2018 Honda HR-V – The time is now!

Honda HR-V is sub-compact crossover which was introduced at 2014 NY Motor Show and released in U.S. in 2015 as 2016 MY. With 2017 MY HR-V entered its second year on the American market. Maybe you are of the opinion that it’s too early to talk about 2018 Honda HR-V, but if you think about it, it’s not. 2017 HR-V didn’t undergo any changes compared to 2016 model. The vehicle which is based on Honda Fit remained absolutely the same since its introduction. If you look at other Honda’s models that are scheduled for 2017 release as 2018 MY list holds quite a few famous names. CR-V and Accord are just some of them, and we believe that they will be joined by HR-V.

The current version is a two-row crossover available with front and all wheel drive. It’s offered with only one engine option, and that is 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit that brings 141 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to either six-speed manual or CVT and is offered in three trims: LX, EX, and EX-L. One of the standout traits on HR-V is its interior which is clean and organized to the point of perfection. The multiple options that are offered on the inside contribute to the utility and appearance of the car with space and comfort that are both on the high level with Honda HR-V.

Honda HR-V Competition

HR-V sounds like a fantastic vehicle and it is. So you probably are asking what’s there to change. On today’s market, a car which is two years old is starting to fall behind the competition. With Chevy Trax, Mitsubishi RVR, and most notably Mazda CX-3 breathing behind its neck Japanese company needs to further improve it. Biggest rival is CX-3 which went trough small redesign and with Mazda constantly on the hunt to improve we know that Honda will just have to follow suit.

New Engine on 2018 Honda HR-V

Another thing would be the introduction of new powertrains. With the only option currently being offered is 1.8-liter four cylinder there is certainly room for another one. The diesel option is out of the question but adding Honda’s 2.0-liter unit that can be found on Civic could be a good move. There’s no need to go turbocharged because this engine produces 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque on new Civic and it could do the same for 2018 Honda HR-V. In our opinion, the best move in this segment would be for Honda to offer small turbocharged unit and we know that they have a decent amount of experience there.

Price and Changes

With modest exterior and interior changes that are expected with 2018 HR-V and a new engine, the price would have to go up. Let’s say that new unit is added to the highest trim the price would have to be increased notably. Current EX-L model cost around $25,740 so anything in a region of $27,000 can be expected for 2018 Honda HR-V EX-L version.

At this point we cannot predict just what kind of changes will HR-V undergo for 2018 MY but here are few assumptions. The headlights and taillights could get a more modern look; roof-line could be more in-line with the hood and add to the more aggressive appearance of the car. Interior which is already very functional and stylish could be improved with a few up-to-date touches.

2018 Honda HR-V Release date

The release date for 2018 Honda HR-V is not near so we don’t want to give you any hopes. Any time after the spring of 2017 can be reserved for new HR-V release. The current generation was shown to the world in New York so that same can be expected for 2018 MY.