Honda HR-V e:HEV RS 2026 Review

Unlike most manufacturers that like to stick with recommended retail pricing (RRP), Honda goes with drive-away figures, so you know exactly what you’re up for.

And in terms of the newly added 2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS, it’s a significant outlay for a small SUV. As the range-topper, it’ll set you back $44,400. That’s a chunk more expensive than the ever-growing surge of Chinese SUVs – with a fair portion of them being EVs, too.

One glance at the sales charts proves that Aussies are willing to take a punt on emerging manufacturers if the price is right. Therefore, Honda slashed prices with a 2024 update, meaning the petrol-only Vi X starts at $32,900.

From there it’s all hybrid propulsion, with the e:HEV X and e:HEV L priced at $39,990 and $42,900. The entire range is front-wheel drive (FWD) and comes exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (e-CVT).

It’s worth noting that high-end versions of the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, Nissan QASHQAI e-Power and Toyota Corolla Cross are more expensive than the HR-V.

The Skoda Kamiq is a great option if you don’t require a hybrid. It remains fuel-efficient while also being a Tardis on wheels.

The RS designation has become a staple within the Honda showroom, with visual and specification enhancements justifying the higher cost.

‘Our’ 2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS is painted in Platinum White with the exclusive 18-inch alloys and black accents covering the grille, mirror caps, bumpers and door trims. Essentially, it’s body cladding to ramp up the faux-SUV silhouette.

The rear door handles are also placed within the C-pillar to give the illusion of a two-door form factor – like the original. Black and red continues to be the theme inside, with the RS gaining a mix of cloth and synthetic leather upholstery as well as red stitching on the dashboard.

Other standard equipment includes LED headlights with active cornering lights and daytime running lights, LED taillights, proximity-based keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, hands-free powered tailgate, as well as a heated steering wheel and front seats.

Given the price point, it’s frustrating that the front pews aren’t power-adjustable. Instead, they’re manually adjusted, including for height. And while some might find they can’t sit low enough, there’s something refreshing about the high-quality cloth inserts instead of the full artificial-leather treatment.

The other exterior colours include Crystal Red, Premium White Silver, Slate Grey, Botanic Green and Crystal Black. Despite being metallic or pearl hues, they’re all no-cost options. Honda also offers a wide range of accessories like roof racks ($1390), mud flaps ($150), deluxe floor mats ($250) and much more.

The HR-V e:HEV RS is covered by Honda’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with roadside assistance for the same period. The battery receives an eight-year warranty.

While the servicing interval is relatively short at 10,000km (or 12 months, whichever comes first), the fixed price of $199 per visit is very competitive. Knowing that the first five years/50,000km are capped at $995 adds peace of mind.

The 2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS falls a rung short of a full five-star ANCAP safety rating. However, it isn’t alone, with the Hyundai Kona sharing the same score.

According to the local testing body, the HR-V slightly missed set markers for Child Occupant Protection (77 per cent) and Safety Assist (69 per cent). Proving the fine margins, the markers for these categories are 80 per cent and 70 per cent respectively. The HR-V performed to a five-star standard in terms of Adult Occupant Protection (82 per cent) and Vulnerable Road User Protection (72 per cent).

Having said that, the fact the HR-V e:HEV RS misses out on driver-attention monitoring could be a positive for some buyers as it’s one less audible warning. A lack of a 360-degree camera is a shame given both the price point and the family focus.

Still, the HR-V is packed with Honda Sensing active systems, highlighted by autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane keeping, road sign recognition, parking sensors and a multi-angle reversing camera with dynamic guidelines.

The HR-V is fitted with six airbags (notably missing a front-centre airbag), two ISOFIX points and dual top-tether anchorages.

The 2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS might not claim screen-bragging rights, but the more pared-back nature of the tech suite will be a big selling point to some. Flashy isn’t always best.

Still, the HR-V gains a 9.0-inch central infotainment screen that’s pretty responsive and features Google Built-in. The graphics aren’t overly contemporary, but functionality is great with a clear menu structure and, wait for it, a physical volume knob.

Only part of the instrument cluster is a digital display, which offers information like energy flow and the trip computer. Yet, the analogue speedo is somehow pleasing in a pared-back way.

Other than that, it comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, native sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio (as well as an AM/FM tuner), USB ports, six-speaker audio and five years of complimentary Honda Connect. The latter affords remote access via a smartphone app.

Rather frustratingly, given the wireless smartphone mirroring, a wireless charging pad isn’t included. Honda will sell you one as an accessory for $640, which is a bit harsh given the $44,400 sticker.

The 2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS doesn’t gain any extra power despite the fancy RS badging.

It’s a series and parallel hybrid system with two electric motors and a traditional engine. The RS’s internal-combustion engine is a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with 78kW and 131Nm. The electrification quotient totals 96kW and 253Nm for a combined output of 96kW and 253Nm.

Around the city, the electric assistance gives the RS a much-needed bump in torque, so it feels a little more robust than the numbers suggest. And given it weighs a rather lithe 1386kg, it’s sprightlier than you might expect off the line with the assistance of the e-motor.

However, don’t go thinking it’s sporty – in any way. It struggles slightly on the open road, with tardy acceleration for highway overtakes. Yet, apart from the audible change, the transition between the power sources is largely imperceptible.

