The Honda HR-V has established itself as a compelling option in the subcompact SUV segment, offering a blend of versatility, efficiency, and premium features. As with most vehicle models, Honda regularly updates its lineup to remain competitive and meet evolving consumer demands. The new Honda HR-V EX-L represents the latest iteration of this popular model, bringing several notable refinements and enhancements over its predecessor. While maintaining the fundamental character that has made the HR-V successful, the new model introduces technology upgrades, styling refinements, and comfort improvements that collectively elevate the ownership experience.

Exterior Design Updates

The Honda HR-V EX-L features subtle yet effective exterior design changes that refresh its appearance while maintaining its recognizable profile:

• New standard rear privacy glass enhances both aesthetics and passenger privacy
• Revised 18-inch wheel design, an upgrade from the previous model year
• Addition of two new exterior paint options: Boost Blue Metallic and Solar Silver Metallic
• Refined front fascia details that align with the current Honda design language
• Unchanged overall dimensions, maintaining the same practical footprint

These exterior updates give the HR-V EX-L a more sophisticated and contemporary appearance while building upon the solid foundation established by the previous model. The changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, focusing on enhancing the vehicle’s visual appeal without altering its fundamental character.

Interior Comfort and Luxury Enhancements

Inside the cabin, the HR-V EX-L receives several notable upgrades that enhance both its premium feel and functionality:

• New ambient footwell lighting creates a more upscale atmosphere
• Addition of silver steering wheel accents for a more refined look
• Illuminated climate control knobs that change colour with temperature adjustments
• Enhanced seat materials and stitching patterns (consistent with EX-L premium positioning)
• Refined interior trim materials across the dashboard and door panels

These interior updates collectively create a more premium environment, reinforcing the EX-L trim’s position as the luxury-oriented option in the HR-V lineup. The thoughtful addition of ambient lighting and illuminated controls not only enhances aesthetics but also improves functionality, particularly during night driving.

Technology and Connectivity Improvements

One of the most significant areas of enhancement for the HR-V EX-L comes in its technology offerings:

• Larger 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (up from 7.0 inches in the previous model)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard (versus wired connections previously)
• Addition of wireless phone charging pad as standard equipment
• Enhanced voice recognition capabilities for improved hands-free control
• Improved user interface with faster response times and more intuitive menus

These technology upgrades significantly modernize the HR-V EX-L infotainment experience, bringing it in line with current consumer expectations for connectivity and ease of use. The larger screen improves visibility and usability, while wireless smartphone integration eliminates the need for cables, creating a cleaner and more convenient experience.

Performance and Powertrain

The new HR-V EX-L maintains the same fundamental powertrain as the previous model:

• 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine
• 158 horsepower and 187 Nm of torque 
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) remains standard
• Available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System
• Similar fuel efficiency ratings to the previous model

While the core powertrain components remain unchanged, Honda has made subtle refinements to the engine management software and transmission programming, resulting in slightly improved responsiveness and refinement. The familiar driving characteristics that HR-V owners appreciate remain intact, with the latest model offering the same balance of efficiency and adequate performance.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

The Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies continues to be standard on the HR-V EX-L, with several refinements:

• Enhanced camera and radar sensors for improved detection capabilities
• More refined collision mitigation braking with better pedestrian recognition
• Improved adaptive cruise control with smoother operation
• Enhanced lane keeping assist system with reduced false interventions
• Blind spot information system with improved accuracy

These safety enhancements build on an already comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, making the HR-V EX-L even better at helping drivers avoid potential hazards. While the fundamental safety systems remain the same as in the previous model, these refinements represent the Honda commitment to continuous improvement in this critical area.

Convenience Features

Several convenience features have been added or enhanced for the new HR-V EX-L:

• Improved dual-zone automatic climate control system with enhanced filtration
• Updated multi-view rear camera system with higher resolution display
• More intuitive controls for frequently used vehicle functions
• Enhanced Smart Entry system with walk-away auto lock
• Improved remote engine start functionality with expanded climate pre-conditioning options

These convenience enhancements focus on making day-to-day interactions with the vehicle more pleasant and intuitive. While individually modest, these updates collectively contribute to a more refined ownership experience that owners will appreciate over time.

