2016 Honda HR-V EX Update 2: In Its Element As a Quirky Box Replacement

My family recently sold a 2006 Honda Element. But before we did, I was presented with a unique opportunity; I had both the Element and our long-term HR-V for a week. With both cars on hand, I was able to see if Honda’s smallest crossover is just as practical. I can happily report that the HR-V would make for a great Element replacement.

2006 Honda Element EX P cargo area — A 2006 Honda Element

If you’re looking to downsize to a smaller, more fuel-efficient crossover that’s also practical, the HR-V is a great fit. The HR-V gives you up to 58.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space in front-drive variants. That’s because it’s based on the same architecture as the subcompact Fit and has a fuel tank positioned under the front seats and second-row Magic Seats. Sure, that’s still well short of the Element’s 70-plus cubic feet, but what you get in the HR-V is more usable space because the rear seats fold flat into the floor. The Element, on the other hand, still has intrusions into the cargo area even with the rear seats pulled aside.

2016 Honda HR V EX rear seats folded down — Motor Trend’s 2016 Honda HR-V

The Subaru Crosstrek is the only subcompact crossover that can come close to the HR-V’s total cargo capacity. (The Subaru has 51.9 cubic feet with the second row down and 22.3 cubic feet with them up.) But the Crosstrek lacks Honda’s Magic Seats, so it doesn’t have the same level of versatility. Add to that a flat load floor, low lift-over height, and minimal intrusions into the cabin, and you have a great hauler that’s right at home in the urban jungle.

Sadly, the HR-V is underpowered. With its 1.8-liter I-4 generating only 141 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, you need to push the engine hard to get it going, plan your highway passing maneuvers, and downshift a couple of gears to get it moving when you’ve got it loaded or when you’re climbing up steep grades. Additional low-end torque would do this car a lot of good by complementing its ability to haul plenty of stuff.

More on our 2016 Honda HR-V here:

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