km/h, tire and wind noise are not noticeable. At speeds above 80km/h, wind noise gradually increases but remains within an acceptable range, not affecting normal conversation between passengers. The seat offers good support and wrapping, ensuring that prolonged driving does not cause fatigue. However, the fabric seats tend to absorb heat during hot weather, which is something to keep in mind.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2025 Honda HR-V 1.5L S lie in its balanced space performance, reliable powertrain, and practical configuration. Compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8E (RM 123,000) in the same class, it is more price competitive while retaining practical features such as automatic air conditioning, ACC adaptive cruise control, and a reversing camera. Compared to the Proton X50 1.5T Standard (RM 86,300), although it is more expensive, it stands out in terms of brand reputation and spatial flexibility.

This car is most suitable for family users who prioritize practicality and value for money. They do not require overly powerful performance or luxurious interiors but hope the vehicle can meet the needs of daily commuting, family outings, and various other scenarios. If your budget is under RM 120,000 and you are looking for an SUV with spacious interiors, low fuel consumption, and adequate configuration, the 2025 HR-V 1.5L S is a great choice.

In summary, the 2025 Honda HR-V 1.5L S is a family SUV with "no obvious shortcomings." It secures its position in the highly competitive B-segment market with practical features and flexible space. For most family users, it is the "just right" choice.