Storage and Practicality

The HR-V has always prioritized clever use of space, and the EX-L trim maintains this tradition:

• Unchanged cargo capacity of approximately 691 liters behind rear seats
• Retention of the versatile 60/40 split second-row Magic Seat
• Consistent interior dimensions providing the same passenger space
• Subtle refinements to small item storage throughout the cabin
• Same roof rail capacity for outdoor adventure equipment

The practical features that have made the HR-V popular remain unchanged for the new model year, ensuring the vehicle continues to offer the versatility compact SUV buyers seek. The Magic Seat system, in particular, remains a key differentiator, enabling multiple cargo configurations that maximize the use of available space.

Infotainment and Audio System

The audio experience in the HR-V EX-L receives several meaningful improvements:

• Enhanced premium audio system with optimized speaker placement
• Improved equalization settings for better sound quality
• Better integration with smartphone streaming services
• Higher resolution display for media information
• Improved voice command recognition for audio system control

These audio enhancements complement the larger infotainment screen, creating a more enjoyable, immersive entertainment experience. The improvements focus on sound quality and ease of use rather than simply adding more speakers or power, resulting in a more refined listening experience.

Ride Quality and Handling

The HR-V EX-L features subtle suspension tuning adjustments that enhance its driving dynamics:

• Refined shock absorber tuning for improved ride comfort
• Enhanced sound insulation for a quieter cabin experience
• Recalibrated electric power steering for better feel and response
• Improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) characteristics
• Minor adjustments to stabilizer bars for reduced body roll

These chassis refinements deliver a more composed, comfortable driving experience without significantly altering the familiar HR-V driving character. The improvements are most noticeable on rough road surfaces and at highway speeds, where the new model exhibits better noise suppression and impact absorption.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Performance

Fuel economy remains a key selling point for the HR-V, with the new EX-L model maintaining competitive efficiency:

• Similar combined fuel economy rating to the previous model
• Minor improvements to cold-start efficiency through software updates
• Enhanced transmission programming for optimal efficiency in varied driving conditions
• Unchanged fuel tank capacity provides the same driving range
• Continued compliance with latest emissions standards

While not a significant leap in efficiency, the HR-V EX-L maintains the solid fuel-economy numbers compact SUV buyers expect, with minor refinements that may yield small real-world improvements, depending on driving conditions and habits.

Value Proposition

The value equation for the HR-V EX-L improves with its added features:

• More standard technology features than the previous model
• Enhanced premium touches that reinforce the EX-L top-trim status
• Improved connectivity options that align with current consumer expectations
• Same comprehensive warranty coverage as the previous model
• Competitive feature set relative to key segment competitors

The addition of features like the larger touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and wireless charging pad significantly enhances the value proposition of the new model, giving prospective buyers more content for their investment compared to the previous version.

2026 Honda HR-V EX-L: A Superb SUV

The transition of the Honda HR-V EX-L represents a thoughtful evolution rather than a revolutionary change. Honda has focused on enhancing the technology, interior ambiance, and visual appeal of their subcompact SUV while maintaining the core attributes that have made it successful. The larger infotainment screen, wireless connectivity features, and enhanced interior appointments address key areas where the previous model was beginning to show its age relative to competitors.

For prospective buyers, the decision between HR-V EX-L models will likely come down to how much they value the technology upgrades and interior refinements. Those who prioritize the latest connectivity features and premium touches will find the newest model offers meaningful improvements that enhance the ownership experience. Meanwhile, the familiar powertrain, similar fuel economy, and unchanged cargo capacity ensure that the HR-V EX-L continues to deliver the practical utility that has been central to the model’s appeal since its introduction.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.