Honda HR-V

The original HR-V arrived in Australia in 1999 as a quirky, boxy little crossover that was genuinely ahead of its time. It lasted just two years before being discontinued, but the nameplate returned in 2015 as a Jazz-based small SUV that perfectly caught the wave of the small SUV boom. Built on the Jazz platform, it inherited the clever Magic Seats that could fold in multiple configurations, giving it class-leading interior flexibility.

The HR-V is Honda Australia's entry-level SUV and its biggest sales success story in recent years. In 2025, it was the standout performer with 4,817 units delivered, a 43.8 per cent increase over 2024's 3,350 units. This growth was driven by the introduction of the refreshed model in September 2024 with lower pricing and the addition of the e:HEV X entry-level hybrid variant. It competes against the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota C-HR in the small SUV segment.

The third-generation HR-V launched in 2022 marked a significant departure from the Jazz-based second generation. Built on a new dedicated platform, it adopted a more grown-up, coupe-like design with a higher price point. Initial sales were slow as the price jump from the outgoing model was significant, but the 2024 refresh with lower pricing and expanded hybrid availability has reinvigorated demand. The e:HEV hybrid variants offer outstanding fuel economy of 4.3L/100km.

The HR-V's story in Australia is one of reinvention. From a forgotten two-year experiment in 1999 to Honda Australia's current sales champion, it demonstrates how the right product at the right time can transform a brand's fortunes. The HR-V's success has been crucial to Honda Australia's recovery from its 2023 sales low of 13,734 units.