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The Honda HR-V just doesn’t sell or perform the way many of its family members do. Japanese automaker Honda is world-renowned because it has produced exciting and reliable vehicles like the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and Honda CR-V. Honda SUVs like the CR-V usually place high in rankings. Here’s why the Honda HR-V is the worst Honda SUV produced in a very long time.

The Honda HR-V isn’t as safe as other SUVs in its class

A blue Honda HR-V is parked in the rain.
The Honda HR-V | Honda

The Honda HR-V isn’t safe compared to many small SUVs like the Mazda CX-5. In fact, the Honda HR-V is one of the least safe subcompact SUVs on the market. According to CNN Business, the Honda HR-V was one of two subcompact SUVs to receive a poor rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The IIHS found that the HR-V’s structure was dangerous for accidents, especially side-crashes. Since side-crash impacts have cost countless vehicle occupants their lives, the HR-V’s safety is a serious issue.

With models like the IIHS top safety pick, the Mazda CX-5 around, the Honda HR-V seems like a poor choice for a small SUV. Safety is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Honda HR-V’s flaws.

The Honda HR-V doesn’t provide as much value as competitors for its price

A blue Honda HR-V is driving on a city street.
The Honda HR-V | Honda

The Honda HR-V is affordable, but it doesn’t provide enough value for its price, especially compared with competitors. The HR-V starts at $21,420. While this price isn’t high, the Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona are both cheaper subcompact SUVs that have much better consumer and critic reviews.

The Kia Soul starts at just $19,190 and is a veteran in the subcompact SUV vehicle class. The Hyundai Kona has been a favorite among consumers since its debut in 2017, and it starts at just $21,150. Both the Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona provide adequate value to justify their prices and provide even more value at higher trim levels.

The Honda HR-V lacks power and has an inferior ride quality making it a poor choice over most SUVs in the same price range. Honda SUVs often have peppy powertrains, and their engines provide enough power to keep consumers interested. The HR-V is the worst Honda SUV because it is cramped and weak compared to other Honda SUVs.

Honda SUVs like the Honda CR-V can last for decades. The CR-V offers a roomy cabin and lots of cargo space. It also features great tech and starts at an affordable $25,750. The HR-V has decent fuel economy, but other than that, it’s hard to believe it comes from the same automaker as the CR-V.

The Honda HR-V needs a redesign to survive

A gray Honda HRV is on display
The Honda HR-V | Robert Hradil via Getty Images

The Honda HR-V has some fundamental design issues. Since the IIHS has revealed the vulnerability of its B-pillar (vertical support), Honda will need to give the HR-V a refresh if it wants the nameplate to survive. The B-pillar doesn’t do a good job of preventing major bodily harm to vehicle occupants in accidents. Consumers aren’t feeling the HR-V, and some major changes need to happen for this subcompact SUV to have any hope of challenging the best vehicles in its class.

The Honda HR-V needs to be more powerful, more spacious, and much safer to compete. Until the HR-V gets a redesign, sales will likely continue to suffer.

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