The second-generation Honda HR-V was launched for the North American market on June 7, 2022. While the global model (introduced in 2021) comes fitted with an e:HEV hybrid system, the North American-spec HR-V is quite different and does not get the hybrid powertrain.
Here’s what other markets get with the new HR-V Hybrid, plus our analysis of the U.S.-spec 2026 HR-V.
No hybrid powertrain for the U.S.
The U.S.-spec all-new HR-V, launched as a 2023 model, features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 158 hp and 138 lb.-ft. of torque.
The subsequent 2024-2026 model-year updates did not alter the engine specifications, continuing without a hybrid option. The HR-V continues with three driving modes, with power sent to the front or all wheels through a CVT. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
Lower MPG than the previous-gen HR-V
The 2026 HR-V FWD achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 MPG (city)/32 MPG (highway)/28 MPG (combined). The AWD variant offers 25 MPG (city)/30 MPG (highway)/27 MPG (combined).
However, due to its larger size and engine, the new HR-V is less fuel-efficient than the previous generation, which was discontinued after the 2022 model year. The last EPA-estimated fuel economy for the FWD version of the previous generation was 28 MPG (city)/34 MPG (highway)/30 MPG (combined), and the AWD variant delivered up to 27 MPG (city)/31 MPG (highway)/29 MPG (combined).
Japanese version (ZR-V) gets Hybrid option
In Japan, Honda sells the North American style HR-V with a different name, the ZR-V. It is the first Honda SUV fitted with the company’s new Sport e:HEV powertrain that clubs the 2.0-liter direct injection engine from the Civic Hybrid (Civic e:HEV) and the advanced two-motor hybrid system. Honda claims that the combination allows for acceleration comparable to a 3.0L V6 engine.
The ZR-V Hybrid produces 104 kW (139 hp) and 182 Nm (134 lb.-ft.) of torque, while the traction motor generates 135 kW (181 hp) and 315 Nm (232 lb.-ft.) of torque. The latter is located along with the generator motor in an e-CVT. The electrified powertrain delivers a fuel economy of 22.1 km/l, which converts to 52 MPG.
Although the test cycles differ and direct comparison is challenging, this figure is estimated to take the EPA fuel economy of the U.S.-spec HR-V well past 40 MPG.
Why a hybrid is relevant for the HR-V in the U.S.
Electrified model share target
Honda has never offered the HR-V with a hybrid system in the U.S. and Canada, but the company is striving to increase the share of electrified models in its portfolio. The company has stated in the past that its strategy is focused on introducing a higher percentage of hybrids in core models.
Honda anticipates strong demand for hybrid models through 2030 and beyond. The sustained success of hybrid model sales will support its big investments in the EV space.
Corolla Cross Hybrid says Hello!
An HR-V Hybrid in the U.S. could help Honda mount strong competition to the 42-MPG (EPA-est.) Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Between January and September 2025, Toyota sold 24,594 units of the Corolla Cross Hybrid variant in the U.S., making up over 33% of the nameplate’s sales. The figures indicate that a significant share of customers in this segment seek a frugal hybrid crossover.
Increasing the EPA-est. fuel economy to over 40 MPG with electrification could work wonders for the compact SUV, even if that means charging a premium of a couple of thousand dollars over the gas variant.
In the next section, we’ll look at the gas-powered 2026 HR-V’s design, interior, features and other details.
Design
At the front, the 2026 Honda HR-V features a quirky fascia with a wide grille and sharp mesh detailing, paired with slim, horizontal LED headlamps that make it seem quite wide. From the side, the HR-V retains its coupe-inspired silhouette with a gently sloping roofline, strong character lines, and blacked-out lower cladding.
All trims adopt new wheel designs, with the LX using Pewter Gray 17-inch alloy wheels, the Sport riding on Berlina Black 18-inch alloy wheels, and the EX-L equipped with machine-finished 18-inch alloy wheels, up from 17 inches in the previous model year.
At the rear, wide taillamps with a smoked finish visually widen the vehicle, while the sculpted tailgate and subtle roof spoiler add a sporty look.
Privacy rear glass is now standard across the lineup. The Sport adds gloss-black tailgate badging. Two new exterior paint options join the palette: Solar Reflection Metallic, available on LX and EX-L trims, and Boost Blue Pearl, exclusive to the Sport.
Interior
The interior receives more standard equipment, with all HR-V models now including a larger 9-inch HD touchscreen, replacing the previous 7-inch display on the LX and Sport trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, along with a wireless phone charger and USB-C ports positioned throughout the cabin.
The digital instrument display measures 7 inches and remains standard. The EX-L trim adds silver steering-wheel spokes, dynamic climate-control knob lighting with red, blue, and white illumination, and front footwell lighting.
Pricing
The 2026 Honda HR-V is on sale now at U.S. dealerships. It has a starting MSRP (excluding taxes, license, registration, and destination) of USD 26,200 for the HR-V LX with front-wheel drive, excluding a USD 1,395 destination charge.
The Sport trim starts at USD 28,000 with front-wheel drive, while the EX-L begins at USD 30,050. All-wheel-drive versions of each trim carry a USD 1,500 premium over front-wheel-drive models.
Meanwhile, the Canadian-spec 2026 Honda HR-V has a selling price (exclusive of title, insurance, registration, taxes) of CAD 33,446 for the entry-level LX with FWD, while range-topping EX-L carries a starting price of CAD 41,846.
TopElectricSUV says
While it has grown and gained a more powerful engine, the second-generation HR-V has declined in efficiency, and clearly needs a fuel-sipping hybrid option.
Also See: 2026 Honda Pilot (Refresh) arrives with a gas engine, Hybrid expected down the road
Honda has expanded its U.S. HEV lineup with the Prelude and Civic Hybrid, following the electrified versions of the CR-V and Accord. It seems to us that the HR-V Hybrid will be part of Honda’s electrified launches in the second half of the decade.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
