5 Reasons the HR-V is an Awesome Green SUV

The 2016 Honda HR-V, along with five other vehicles, all received recognition from the Green Car Journal as a step toward an environmentally friendly vehicle. However, only the HR-V an Awesome Green SUV. This honor looks at a vehicle’s ability to combine functionality, versatility, safety, and sustainability. If you didn’t know much about the HR-V, here are a few reasons it took home the grand prize.

Fuel Economy

Thanks to an efficient 141-horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine borrowed from the Honda Civic, the HR-V is capable of going up to 35 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city. Unlike other crossovers, the HR-V relies on cutting-edge technology to deliver fuel economy that similarly sized vehicles only dream about. Even with optional all-wheel drive, the HR-V’s mileage isn’t impacted too greatly. It still gets 35 mpg highway and 28 mpg city.*

^{*25 city/34 highway/28 combined mpg rating for 6MT models. 28 city/35 highway/31 combined mpg rating for 2WD CVT models. 27 city/32 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD CVT models. Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors}

 

Low Pricing

Another criteria of the Green SUV of the Year is its accessibility to drivers on different budgets. The thought is that an affordable price coupled with lower emissions leads to a greater reduction in greenhouse gases nationwide. Starting at just $19,215, the HR-V hits the perfect price point. It’s cheap enough for a first-time buyer or for buyers on budget, but it puts features in upper trim levels that cater to the more affluent.

^{*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $900.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.}

Interior Versatility

Few other SUVs or crossovers handle like a sedan while also offering a spacious interior. The HR-V, on the other hand, combines the two thanks to a fold-flat, second-row Magic Seat. This provides nearly 59 cubic feet of cargo space when the Magic Seat is down. Even with the row in an upright position, the HR-V still gives you 24 cubic feet, which is double the size of the average sedan’s trunk.

The CVT Advantage

A CVT, or continuously variable transmission, is unlike a standard automatic transmission. Without diving too far into the mechanics of it, a CVT uses two pulleys to provide the optimal gear ratio to power the tires, whereas an automatic transmission uses fixed gears. The advantage of a CVT is that it’s far more efficient than either the traditional automatic or manual transmissions. By using more power only when necessary, the CVT is the catalyst for better fuel economy and a smoother ride.

Becoming the Green SUV of the Year doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a team of engineers dedicated to providing the most efficient engine possible. As the HR-V brand name moves into the future, it’s interesting to see where it will go from here, as it’s accomplished what many cars can’t in a lifetime. However, things look bright for Honda’s flagship crossover.

*Based on 2016 EPA mileage/highway estimates and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml 

Image via Pixabay

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