The Honda HR-V is a subcompact SUV first introduced for the 2016 model year, which is a fantastic choice if you're interested in a great used vehicle. When looking for a used Honda HR-V for sale near North Bergen, we're here at Hudson Honda to help you explore different options and find everything you want. That said, we also know that many of our customers like having a plan for what they want and need, making it easier for you to tell us everything you're looking for. 

Fortunately, things are pretty simple with the HR-V since it hasn't been around for a long time, and Honda provides options through distinct trim levels. The model year and other details of the HR-V you're looking at have a big impact on the kinds of features you find, with some we'd consider "must-haves" provided at certain points and missing from others. So let's check out what you should look for when exploring different used HR-V models.

A Brief Note on the Importance of Model Year

Before we get into any details of what you should look for with different used Honda HR-Vs, we need to touch on which model years have the most impact on what you'll find. There are three major years you should have in mind, starting with the 2016 HR-V, which was its introductory year; this is as far back as you can go and probably your most budget-friendly option. 

Honda gave the HR-V an update and refresh for the 2019 model year, making that a great one to keep in mind if you want some newer features. Finally, an all-new generation for the HR-V kicked off with the 2023 model; while these are likely to be the most expensive used options for the HR-V, this is the one to look for if you want the most modern features.

The 2016 HR-V: Features and Trims to Look For

When looking at used Honda HR-Vs, the key thing to note is that features are generally dictated by the trim level you're looking at, so you always want to pay attention to that. For its inaugural model year, Honda offers three different trims for the HR-V: the base LX, upgraded EX, and top-end EX-L Navi. 

All three of these are great and come with the standard 141-hp engine. In terms of performance, however, there are two things to keep in mind: you can find models with front-wheel drive (FWD) and a six-speed manual transmission or intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). If you want a manual transmission, then that's definitely worth looking for; we suggest AWD when possible.

As far as trim levels go, the base LX comes with basic features like 17-inch wheels, a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines, and remote entry. The 60/40 split second-row Magic Seat is standard, along with a four-speaker sound system. 

You get a lot of nice upgrades with the EX, however, including a one-touch power moonroof that gives you a gorgeous view of the sky overhead and auto on/off headlights that are very convenient. The heated side mirrors and heated front seats that you get with the EX are perfect for winters in North Bergen—plus, this trim comes with a push-button start and a six-speaker sound system. You'll also find a seven-inch central touchscreen, which is quite nice for a 2016 model.

Finally, the EX-L Navi is the trim you should look for if you want the most enhanced features available for the 2016 Honda HR-V. The CVT with dual-mode paddle shifters is standard on this trim, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob inside. Leather-trimmed seating goes along with these details nicely, plus you get an automatic-dimming rearview mirror in this model. 

As its name suggests, the EX-L Navi comes with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation included, but since this model was sold about a decade ago, the functionality of its navigation system depends on the particular vehicle you're looking at. Overall, this is the way to go if you want the most advanced features the HR-V initially offers.

The 2019 HR-V: Big Updates and Important Features

Moving on to the 2019 Honda HR-V, there are some big differences between it and the three model years that came before it, which are well worth noting. Performance is much the same with a 141-hp engine but a CVT is now the only option; if you want a manual transmission, then go for an HR-V from before 2019. 

Most models still come with Real-Time AWD available, though the highest trim level has AWD standard. 17-inch wheels are standard, along with a revised exterior that looks better than before. Along with the base LX trim, Honda introduces a Sport trim between it and the EX, and a Touring trim beyond the EX-L.

Just like before, we suggest looking for an AWD model for the best traction and overall handling; this is particularly rewarding when dealing with rough winter weather in North Bergen. If you find a Sport trim, then you'll get a seven-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 18-inch wheels. 

The EX comes with Smart Entry, a push-button start, automatic climate controls, and heated front seats. Most notably, EX and higher trims come with the Honda Sensing suite, which includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Adaptive Cruise Control to enhance your drive and keep you safer.

The 2023 HR-V: Redesigned With Reinvigorated Options

If you want the best collection of features, then we suggest going with a 2023 Honda HR-V, which is available in LX, Sport, and EX-L trims. For starters, you'll find a new 2.0L engine with 158 hp, giving you enhanced performance; a CVT remains the standard along with FWD, with Real-Time AWD available on all three trims. As before, we love the feel of Honda's AWD and suggest looking for one when checking out different pre-owned 2023 HR-Vs. 

Honda Sensing now comes standard on all trims, including the starting LX, with a Collision Mitigation Braking System, a Road Departure Mitigation System, a Lane Keeping Assist System, and more. The higher Sport and EX-L trims come with a Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor, which makes them worth looking for.

The Sport trim comes with heated power side mirrors with integrated turn indicators in Gloss Black (they're body-colored for the EX-L), plus a Sport Grille and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock. Inside, you get automatic climate control as standard with a seven-inch infotainment display and four speakers; the Sport gets heated front seats and a six-speaker sound system. 

If you want the finest features, then look for an EX-L, which gets you an eight-way power driver's seat and leather-trimmed seating inside. You also get a larger nine-inch infotainment system with the EX-L, an eight-speaker sound system, a wireless phone charging pad, and wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Come Find Your Own Honda HR-V for North Bergen

As you can see, Honda makes it easy to find the perfect used HR-V because you can focus primarily on model year and trim level rather than needing to search through a list of specific features and options a previous owner might have chosen. Just pay attention to the year you're looking at (grouped by 2016-2018, 2019-2022, and 2023-now) and note whether any particular used model has FWD or Honda's impressive AWD. 

The straightforward trim levels that Honda offers for the HR-V make it easy to look at any used model and have a good sense of what you'll get. Of course, you always want to look at the details of any specific used vehicle you're interested in to see what it has going on—and remember to shop at a dealership you can trust to have pre-owned vehicles in fantastic shape, like the ones you'll find here at Hudson Honda.