By: Aoun Syed
November 22, 2025
When people think of compact crossovers, they usually expect something simple and built around basic practicality. The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L feels a little more grown up than that. Honda refined the materials, improved the cabin experience and gave this HR-V a calmer, more composed feel on the road that shows up on longer drives.
The HR-V uses a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft. of torque. It is paired to a CVT. While it is not built for speed, this 1,900 kilograms (4,189 pounds) SUV delivers enough power for everyday city and highway driving without needing to push it hard.
The driving dynamics provide a nice balance between comfort and agility. The suspension is optimized for comfort while keeping the body planted through corners. The steering has natural weight and feels confident on longer drives, and the brakes respond progressively and are easy to modulate in stop-and-go traffic.
Finished in Nordic Forest Pearl, the HR-V presents clean proportions with a subtle sense of style. The front and rear fascia look modern but not overdone, with a reasonable amount of Piano Black accented by full LED exterior lighting. New for 2026, the optional 18-inch Machine Finished wheels fill the wheel wells nicely.
Inside, the cabin is kept simple yet functional without losing its sense of quality. The seats, steering wheel, upper door panels and armrest are wrapped in leather, while Piano Black and satin-finish aluminum accents add contrast across the dashboard. Fit and finish feel solid with physical controls that have a satisfying weight. Front and rear legroom are impressive for this size of SUV, with excellent visibility all around. The optional 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat does lack lumbar support on longer drives, and the centre armrest sits a touch far back, though the overall seating position remains comfortable.
The available dual-zone climate control system is another strong point. Honda wisely kept physical knobs and buttons that feel smooth and precise. New for 2026, the climate control knobs briefly glow red or blue depending on whether the temperature is raised or lowered. The heated front seats, remote start and the optional heated steering wheel proved valuable on cold mornings during our test week.
Interior storage is thoughtfully planned. The deep centre console offers a generous amount of space, and the open shelf under the parking brake button is perfect for smaller items. Folding the 60/40 rear seats creates a flat load floor that works well for bulkier gear or luggage. Overall, the cargo area is more than enough for weekend trips or a sizeable grocery run.
The infotainment system is centred around a 9-inch touchscreen, now standard on all trims. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a wireless charging pad, are also standard. Many vehicle settings are handled through the menus on the 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, which takes some time to get used to. The available 8-speaker audio system delivers clear, balanced sound, and cabin insulation keeps wind and road noise to a minimum.
Honda Sensing safety features such as lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with Low Speed Follow and forward collision warning are all standard. Adaptive cruise control is responsive, although Low Speed Follow can feel eager when traffic clears. Both adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist can be toggled with steering wheel buttons, which is helpful through construction zones and tighter city roads.
Natural Resources Canada rates the HR-V at 9.4L/100km city and 7.8L/100km highway with a combined rating of 8.7L/100km. During our testing, we averaged 10.3L/100km, which is reasonable considering winter-grade fuel, high heater usage and frequent short trips. Most owners should expect numbers closer to the official rating in normal conditions.
Pricing starts at $33,446 for the base LX 2WD. Our EX-L tester comes in at $41,846 before registration and sales tax. It also included the $498 Protection Package, which adds all-season floor mats and a cargo tray.
The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L reinforces why this SUV remains such a steady choice in the segment. It doesn’t rely on a turbocharged or hybrid setup, yet it delivers a calm, practical driving experience that feels easy to live with every day. For anyone moving up from a compact car, the HR-V EX-L offers enough space, comfort and polish to fit a wide range of daily routines without trying to be something it’s not.
