Honda HR-V handed a subtle refresh for 2025
The Honda HR-V has always been one of those cars you could count on for families looking for a reliable, well-built crossover SUV. When the third generation landed in 2021, it shook things up with a bold new design and fresh direction. Now, four years down the line, Honda has given the HR-V a light mid-cycle refresh to keep it relevant in the respective segment.
Roughly four years later, the Japanese manufacturer is giving the small SUV a mid-cycle refresh to keep it fresh in its respective fold. To begin with, the outgoing two-model range has been replaced with a single model, Elegance.
At first glance, the changes appear subtle, but upon close inspection, you will notice a fresh new front fascia that comes courtesy of a reworked body-coloured grille. The rear, on the other hand, gets a new full-LED taillight strip, a high-gloss lower bumper garnish, plus new dual-tone 18-inch wheels.
Inside, there are leather seats and a redesigned centre console now equipped with two USB ports plus a 15-watt wireless smartphone charger as standard. The 8-inch infotainment system soldiers on, but now with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
As standard, the new HR-V comes with the Honda Sensing driver assistance system that adds lane-keeping assist, emergency collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation, plus six airbags.
Motivation still comes from the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with 89kW and 145Nm that’s delivered to the front wheels via a CVT transmission. And to be honest, that’s where the car falls short. When we tested the HR-V a few years ago, the drivetrain simply did not match the car’s otherwise polished feel, especially when compared to some punchier rivals.
At R539,900, the updated HR-V ticks most of the boxes; it’s well-equipped, spacious, and has great safety tech. But in a segment packed with sharper driving options, the uninspiring powertrain does hold it back. However, for buyers who value comfort, practicality, and reliability over outright performance, it remains a solid option.
