2019 Honda HR-V Base — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2019 Honda HR-V Base

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $20,867–$27,918
Fuel Economy 25 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,100/yr

Key Specifications — 2019 Honda HR-V Base

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$20,867–$27,918

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2019 Honda HR-V Base

The 2019 Honda HR-V Base is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.6/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.3/10, while Performance at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.3/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.3/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $20,867–$27,918, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Honda HR-V Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. At 7.7/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2019 Honda HR-V Base will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology and performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2019 Honda HR-V Base ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $20,867 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 42%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which HR-V Base Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2016 Honda HR-V Base scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.6 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.8/10$25,286 Read review →
2024 7.8/10$24,550 Read review →
2023 7.7/10$23,813 Read review →
2022 7.7/10$23,077 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$22,340 Read review →
2020 7.6/10$21,604 Read review →
2019 (this review) 7.6/10$20,867
2018 7.5/10$20,131 Read review →
2017 7.5/10$19,394 Read review →
2016 7.3/10$18,658 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2019 Honda HR-V Base

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

More Honda Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.