So, you're wondering if the 2016 Honda HR-V is a good car? Let's dive right in and get you the lowdown on this subcompact SUV. The 2016 Honda HR-V marked the vehicle's debut in the North American market, and it quickly gained attention for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and Honda's reputation for reliability. But does it live up to the hype? Well, let's explore its features, performance, reliability, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the 2016 Honda HR-V

The 2016 Honda HR-V is a subcompact SUV that combines the practicality of a hatchback with the higher driving position of an SUV. It's based on the Honda Fit platform, which is known for its fuel efficiency and clever use of space. The HR-V stands out with its versatile interior, thanks to Honda's Magic Seat system, which allows you to configure the rear seats in multiple ways to accommodate different cargo sizes. This feature alone makes it a standout in its class. Under the hood, you'll find a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that provides adequate power for city driving and reasonable fuel economy.

From the outside, the 2016 HR-V sports a sleek, modern design with sharp lines and a sporty stance. Inside, the cabin is well-designed with quality materials and intuitive controls. It's available in three trim levels: LX, EX, and EX-L, each offering increasing levels of features and amenities. Whether you're looking for a basic, affordable SUV or one with more premium features, there's likely a 2016 HR-V that fits your needs. The HR-V is often compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-3, Jeep Renegade, and Chevrolet Trax. However, the HR-V often wins points for its spaciousness and practicality.

Performance and Fuel Economy

When considering if the 2016 Honda HR-V is a good car, you need to look at its performance and fuel economy. The 2016 Honda HR-V is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. While this might not sound like a lot, it's generally sufficient for daily driving. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission (available only on the LX trim with front-wheel drive) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is the more common choice and helps the HR-V achieve better fuel economy. The HR-V isn't going to win any races, but it offers enough power for merging onto the highway and navigating city streets.

One of the standout features of the 2016 HR-V is its fuel efficiency. With the CVT and front-wheel drive, it gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Even with all-wheel drive, the fuel economy is still respectable, at 27 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. These numbers make it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. The HR-V's fuel efficiency makes it an excellent choice for commuters and anyone looking to save money at the pump. The ride quality is comfortable, soaking up bumps and road imperfections well. The handling is also decent, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. It's not the sportiest SUV, but it's easy to drive and maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the 2016 HR-V offers a balanced driving experience that prioritizes fuel economy and comfort over outright performance.

Interior and Features

Regarding the interior and features, the 2016 Honda HR-V is surprisingly spacious for a subcompact SUV. Thanks to Honda's innovative Magic Seat system, the rear seats can be folded in multiple configurations to create a variety of cargo-carrying options. You can fold the rear seats flat to create a large cargo area, fold the seat bottoms up to carry tall items, or fold the front passenger seat flat to accommodate long items. This versatility is a major selling point for the HR-V. The interior design is clean and modern, with quality materials used throughout. The dashboard is well-organized, and the controls are easy to use.

The base LX trim comes standard with features like a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a 5-inch display screen. The EX trim adds features like a 7-inch touchscreen display, HondaLink infotainment system, automatic climate control, and Honda's LaneWatch blind spot monitoring system. The top-of-the-line EX-L trim includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, and a navigation system. While the infotainment system can be a bit slow to respond at times, it's generally user-friendly. The HR-V also offers ample storage space throughout the cabin, with plenty of cupholders, door pockets, and a glove compartment. Overall, the interior of the 2016 HR-V is well-designed, practical, and comfortable, making it a great choice for daily driving.

Reliability and Common Problems

Reliability is a critical factor when determining if the 2016 Honda HR-V is a good car. Fortunately, the HR-V has a reputation for being quite reliable. Honda, in general, is known for producing dependable vehicles, and the HR-V is no exception. However, like any car, the 2016 HR-V has had its share of reported issues. Some owners have reported problems with the CVT transmission, such as hesitation or jerky shifting. Others have experienced issues with the air conditioning system, with some reporting that it doesn't blow cold air. There have also been some reports of issues with the infotainment system, such as freezing or crashing.

Despite these issues, the 2016 HR-V generally receives positive reliability ratings from consumer organizations like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. It's important to note that many of these issues are relatively minor and can be addressed with proper maintenance and timely repairs. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks, can help keep the HR-V running smoothly and prevent more significant problems from developing. If you're considering purchasing a used 2016 HR-V, it's always a good idea to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential issues. Checking the car's vehicle history report can also provide valuable information about its past maintenance and repair history. Overall, the 2016 HR-V is a reliable vehicle, but it's essential to be aware of the potential issues and take steps to mitigate them.

Safety Features and Ratings

When assessing if the 2016 Honda HR-V is a good car, safety is paramount. The 2016 HR-V comes standard with a variety of safety features, including antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a suite of airbags. Higher trim levels also offer advanced safety features like Honda's LaneWatch blind spot monitoring system, which displays an image of the passenger-side blind spot on the center screen when the right turn signal is activated. The HR-V has performed well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave the 2016 HR-V an overall safety rating of five stars, the highest possible rating.

The IIHS named the 2016 HR-V a Top Safety Pick, indicating that it performed well in all of the IIHS's crash tests. These safety ratings provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. While the HR-V doesn't offer some of the more advanced safety features found on newer vehicles, such as automatic emergency braking or adaptive cruise control, it still provides a solid level of protection in the event of a crash. The rearview camera is a particularly useful feature, as it helps improve visibility when backing up. Overall, the 2016 HR-V is a safe vehicle that offers good protection for its occupants.

Value and Final Verdict

Now, let's talk about value. Is the 2016 Honda HR-V a good car for the money? The 2016 HR-V offers a lot of value for its price. It's fuel-efficient, spacious, reliable, and safe, making it a practical choice for a wide range of buyers. The HR-V is also relatively affordable, with prices for used models typically ranging from $14,000 to $20,000, depending on the trim level, mileage, and condition. When compared to its competitors, the HR-V often comes out on top in terms of overall value.

It offers more space and versatility than many of its rivals, and it also has a reputation for being more reliable. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, it's a sensible and practical choice that will likely provide years of trouble-free service. If you're looking for a subcompact SUV that offers a good balance of fuel efficiency, space, reliability, and safety, the 2016 Honda HR-V is definitely worth considering. It's a well-rounded vehicle that's perfect for daily commuting, road trips, and everything in between. So, to answer the question, yes, the 2016 Honda HR-V is a good car. It's a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and practical subcompact SUV.