2026 Honda HR-V AWD EX-L Review

This week I bring you Honda's gateway SUV, the 2026 Honda HR-V. Redesigned in 2023, it's received some updates for 2026.  They include new wheel designs, upgraded standard tech, and new EX-L features.

Exterior  

I am a fan of my test vehicle's pretty Nordic Forest Pearl paint hue. It's looks great. New for 2026, the EX-L rides on larger machine-finished 18-inch alloy wheels with black Berlina inserts. (up from 17-inch wheels).

Honda's equipped the HR-V with standard LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights.  Other EX-L exterior features include heated power door mirrors and a tailgate spoiler

Performance   

Given Honda's penchant towards hybrids, surprisingly, a hybrid powertrain hasn't made it to the HR-V lineup yet. The second-generation HR-V lineup shares a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine powertrain mated to a CVT.  The system - with eco, normal and snow modes, along with remote engine start - delivers 158-horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is optional.

Interior   

I wasn't prepared to be as impressed as I was when I opened the door. Nordic Forest Pearl is available with a black interior but I would so go for this two-tone gray cabin. It looks upscale and makes a great impression. Soft-touch dash and door panel elements are terrific. Also a plus, Honda's door handles feel a bit more substantial than Toyota's. 

The leather-trimmed, heated "Body Stabilizing Seats" in the front row take center stage for me. They are extremely well-designed and their comfort level is really, really nice, plus they look great. The EX-L is the only trim with an 8-way power driver's seat.

The EX-L's leather-wrapped steering wheel looks more upscale this year thanks to new silver steering wheel spokes which also get my thumbs up. New for 2026, the EX-L also adds red, blue and white dynamic climate control knob lighting and front footwell lighting.

The EX-L's larger, 9-inch color touchscreen, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,  expands to the entire lineup for 2026. Honda's multimedia system is ok but lags behind competitors in terms of graphics and overall flash. The EX-L is outfitted with an 8 speaker sound system.

While I like the minimalist looks of the center console area, the cupholders ahead of the gear shifter were too low for me resulting in an awkward reach. On the bright side, the EX-L's wireless charger located in front of the cupholders is newly standard to all trims for 2026. Along with the leather-wrapped gear shifter, the console houses the electric parking brake , Hill Descent Control and Brake Hold.

Design and seat-wise, back seat passengers will be comfortable in the 60/40 split second row provided they aren't too tall. Headroom is limited due to stadium seating. Soft-touch seat backs and electrostatic touch rear map lights are a nice surprise. However, the 2nd row unexpectedly lacks typical amenities like A/C vents, USB ports or a drop-down armrest.  

Cargo space impresses. 

Other standard EX-L features include a 7-inch digital driver display, moonroof, illuminated sun visor vanity, dual-zone climate, 2 USB-C ports up front, floor mats, and a 12 volt. Privacy rear glass is also now standard on all trims for 2026.

Safety     

Honda Sensing provides a lot of great safety tech, including, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Traffic Sign Recognition, Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Traffic Jam Assist, Post-Collision Braking System and Driver Attention Monitor. Rear Seat Reminder is also standard.

EX-L adds Blind Spot Information and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, and is the only trim with Low-Speed Braking Control Monitor and Parking Sensors (4 Front & 4 Rear). 

Ride And Drive 

Overall, I like the driving dynamics of the HR-V though the ride is a little bumpier than I'd like on certain city roads, something that didn't seem to bother me as much when I reviewed the CR-V in 2023. Acceleration is fine from a stop, steering response is nice - it's more engaging as opposed to loose - and handling is enjoyable. The ride height and visibility is wonderful thanks to 7-inches of ground clearance. The engine isn't terribly loud, and road noise didn't raise my eyebrows - a good thing indeed.

What You'll Pay

With Nordic Forest Pearl ($455) the only option, you'll pay just north of $33,000 for the top trim. For comparison, the HR-V I reviewed in 2023 totaled $30,590 and the larger 2026 CR-V TrailSport I recently reviewed rang in at roughly $39K.

Verdict  

The HR-V is an overall likable SUV in the EX-L trim in terms of looks, comfort roominess and handling, but I'm not sure it has all the features, splashy multimedia and digital display tech that can compete with competitors going after younger buyers.