Used Honda HR-V for sale: everything you need to know

The third-generation Honda HR-V debuted in 2021, following on from 1999’s quirky original and 2013’s more toned-down second generation car. The latest model is the most upmarket and probably the most stylish yet, with a handsome look that seems less try-hard than some of the HR-V’s rivals.

It’s full of typical Honda common-sense touches too, from the brand’s ‘Magic Seats’ that fold into the floor for a completely flat load area, to a smooth and very frugal hybrid powertrain that, thanks to Honda’s excellent reputation for reliability, should prove trouble-free for plenty of years to come.

The hybrid-only Toyota C-HR is probably closest in ethos to the HR-V, but goes for a more dramatic look, while the Mazda CX-30 has a similarly premium feel to the Honda but offers a sportier drive. The Honda’s a little larger than the Ford Puma and Nissan Juke, but both are popular cars in the small SUV class too.

Should you buy a Honda HR-V?

Hondas have always appealed for their reliability and ease of use, but the latest Honda HR-V, launched in 2021, adds stylish looks and a clean, modern cabin design to the qualities offered by its predecessors - plus hybrid power that should keep running costs low.

In our full review of the Honda HR-V we suggested it’s the kind of car you might buy if you tend to keep your cars for a long time, and that’s just as relevant when buying a used HR-V. That’s because it’s likely to be very reliable, and with claimed economy figures well into the 60mpg range, you’ll be better prepared than many for the next time petrol prices rise.

The HR-V is a little larger than cars like the Nissan Juke and Ford Puma, which helps it feel spacious inside, though some of this has come at the expense of boot space. Still, thanks to Honda’s ‘Magic Seats’ concept, which allows the rear seats to fold completely flat, it’s still very practical. The cabin design is smart too, and all models come with a touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It’s smooth and comfort-orientated on the road, with light steering and a fairly supple ride. One potential downside is the absence of an all-wheel drive model, so you might need to look elsewhere if that’s a priority.

Still, the HR-V isn’t alone in not offering all-wheel drive. One rival that does, albeit only in certain variants, is the Toyota C-HR, and at a similar size and with predominantly hybrid drivetrains, it’s the Honda’s closest equivalent in the market. The Mazda CX-30 is another option, being stylish inside and out (it lacks a hybrid variant, but the similarly-sized MX-30 comes with full EV and range-extended models). If you don’t mind something a little smaller, the Ford Puma is good to drive and does have a hybrid model in its roster.

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What’s the best used Honda HR-V model to buy?

The simple range means choosing an HR-V shouldn’t be too difficult. There’s just one engine, and three trim levels. Most buyers will be happy with the Elegance model that starts the range, though if an Advance is in budget, we’d probably go for this for its heated steering wheel and heated windscreen, and the hands-free tailgate could prove useful too. Advance Style above it is, as the name suggests, mainly an aesthetic package, so isn’t essential unless you’re keen on the visual upgrades.

Used Honda HR-V fuel economy and performance

• Honda HR-V 1.5 i-MMD: With hybrid assistance the 1.5-litre petrol engine in the HR-V makes a combined 131PS, through an eCVT automatic gearbox and powering the front wheels alone. 0-62mph takes 10.6-10.7 seconds depending on spec, with combined economy of up to 67.3mpg.

What used Honda HR-V trim levels are available?

The latest HR-V has a three-tier trim range. There’s a decent level of standard kit across the board, though Advance trim in particular adds a few items that are probably worth trading up to, such as the heated windscreen and heated steering wheel. The Advance Style is accurately named, being more of a visual package.

• The Honda HR-V Elegance features 18-inch alloy wheels, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, air conditioning, and heated door mirrors.
• The Honda HR-V Advance adds a hands-free power tailgate, LED fog lights, a heated leather steering wheel, a heated windscreen, dual-zone air conditioning, and synthetic leather and fabric seats.
• The Honda HR-V Advance Style includes a two-tone roof, coloured exterior detailing and interior accents, smoked rear lights, a premium audio system, light grey synthetic leather and fabric seats, wireless phone charging, and roof rails.

Used Honda HR-V dimensions and boot size

The Honda HR-V’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4340mm
• Width: 1790mm (without mirrors), 2028mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1582mm

The Honda HR-V’s boot size is:

• 319 litres (304 litres Advance Style)
• 1289 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof, 1274 litres Advance Style)

Used Honda HR-V road tax

As the HR-V is hybrid-only, and starts comfortably below the government’s £40k threshold for a higher rate of VED, you’ll pay £170 per year (at the time of writing) to tax any post-2021 HR-V.

How much is it to insure a Honda HR-V?

Insurance may be more than you’d expect, with Elegance models starting in insurance group 30 (out of 50), and Advance stepping up to group 31. That’s a little more than the high end of 2017-2023 Toyota C-HRs, which top out at group 29 but start much lower in group 14.

Read our full Honda HR-V review