It’s front-wheel drive only and the RS uses a stepped-ratio e-CVT. The latter works well with the simulated ‘gears’, often negating the perched-revs effect, but the engine can still sound strained under heavy load. There’s also no way of cycling through the ratios manually.

While not matching the efficiency of rivals from Hyundai and Toyota, the 2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS produces respectable fuel economy. The official claimed average is 4.3L/100km, which is 1.9L/100km more efficient than the base-model petrol.

Through a week of city, urban, highway and road-testing conditions, our figure came to 5.4L/100km. For comparison, in a recent long-term test of the Vi X, we recorded 6.7L/100km. So there is a benefit to choosing a hybrid, but the gap isn’t as wide as you’d expect.

There isn’t a dedicated EV-only mode (it comes with ECON, Normal and Sport), but the e:HEV powertrain can run without the internal-combustion engine for short periods at very slow speeds. It has a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack and charges through the engine and brake regeneration, meaning you never need to plug in to charge.

Speaking of, there are levels of regeneration accessed via the steering wheel-mounted paddles, or there’s a B mode to select through the gear shifter. The fuel tank is small at 40 litres, but it can be filled with cheaper 91RON unleaded petrol.

This is where you feel your dollars and cents being utilised.

Yes, the Chinese competition can dazzle with specification and low prices, but they don’t drive as well as the 2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS. It has a sense of solidity and sophistication those rivals can’t match.

It doesn’t do it with fancy multi-link rear suspension or adaptive dampers, either. The revised MacPherson struts up front and torsion-beam rear end do the job amicably, with the ride quality on 18-inch alloy wheels being composed and compliant in most conditions – only the sharpest of bumps catch it out.

Those ‘rims’ are wrapped in Michelin Primacy 4 tyres (225/50 R18), too. Not that there’s enough grunt to overpower the front axle, but the RS has ample purchase whether the road is dry or wet.

A highlight of the dynamic package is the steering. It’s both light in town, yet hefty enough along back roads with natural feedback. There can be some kickback over potholed surfaces, but it’s only on the odd occasion. And placing the lane-departure button on the steering wheel itself is a good idea as the system can be intrusive.

An elevated seating position does aid vision out of the cabin, but the rear three-quarter, over-the-shoulder view can be obstructed by the thick C-pillar. General noise, vibration and harshness levels are well suppressed, but coarse-chip surfaces can introduce some tyre roar at speed.

Still, the HR-V e:HEV RS tracks nicely through corners, changes direction willingly and its shock absorbers control rebound well. Honda’s handling track record is generally an enviable one. Few small SUVs are as pleasant to drive and live with behind the wheel.

Inside, the 2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS looks and feels like a premium Japanese product. It makes you feel like you’re inside something more upmarket than the small SUV norm.

You can tell the attention to detail with the positive tactility of the physical dials regulating the air vents and climate control. The cabin is an ergonomic win, one that avoids menu-diving to complete simple tasks – logic prevails.

It’s even practical with two beverage holders for every occupant and generous levels of storage to place various paraphernalia. It’s good to see that the interior isn’t form over function and that while the design is appealing, being liveable hasn’t been forgotten.

However, one of the biggest deal-breakers for families is the fact the HR-V is a four-seat proposition. There are two sculpted rear seats and no belt for the middle pew, so in the eyes of the law, you can’t fit occupants three abreast. It also doesn’t meet Australian Design Rules regarding child-seat anchorages (it doesn’t have one for the middle seat).

Although, we do concede that if you’re a family of five, you’re probably going to be buying something bigger, like the CR-V.

Honda’s Magic Seats are a big swing back in the right direction and they provide a vast amount of storage solutions. Want that flat-screen TV or tall potted plant? Simply flip up the seat bases and lock them into place and you’re good to go.

Not only are the origami-style back seats generous, for a small SUV, headroom and legroom are substantial. The RS also gains rear air vents (unlike the base models). Amenities are covered off by handy map/phone pockets, USB ports, a fold-down centre armrest and bottle holders.

As a raw figure, the 304-litre boot is below class average. Yet, in reality it’s far more useable. And again, those Magic Seats prove their worth by lowering the seat base to fold completely flat. They stow in a 60/40 fashion, and when you do the cargo capacity expands to 1274L.

There is secure underfloor storage instead of a space-saver spare (a puncture repair kit is provided), and the cargo blind is handily attached to the bootlid. It’s a smart solution and means you don’t need to stow a parcel shelf.

Holistically, the HR-V is a competent, easy-to-like product that should be on your small SUV shopping list. Just not the overpriced 2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS variant.

The kicker is the fact it’s $4500 more expensive than the cheapest hybrid. And there simply isn’t enough meat on the RS bone for the cash, making it hard to justify. Essentially, you’re paying for the sporty pretence.

Additionally, while the HR-V range has pivoted heavily in favour of the e:HEV powertrain, the conventional Vi X makes a strong case for sacrificing fuel efficiency to save $11,500.

Ultimately, no matter what’s under the bonnet, spending less equals more within the HR-V range. You aren’t shortchanged for doing so either, as the cheap servicing costs, pragmatic interior and overall rightness of the package flow through all grades.

Overall, it’s Honda’s reminder that strong options remain outside the onslaught of Chinese metal.

2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS at a glance:
Price: $44,400 (drive-away)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric
Output: 78kW/131Nm (electric motor: 96kW/253Nm)
Combined output: 96kW/253Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 4.3L/100km
CO2: 98g/km
Safety rating: Four-star (ANCAP 2022)

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