Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A blue 2022 Honda HR-V EX is shown from the front driving on an open road in the pouring rain.

Which Trim of the 2022 Honda HR-V Should You Choose?

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, then you’re probably wondering what make and model is ideal for your situation. While you’d like something that provides comfort and the amenities that help alleviate the stress of the day-to-day, there’s also a need for practicality. The modern driver is concerned with fuel efficiency, safety, driver-assist features, and of course, a price that fits within the confines of a predetermined budget. It goes beyond the importance of getting from point A to point B, to having the ability to escape from the ordinary and enjoy some much-needed downtime. For this reason, you might want to consider a subcompact SUV. You’ll have the benefits of extra storage for those lengthy trips, an adequate level of comfort, and most importantly, something that’s versatile at both work and play. The 2022 Honda HR-V is able to accommodate all of these needs with relative ease.

While choosing a make and model for the ideal vehicle may seem simple enough, there’s another part of the car buying process that sometimes gets overlooked—selecting the ideal trim. The trims we’re examining today have to do with certain features of the 2022 Honda HR-V. There is no linear process for providing consumers with the ideal vehicle. To this end, manufacturers offer trims that cater to the various needs of consumers. The Honda HR-V has four levels that are available. By the time you’re finished reading this article, you’ll have more than enough information to make an informed decision.

A white 2022 Honda HR-V LX is shown from the side parked in front of a store.

2022 Honda HR-V LX

Many drivers will be happy to learn that Honda makes several standard features that are available on all four trims, including the entry-level LX. These include a 1.8L four-cylinder engine that generates 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. The LX comes available in front-wheel drive and AWD, and both drivetrains have combined MPGs of 30 and 29, respectively. The LX has a slight advantage over the other three trims as their AWD options have a combined MPG of 28.

All four trims come with a considerable amount of standard safety features, such as electronic brake distribution, tire pressure monitoring systems, vehicle stability assist, and traction control. The LX is a standard subcompact SUV that equips drivers with the necessities they need for a sustainable quality of life. There are a fair number of amenities provided as well, including a 160-watt audio system with four speakers and streaming audio via Bluetooth. With a starting MSRP of only $21,870, the LX trim of the HR-V makes the ideal SUV experience available to consumers at a price that’s competitive and affordable.

2022 Honda HR-V Sport

The second trim of the HR-V has a considerable amount in common with the introductory version. There’s more attention focused on amenities, with a standard 180-watt four-speaker system that’s compatible with Pandora, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever elevate the aesthetic of the interior and place emphasis on the “sport” aspect of the trim. Exclusive to the Sport trim are the 18” alloy wheels, which will certainly turn heads. And while you might never see it, the Sport trim also receives a different set of stabilizer bars than the other trims, sharpening the handling of the vehicle.

The Sport trim shares all of the same safety features as the LX, so the primary differences between the two come down to a matter of luxury and comfort. For the driver who enjoys style and wants to set themselves apart from the crowd, the Sport is certainly ideal. While the two introductory trims of the 2022 HR-V might not have the expansive driver-assistance technologies of the upper trims, the vehicle was awarded a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. This will grant peace of mind to drivers who value safety as the most important aspect of any vehicle purchase.

2022 Honda HR-V EX

One of the two upper trims of the 2022 HR-V, Honda certainly rolls out the red carpet for those who choose the EX. When you get behind the wheel of the EX trim, you’ll feel warm and toasty inside. While some might expect this feeling to be from euphoria, it’s from the heated front seats. You can also make sure the temperature is always to your liking, thanks to the automatic climate control that comes standard on the upper trims. For the audiophile in all of us, both upper trim levels come with a 180-watt, six-speaker system, because sometimes the worries of the world need to be drowned out at maximum volume. HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio also come standard, meaning the listening options are too many to count.

One might be wondering what the main factors that separate the two introductory trims from the EX are. Well, for the technologically minded, both upper trim levels come with Honda Sensing. This is a package of driver-assist technologies that afford extra protection and vision, not just for you, but for the other drivers and pedestrians that share the same space on the road. Some of the features include driving and road departure mitigation systems, which apply braking and steering when necessary, as well as adaptive cruise control, which monitors traffic patterns and can adjust speeds accordingly.

The efficiency of technology accompanies both upper trim levels and will certainly make the drive a little easier to handle. It can’t be stressed enough that driver-assist technologies do not replace the actions and practices of a safe and responsible driver.

The black interior of a 2022 Honda HR-V EX-L shows the steering wheel and infotainment screen.

2022 Honda HR-V EX-L

To paraphrase a line from Woody Harrelson in Zombieland, we’ve reached the “tippy-top of the A-list.” The EX-L is the top trim for the 2022 Honda HR-V. Getting behind the wheel for the first time is an instantaneous trip to the lap of luxury. While the heated front seats of the EX are still present, the ones in that particular trim are also trimmed with leather. The leather accessories don’t stop there; like the Sport trim, the EX-L also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. After all, if you’re going to be in the lap of luxury, you might as well feel it with your fingertips. The EX-L also features an automatic dimming rear-view mirror and is the only trim to have this amenity.

The EX-L edges past the EX in terms of pampering the driver and giving you a unique balance of practicality and luxury. And for the average consumer, this is certainly a welcomed change in a world that continually sees many wanting more and settling for less. Especially when you consider that the MSRP for the 2022 Honda HR-V EX-L remains quite affordable at $26,670. There are a lot of cars out there where you can pay more to get less.

A Choice Selection

With a starting MSRP that undercuts similar offerings from Jeep, Mazda, and Volkswagen, the HR-V is the ideal vehicle for the average consumer. As the popularity of the SUV continues to grow, Honda has continually made more available for a lower price than the competition. Whether you favor safety, comfort, or price, there’s a trim of the 2022 Honda HR-V that’s ideal for you.