DecodedCars2016 Honda HR-V
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- AWD, FWD
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 141 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 28 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 168.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,910–3,062 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2016 small SUV (24.6 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 141 hp, versus about 240 hp for similar 2016 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Honda HR-V is a small SUV offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 169 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,062 lb (AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 34 highway), 26% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 243 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Celaya, Guanajuato
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 HR-V configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD | 168.9 in | 70.1 in | 63 in | 102.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,062 lb | 60/40 |
| FWD | 168.9 in | 70.1 in | 63 in | 102.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 2,910 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR-V 2WD | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 34 / 31 | +26% | $2,150 | 290 |
| HR-V 2WD | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 34 / 31 | +26% | $2,150 | 290 |
| HR-V 4WD | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | +26% | $2,300 | 313 |
| HR-V 4WD | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | +26% | $2,300 | 313 |
| HR-V 2WD | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +14% | $2,400 | 314 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Honda HR-V.
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Honda HR-V (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Kia Sportage | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Ford Escape | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Jeep Compass | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Subaru Crosstrek | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Nov 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V777000 · 64,785 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 28, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V472000 · 11,511 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 HR-V vehicles manufactured January 12, 2015, to May 20, 2015. The affected vehicles may be missing the required tire placard indicating "Tire and Loading Information." These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."
- Risk
- If the tire placard is missing the driver or owner may not know at what pressure to inflate the tires, resulting in over or under tire inflation which potentially increases the risk of a tire failure and crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle, and apply a new label, free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JT2, or JT4.
Not every 2016 Honda HR-V is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Honda HR-V buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 76 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 55 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 23 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 53,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Honda HR-V. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other HR-V years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 HR-V | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2026 HR-V | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 19 |
| 2025 HR-V | 28 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 48 |
| 2024 HR-V | 28 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 110 |
| 2023 HR-V | 28 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 687 |
| 2022 HR-V | 30 | 171.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 89 |
| 2021 HR-V | 30 | 171.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 64 |
| 2020 HR-V | 30 | 171.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 85 |
| 2019 HR-V | 30 | 171.3 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 237 |
| 2018 HR-V | 31 | 168.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 160 |
| 2017 HR-V | 31 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 123 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →