The 2020 Honda HR-V is presenting changes for the next season. The smallest crossover in the lineup is getting old and it is time for the update. Rumors are saying the new generation is on the way. Modifications will include interior, exterior, and changes under the hood. These could be the most interesting since the HR-V is getting hybrid and turbo versions in the USA.
Besides that, the new 2020 Honda HR-V will go through the Mugen tuning. That means we could also see the R-Type of the subcompact crossover. Then, the speculations about the turbo engine have some sense. The exterior is going to suffer some modifications, and the most notable will be the new color palette and sets of wheels. Dimensions should remain the same. Interior update is going to create more space for passengers. Well, if you have a large family, then consider a purchase of Honda’s bigger SUVs – CR-V, Passport, or a three-row Pilot.
2020 Honda HR-V Specs
The 2020 Honda HR-V will get the power from a 1.8-liter engine. A four-cylinder drivetrain is good for 140 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque. While these outputs are not the reasons why buy the HR-V, the fuel economy is definitely an ice-breaker. If you choose the front-wheel drive, average gas mileage is above 30 mpg (28 city, 35 highway). The all-wheel drive consumes significantly more gasoline. A combined fuel economy here is 29 mpg (27 city, 31 highway). A special CVT transmission is a power router.
Hybrid and Turbo Rumors
The new 2020 Honda HR-V will develop a few more options for the engine room. There are two favorites to take the spot – hybrid and turbo drivetrain. The first could be the same as the one we will see on the CR-V compact crossover. It combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric battery. The fuel economy for the HR-V will jump over 40 mpg, beating the new Toyota Rav4 hybrid. We don’t take the PHEV models to this competition. However, the next step in the electrification of the subcompact crossover could be eight plug-in hybrid version or even an all-electric battery.
On the other hand, the Japanese company is also thinking of a more powerful edition. A 1.5-liter turbo engine fits perfectly to this segment. The four-cylinder unit can add 50 ponies and lb-ft of torque respectively. Such power would improve top speed and acceleration time. Still, other parts of the drivetrain system would need tuning and if we have to pick between hybrid and turbo, we would say that electrification is a less complicating process.
2020 Honda HR-V Changes
The new crossover will be more aggressive than before. The redesign will take place for the first time since the arrival of the new generation in 2016. Whatsoever, we still don’t have precise information. The 2020 Honda HR-V could head into the new generation according to some sources. The vehicle is the smallest unit in the entire SUV family, with the length of just 170 inches. The wheelbase is 103 in long. The new model will keep the current dimensions. However, the chassis will bring new shapes for more aerodynamic and aesthetic appearance. Also, the fresh color palette is on the way.
Mugen Tuning
We can hear shy rumors speaking of 2020 Honda HR-V Mugen. This company is a close partner to the Japanese giant but now owned by Honda. Still, its main work is tuning the sports vehicles for racing championships. Usually, these are Type-R models, with more powerful engines and aggressive body. Mugen creates special kits and parts to make Honda’s vehicle more durable. Although partners, Honda considers these as aftermarket upgrades. The new HR-V could get a special treatment by Mugen, but its parent company is not going to offer this trim in its official fleet.
Arrival, Price, Competition
The subcompact segment is not as close as popular as the compact class. Still, the small crossovers are selling fewer units than the mid-size vehicles. Still, these are valuable models for younger buyers. Subcompact crossovers and their limited power are the major safety feature. Again, this tier of the vehicle is not as safe as larger vehicles. The new 2020 Honda HR-V arrives by the end of the year. Then, we will figure out all the changes the crossover is introducing. The price is still unknown. After a redesign, we expect a small bump, but not more than $1,000. The base model, with FWD, will cost around $22,000. Turbo and Hybrid versions will eventually increase the price to $25,000.
If you are looking for alternatives, the market is full of such models. Hyundai and Kia are very active and they are about to launch all-electric vehicles. From Japanese carmakers, Toyota C-HR and Nissan Kicks are also popular. If you want a car by the domestic carmaker, then Jeep Renegade and Chevy Trax are options. More luxurious variants are Infiniti QX30 and Lexus UX, as well as Mercedes GLA, or BMW X1.
