Is the Honda HR-V a reliable Subcompact SUV?
Going smaller has never been so good. The subcompact SUV class offers several vehicles with the easy driving manners of a sedan but the versatility of an SUV. The 2023 Honda HR-V offers the highest reliability scores in this class. Will this small Honda crossover be the SUV you love to drive? Let’s dig in and learn more about its reliability scores and maintenance costs.
What are the Honda HR-V reliability scores?

The Honda HR-V receives a reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal. This places the HR-V first out of seven models for the subcompact SUV class. This ranking is based on three factors which are:
- Cost – The Honda HR-V’s average annual repair and maintenance costs are $301 compared to $466 for subcompact SUVs.
- Frequency – HR-V owners bring their vehicles to the repair shop for unscheduled repairs 0.1 times per year compared to 0.2 for the class.
- Severity – The probability of severe repairs for the Honda HR-V is 5% compared to 9% for subcompact SUVs.
What are the typical HR-V maintenance costs?
Some of the standard maintenance and repair items faced by most HR-V owners are:
- Drive axle assembly drain and refill – $66-$77
- Headlamp alignment adjustment – $53-$67
- Transmission leak inspection – $44-$56
- Vibration diagnosis – $88-$111
- Neutral safety switch replacement – $253-$264
- Ignition switch replacement – $178-$191
- Window regulator replacement – $623-$646
- Windshield washer pump replacement – $72-$90
- Airbag clockspring replacement – $138-$161
- Wheel speed sensor replacement – $113-$123
Some of these items might not impact all owners, but this list offers a range of costs for these issues. To date, RepairPal has no reported common problems for this small Honda SUV.
Is the 2023 Honda HR-V competitive in its class?

Although RepairPal has the Honda HR-V ranked at the top of the subcompact SUV class, U.S. News & World Report tells a different story. The 2023 Honda HR-V ranks fifth out of 21 subcompact SUVs with U.S. News. The top ten subcompact SUVs from this reviewing agency are:
- Mazda CX-30
- Kia Soul
- Hyundai Kona
- Kia Seltos
- Honda HR-V
- Volkswagen Taos
- Buick Encore GX
- Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Nissan Kicks
- Toyota Corolla Cross
Are there any changes to the 2023 model?
The redesigned Honda HR-V gives us a second-generation model of the Honda SUV. This new version shares its platform with the current Civic, making it larger than the previous model, which shared a platform with the now-gone Honda Fit. The 2023 HR-V is 8.7 inches longer and 2.6 inches wider than the 2022 version.
The wheelbase is now 1.7 inches longer than before. You’ll also find an upgraded interior and an overhauled suspension system. This new model is slightly more powerful and has more standard features than the first-generation HR-V.
Is the 2023 Honda HR-V a good subcompact SUV?

The latest Honda HR-V offers a premium cabin with comfortable seats and a useful cargo area. The infotainment system is easy to use, making it simple to get connected for your drive. The driving manners of this Honda SUV are impressive and spirited on any road. You’ll find tons of standard features, including adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, in this subcompact SUV.
Next, check out the strength of this Honda SUV, or learn more about the 2023 Honda HR-V in this video below: