Honda Launches 2019 HR-V with New Trims, Drops Manual Transmission [News]

Honda has refreshed the 2019 HR-V with new styling, new trims, and a heftier price tag.

Three years after introducing the model to the American market, Honda has facelifted its smallest crossover for 2019. As with its larger siblings – the CR-V and the Pilot – the 2019 HR-V gets a new nose, as well as some new equipment. All 2019 HR-V models get a new grille, as well as revised bumpers and headlights. Apart from the new chrome bits, Honda also fitted new standard equipment in most of the range and introduced two more trim levels: the Sport and the Touring.

Honda Sensing is a safety suite that Honda is rolling out as standard equipment across all its models. In the 2019 HR-V, it’s available on EX trims and above. It is not available on the LX or the Sport. Honda Sensing includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. However, all models across the range do get a multi-angle rearview camera and LED daytime running lights.

Inside, Honda seems to be moving further away from the touch volume controls in the former model. In the 2019 HR-V, a standard volume knob returns to the Display Audio infotainment system. The new system also integrates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on Sport and higher trims. Navigation is only available on the $28,540 and up Touring trim.

New trims for the 2019 HR-V: Sport and Touring

The 2019 HR-V adds a new Sport trim between the base LX and more upscale EX. For $22,220 and up, Honda gives you a black headliner, sport pedals, paddle shifters for the Continously Variable Transmission (yes, it still has one), and 18-inch wheels. The 2019 HR-V Sport and higher models also get Active Noise Cancellation, which uses microphones and the car’s audio system to cancel out low-frequency sound and reduce noise.

Instead of the EX-L with navigation topping out the range, Honda added a new Touring model to the 2019 HR-V, in line with its other offerings. In the top spec, Honda adds LED headlights and fog lights. This model also sports 17-inch alloy wheels and an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

All 2019 HR-V models are still powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter engine with 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. However, unlike the previous models, you can no longer get the HR-V with a manual transmission. All models come yoked to a CVT with revised shift mapping.

We’ll be testing the 2019 HR-V and recently revised Honda Pilot soon, so stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!

2019 HR-V Pricing and Fuel Economy