2023 Honda HR-V AWD EX-L

Now in its second generation, Honda’s small SUV is basic transportation . . . plus. That is, the HR-V not only gets you where you’re going, it does so with proficiency and verve. For example, the cabin is spacious, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo and lots of storage options. And the interior fit and finish is quite good, especially on the EX-L trim. The HR-V is also engaging to drive, with nimble handling and good steering-wheel and braking feedback - that’s more than you can say for many entry-level SUVs. It also has a nice complement of standard advanced safety features, including traffic-jam assist and trafficsign recognition. Only blind-spot warning and parking sensors are optional. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. But, unfortunately, some of the HR-V’s qualities make for an unpleasant driving experience. For example, the drivetrain is underpowered and noisy, and a lot of that racket (abetted by road noise) makes it into the cabin. And although the infotainment is easy to use, it feels outdated. The front seats afford easy access, but intrusive wheel wells make getting into a backseat a bit difficult. As a counterpoint, however, it’s more than worth mentioning that the HR-V is a very good value: The top EX-L trim’s base price comes in under $30,000.