2026 Honda HR-V AWD EX-L: Is This Fully Loaded Trim the BEST?

In this car review, I take a closer look at the 2026 Honda HR-V AWD EX-L to determine if this fully loaded trim is the best compact SUV on the market. 

The Honda HR-V has long been a staple in the crossover segment, known for its reliability and impressive features. As a Honda SUV, the HR-V offers a unique blend of style, functionality, and performance, making it a top contender among the best small SUVs available. With its all-wheel-drive system and feature loaded EX-L trim, this vehicle is sure to impress even the most discerning drivers. 

In this review, I'll delve into the Honda HR-V's interior, features, and overall driving experience to help you decide if the HR-V is the right choice for you. Whether you're in the market for a new Honda crossover or simply looking for the best Honda review, this video has got you covered. So, is the Honda HR-V AWD EX-L the best compact SUV out there? Watch to find out!

Drive Culture is detailed car review YouTube channel hosted by the ultimate car enthusiast, Jonathon Rivers. Who is Jonathon Rivers? Well, he's a 15-year-plus auto industry veteran, who was born and raised in the Motor City! He lived several years in Japan, speaks and reads Japanese, and now works for American Honda Motor. (Although this channel is his own & not affiliated) He's owned several fun cars including an Evo IV, multiple Civic Si, Focus RS, and most recently the Integra Type S (which he led planning for Acura)! 

He's also been lucky enough to drive just about every key new product in the market from compact cars to SUVs and EVs as well as super cars! If that isn't enough to prove his "car guy" status, Rivers has also been featured in Motor Trend, Car and Driver, AutoBlog, Jay Leno's Garage, Raiti's Rides and the Savage Geese channels! He's on Instagram   here and Facebook   here.

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A transcript, summarized by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.

[Image: YouTube Screenshot]

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Summary

The reviewer examines the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L AWD, arguing that the fully loaded EX-L trim offers the best balance of features and value in the lineup. While the 2026 model receives a mid-cycle refresh, the updates are modest and focus primarily on styling and equipment rather than mechanical changes. 

Pricing and lineup

• • Three trims are available: LX, Sport, and EX-L.
  • Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on every trim.
  • The tested EX-L AWD has an MSRP of $31,550 before destination and optional paint.
  • The featured Modern Steel Metallic paint carries no additional charge. 

Exterior updates

The refresh leaves the body largely unchanged, reflecting the popularity of the current design. Changes include:

• • New 18-inch machined alloy wheels replacing the previous 17-inch wheels on the EX-L.
  • LED lighting, black trim accents, parking sensors, and updated wheel designs contribute to a more upscale appearance.
  • The reviewer considers the rear styling one of the vehicle's strongest design angles. 

Interior

The EX-L's cabin emphasizes comfort and premium materials:

• • Soft-touch dashboard with contrast stitching.
  • Honeycomb-pattern air vents and quality switchgear.
  • Leather-trimmed, heated front seats.
  • Power driver's seat (manual passenger seat).
  • Physical climate controls instead of touchscreen-only controls.
  • 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Half-digital instrument cluster.
  • Eight-speaker, 180-watt audio system, which the reviewer says performs surprisingly well despite lacking a premium Bose option.
  • Moonroof included on the EX-L. 

Rear seat and cargo

Rear-seat space is praised as generous for the segment, with ample legroom and headroom for average-sized adults. However, the reviewer notes a few omissions:

• • No rear air vents.
  • No rear USB charging ports.
  • No fold-down center armrest.
  • Easy child-seat installation.

Cargo highlights include:

• • 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
  • Underfloor storage compartments.
  • A full-size spare tire, an uncommon and appreciated feature in this class. 

Powertrain

The refresh does not alter the drivetrain:

• • 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder.
  • 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque.
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
  • Optional all-wheel drive.

The reviewer notes that while acceleration isn't quick, the engine is adequate for daily driving. 

Driving impressions

The HR-V earns high marks for refinement and handling:

• • Smooth ride with excellent noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control.
  • Confident chassis with minimal body roll.
  • Comfortable suspension over rough roads and railroad crossings.
  • Three drive modes (Normal, Econ, Snow), plus an "S" transmission mode that sharpens throttle response.
  • The reviewer finds S mode noticeably livelier for highway merging, though it doesn't transform the HR-V into a sporty vehicle. 

Overall verdict

The reviewer concludes that the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L AWD is one of the strongest choices in the compact crossover segment for buyers seeking comfort, refinement, practicality, and premium features without exceeding roughly $32,000. Although the powertrain is unchanged and modest in performance, the excellent ride quality, well-finished interior, generous cargo space, and strong overall value make the EX-L the standout trim in the HR-V lineup.

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