It’s the best-selling car in the segment, so why make major changes?
Starting August 14, Honda has kicked off sales of the 2018 HR-V subcompact crossover across the United States. So what's new about it, you ask?
Not that much, considering that it's America's best-selling subcompact SUV in the first half of 2017 for individual retail buyers, with a 27.9-percent growth.
To justify the switch to the 2018 model year, Honda has given the HR-V a new body color as well as an updated wheel design for a sportier look. The new color is called Aegean Blue Metallic and is available on select trims, while the refreshed wheel design with black-painted inserts can be had on EX and higher trims.
Inside, the 2018 Honda HR-V continues to offer the second-row Magic Seat that offers various seating and cargo-hauling configurations, as well as 58.8 cu-ft of cargo volume with the second-row seats folded down.
In the engine department, the 2018 HR-V soldiers on with the 141-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. All-wheel-drive models feature Honda's Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System.
Standard safety and driver-assistive features include ABS with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) electronic stability control system, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and more.
Prices start at $19,570 (excluding a $940 destination charge) for the base LX trim with 2WD and six-speed manual transmission.
If you're interested in subcompact Japanese crossovers, you should also read our review of the 2017 Mazda CX-3.