2025 Honda HR-V S 1.5 S CVT

Costly Upgrade

We like it when automakers make base variants of specific models available for testing. While it’s always nice to review the top-of-the-line versions that are fully loaded to the brim, getting to try the most affordable variant means we can check just how automakers can get creative when it comes to packaging vehicles without making the base variants look or feel bare.

One of the best examples of this is the Honda HR-V S, which was just updated for 2025. This new entry-level version may not have noticeable changes on the exterior, but Honda focused on the interior and standard features. Yes, there is a price hike, but is it worth the added cost?

Let’s start with the exterior changes, or lack thereof. For the HR-V S, Honda said it ain’t broke, so we won't fix it. Whereas the V and the RS e:HEV variants received noticeable design updates, the S largely carries over the same exterior design as before. It gets the carried over 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 Goodyear TripleMax Assurance tires, the eye-catching LED headlights with LED DRLs, the gloss black grille with horizontal slats, and the stylish full-width LED taillights.

Since the HR-V already looks good as it is, I can understand Honda’s decision to carry over most of the exterior bits. However, they could have at least introduced a new set of wheels since the V and RS e:HEV come with new stylish alloys. They could have also given it a new grille or restyled LED headlights & taillights for some extra zing, but maybe this is just me being nitpicky. Overall, however, the HR-V S still looks great and I reckon its design will remain fresh in the coming years thanks to its coupe-like profile and sporty aesthetics.

While Honda barely changed anything on the exterior, it’s a (slightly) different story with the interior. First up is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display that now runs on a new operating system. Not only does it get sleeker and more ergonomic menus, but it now comes with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. That’s right, those who usually forget to bring their cables need not worry anymore. The system is quick to pair with your phone, and after Bluetooth is connected, it immediately prompts your phone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto pairing.

Also worth mentioning is the mildly restyled center console. It now features a more traditional layout while retaining the upper and lower cubby holes. Unfortunately, the base model HR-V lacks a wireless charging pad (available only on higher-grade variants), so you still need to have a Type A or Type C cable to recharge your phone. The fabric seats are no more as Honda replaced them with leather upholstery, which is a nice touch. However, the steering wheel remains of the urethane kind.

Despite being the most affordable version of the HR-V, the S variant still comes with plenty of amenities like smart keyless entry with, push-button start, speed-sensing door locks, automatic climate control with rear A/C vents, a 6-speaker sound with above average sound quality, a multi-function steering wheel with ADAS controls, and a list of active & passive safety systems. For Honda, just because it’s a base model doesn’t mean it should be bare.

Under the hood, the evergreen 1.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder L15ZF has been carried over. It continues to produce 121 PS at 6600 rpm along with 145 Nm of torque at 4300 rpm. It is then saddled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that comes with Sport Mode and 7 simulated gear ratios to play with.

As before, the 1.5L engine and CVT combo in the HR-V may not sound like much, but it does come with linear power delivery. Yes, it doesn’t have the kick of a turbo, but the engine allows the HR-V to cruise smoothly in both city and highway driving conditions. Combined with the CVT that keeps the revs low, the HR-V can sip fuel with ease, which we’ll get to later.

If you need a little bit more oomph, you can set the CVT to Sport Mode (S), which kicks up the revs more and makes the transmission respond quicker to your input. It won’t exactly be setting up lap times, but it does allow for faster overtaking and a more spirited driving experience. Keep your foot on the accelerator and you’ll eventually reach triple-digit speeds in no time, thanks to the smooth powertrain.

Also worth mentioning is the CVT's ability to engage "engine braking" when going downhill. I noticed this when I was driving down a flyover, and I felt the engine go up several RPMs. I also saw the tachometer go up a bit and felt the CVT adjusting itself to slow down the vehicle. This is a great feature to have since I can forgo switching to Sport Mode and using the paddle shifters to "manually" slow down the crossover. However, it doesn't work every time, so making use of manual mode is still a must on certain downhill roads so as not to overwork the brakes.

In typical Honda fashion, the HR-V S comes with a good set of brakes. Whether you’re on the highway or driving around town, the brakes give you confidence to stop on a dime. In fact, a light prod on the brake pedal is all that is needed to slow down the vehicle to a complete stop, thanks to the impressive pedal feel.

Despite not benefiting from the brand’s e:HEV system, the 1.5L engine can hold its own when it comes to fuel economy. In light city traffic at an average speed of 30 - 40 km/h, the crossover was able to average up to 11 km/L. In slightly heavier traffic conditions, however, that figure goes down to around 8 - 8.5 km/L, which is still impressive in my opinion. On the highway at an average speed of 90 km/h, it can return up to 21 km/L.

Mind you, I was able to achieve these figures on Normal mode, not on Eco Mode (or Econ as Honda likes to call it). While I could have gotten better fuel economy figures on Econ, the throttle response is not as intuitive, and the fan speed on the climate control is not as powerful.

As far as ride comfort and handling are concerned, the HR-V S is one of the best in the B-SUV segment. Starting with the latter, pock-marked streets and rutted roads are easily dealt with, while tire noise is easily suppressed. Noise, Vibration, & Harshness (NVH) deadening is good, although I do wish it had thicker side windows to keep outside noise at bay. But then again, the HR-V is still a B-segment crossover SUV.

Since it shares its chassis with the City & City Hatchback, the HR-V gets the same nimble handling characteristics. The adaptive steering is light when you’re just cruising around and only becomes slightly heavier when you’re on the highway. Despite having a numb steering feel, the agile handling of the HR-V means it’s fun to drive on twisty roads. It’s no Civic Type R, but it’s still a joy to drive.

Despite only minor upgrades here and there, Honda made sure their changes mattered. Yes, the exterior design is mostly the same, but it didn’t need any major changes to begin with. The introduction of wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto is a godsend since most B-SUVs nowadays have that feature as standard. The redesigned center console and leather upholstery are also a welcome change, as they make for a more practical and comfortable cabin. It gets Honda Sensing as standard, which is always a nice feature to have to keep you and your passengers safe while on the road. Last but not least, the powertrain, fuel economy, handling, and ride comfort are still top-notch, which Honda is known for.

But with a sticker price of PHP 1,450,000, the B-SUV has one heck of a hurdle to jump. Before getting its first mid-cycle update, the HR-V S used to retail for PHP 1,250,000, which was already quite expensive at the time when compared to its closest competitors. Yes, the 2025 HR-V S received minor upgrades, but it’s difficult to fathom the PHP 200,000 markup. It's like they itemized the upgrades and charged customers full price of each instead of a package. 

The Honda HR-V S is still an impressive crossover despite being a base model since it doesn’t look or feel entry-level. Unfortunately, the crossover continues to be a victim of Honda’s price inflation that seems to know no bounds. It’s a good crossover, but it’s not worth the PHP 1.45M price tag Honda is asking for.