2022 Honda HR-V S Review | Philkotse Philippines

When car variants are concerned, we often associate the most affordable entry-level trim with the most modest specs-wise. This, of course, can be observed in various models from a variety of market segments in the local market.

2022 Honda HR-V S: Value-Packed BASE VARIANT? | Philkotse Review

In our ongoing journey of testing out vehicles though, we’ve found one of the few models where the entry-level variant doesn’t necessarily mean bare-bones. We’re talking about the 2022 Honda HR-V S CVT.

It is loaded with features that can make one realize that entry-level doesn’t really mean basic. In fact, the Honda HR-V S is an enticing option when you look at its overall package. Here’s Philkotse’s 2022 Honda HR-V S full review.

When it comes to exterior equipment, the HR-V S bears plenty of similarities to the higher-spec variants. It has a sharp-looking pair of LED headlamps that are integrated with LED daytime running lights. The HR-V S also has LED fog lights.

That said, it doesn’t actually look like a step-down in style compared to the RS and V trims. I would call it an alternative style for the HR-V. Its bar-type grille, for instance, provides a smoother, understated look for the vehicle. This is further enhanced by the straightforward-looking functional vent just below the grille.

Checkout those sharp headlamps

On the side, it is equipped with black plastic cladding, which is typical of crossover models nowadays. It then rides on a set of 17-inch wheels which pops out visually thanks to its silver and black color combo. It also has power-folding mirrors for easy stowage in the garage.

Also present on the HR-V S are the hidden rear door handles. I found this to be a somewhat confusing novelty at first but you’ll get used to it. Visually, it also adds to the smoothness of the vehicle’s side profile. Of note, the hidden rear door handles are a design detail taken from the previous generation HR-V.

Like the V, the S trim gets hidden rear door handles

In keeping with the subtle style direction of the front, the rear end of the HR-V S features a single tailpipe hidden underneath the rear bumper. This contrasts with the slightly more visible and more aggressive twin tailpipes on the V and RS.

Going a bit up on the rear, one can see that the S trim also gets the same combination LED lights as the V and RS. We know these to be eye-catching, but surprisingly, it doesn’t actually clash with the quiet and elegant look that the HR-V S is going for.

The HR-V S from the rear

Step inside the HR-V S and you’ll find an interior that’s vaguely similar to the V and RS. There are some subtle differences though as pointed out in the Honda HR-V Variant Guide.

The cockpit of the HR-V S

But in general, the S variant still offers features that make for a comfortable ride. The dash for instance is still provided with soft-touch surfaces, and it also gets the same multi-function steering wheel which feels good for my grip. It also gets a soft and comfy center elbow rest at just the right height.

The knob-controlled single-zone air-conditioning system is also easy to understand and use, and the button layouts on the center console are logically placed. Speaking of the air-conditioner, I appreciate the addition of the air diffuser as it can help avoid blasting my face (or arm) directly with cold air.

Even the knobs for the AC controls looks nice

The HR-V S just like the V lack electronic adjustability for its front seats. But then shifting the seat around to get to my preferred driving position wasn’t a hassle at all thanks to the steering column’s tilt and telescopic adjustability.

Probably one of the main calling cards of the Honda HR-V is its ULT seating configuration. ULT stands for Utility, Long, and tall, a seat configuration that’s also present on the Honda City Hatchback.

Fold the rear seats down and you get plenty of space for cargo

This means that the HR-V is versatile enough for loading various cargo in different sizes and shapes. On the Honda HR-V ULT seat’s Utility Mode, one can fold all the rear seats down for up to 1,665 liters of cargo space. The Long Mode meanwhile enables the front passenger seat to be folded down in order to accommodate lengthy items. The Tall Mode then refers to the ability to flip up a rear seat for more vertical space. This in turn allows for carrying tall items.

Legroom at the rear was also fantastic, though the headroom for the rear seats may become compromised for tall folks. But for my 5’11 height, this wasn’t much of a deal breaker.

The S trim gets fabric seats

Handling entertainment for the HR-V S is an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So for you folks who need seamless smartphone integration, you’ll have nothing to worry about. The said screen is connected to a six-piece speaker system which sounds decent.

The infotainment touchscreen also functions as the display for the reverse camera. And unlike most crossovers in its class, this one on the HR-V does a decent job of providing a sharp video feed even at night.

The headunit is responsive and easy to use

The driver then gets an analog gauge cluster that’s paired with a 4.2-inch digital display. This is far simpler than the higher-spec variants’ fully digital cluster, but otherwise, it is still easy to read and use.

One key feature of the HR-V including the entry-level S trim is the Honda Sensing driver-assistive safety suite. This includes adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, collision mitigation braking, auto high beams, road departure mitigation, lead car departure, and lane keep assist. This makes the HR-V S a loaded crossover despite being an entry-level model.

Unlike the V variant, the S gets an analog gauge cluster

I personally made great use of these features save for the collision mitigation braking system. Thanks to these gadgets, keeping tabs on your position on the road was made easy, and cruising on the highway was a breeze. So indeed, one can say that buyers of the HR-V S are still getting a lot of value for the money where safety tech is concerned.

The said active safety features are then supported by front and side airbags, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, hill descent control, hill start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, alarm, and immobilizer, among others. With all those safety gear, it is apparent that Honda didn’t scrimp on safety features despite the HR-V S’ status as an entry-level variant.

Contrary to the higher-spec turbocharged 1.5-liter HR-V trims, the HR-V S gets a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated mill. At the most, it can make up to 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. It then uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which sends power to its front wheels.

The HR-V S' 1.5-liter inline-4 naturally-aspirated gasoline engine

With that said, the HR-V S isn’t as powerful or as fast as the 175-horsepower HR-V V and HR-V RS for obvious reasons. Otherwise, it does have enough to deal with uphill climbs and overtaking.

Do note that I was mostly the only one onboard the HR-V S during the duration of my test drive. When loading up a third individual though, I felt that the 1.5-liter engine was working harder than usual. But it’s not that bothersome, power delivery is still adequate.

When it comes to handling, I have found the HR-V S to be quite stable. Body roll is minimal on corners, and the vehicle barely squats during acceleration. Its steering is also quick to react to inputs, though it isn’t too light as if you’re driving on a cloud.

A closer look at the HR-V S' gear shifter

The engine on the HR-V S at least for me was a tad quiet when cruising. An audible hum can be heard during hard acceleration but that can be ignored.

In driving the Honda HR-V S on the highway with an average speed of 80 km/h, it returned a fuel economy reading of 23.5 km/l.

For city driving meanwhile, this Honda model clocked in at 9.5 km/l with an average speed of 20 km/h.

As a point of comparison, the HR-V V Turbo that we tested posted 12 km/l in the city, and 19.4 km/l on the highway. The Ford Territory meanwhile, returned 8.8 km/l in the city, and 13 kilometers per liter on the open highway.

The Honda HR-V S is an agile daily driver with a sleek, understated look. It might be positioned as an entry-level trim and a non-turbo mill, but it has far too many good points. In fact, it might just fill the role as an alternative choice for those looking for a subtler-looking ride.

Its a well-balanced ride packed with amenities and tech

Making this variant even more attractive is the fact that it is loaded with safety tech. Sure, the HR-V S is a bit more expensive than some of its competitors, but I don’t really consider this trim as a spartan econo-mobile just like many entry-level trims in the market. This is because apart from being tech-heavy, it also offers a good combination of crisp driving dynamics and a refined interior. That, of course, is an edge over the competition.