The 2019 Honda HR-V marks a significant step forward in safety for this subcompact SUV, thanks to structural enhancements implemented starting from this model year. These improvements focused on reinforcing the front door hinge pillars and front-end structure, specifically to enhance occupant protection in small overlap and moderate overlap frontal crashes. This article delves into a detailed breakdown of the 2019 Honda HR-V’s safety performance based on evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The driver-side small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end on the driver’s side impacts a rigid object, like a tree or pole. This is a particularly challenging test because it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the vehicle.
Driver-Side Performance: “Good” Rating
The 2019 Honda HR-V earned a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front crash test, the highest rating possible. Key evaluation criteria and their corresponding “Good” ratings include:
- Structure and Safety Cage: The structural integrity of the HR-V held up exceptionally well, maintaining the survival space for the driver.
- Driver Injury Measures (Head/Neck, Chest, Hip/Thigh, Lower Leg/Foot): Sensors on the crash test dummy indicated a low risk of injury to all critical body regions for the driver in this type of crash.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: The airbags and seat belts effectively controlled the dummy’s movement, indicating proper restraint system performance.
Action shot depicting the 2019 Honda HR-V undergoing the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test.
Image showing the driver dummy’s position after the driver-side small overlap crash test of the 2019 Honda HR-V, highlighting maintained survival space.
Illustration of the frontal and side curtain airbags deploying effectively to protect the driver’s head in the 2019 Honda HR-V small overlap frontal crash.
Visualization of the well-maintained driver space in the 2019 Honda HR-V after a small overlap crash, indicating low leg and foot injury risk.
Technical Measurements: Driver-Side Small Overlap
Detailed technical measurements from the driver-side small overlap test further support the “Good” rating. Key data points include:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion: Minimal intrusion into the driver’s space was recorded. For example, the maximum intrusion at the lower hinge pillar was only 6 cm, and steering column movement was 0 cm.
Driver Injury Measures: Low injury measures were recorded across all categories. The Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) was a low 179, and chest compression was minimal at 23 mm. Femur and tibia forces were also well within acceptable limits, indicating a low risk of leg injuries.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap test mirrors the driver-side test but assesses the safety performance for the front passenger.
Passenger-Side Performance: “Good” Overall Rating
The 2019 Honda HR-V also achieved a “Good” overall rating for the passenger-side small overlap test. While the “Structure and Safety Cage” rating was “Acceptable,” all passenger and driver injury measures and restraint evaluations were rated “Good.”
Technical Measurements: Passenger-Side Small Overlap
Technical measurements for the passenger-side test revealed slightly higher intrusion levels compared to the driver-side, which explains the “Acceptable” structure rating. For instance, the lower hinge pillar intrusion was 11 cm, and upper dash intrusion was also 11 cm. However, injury measures for both passenger and driver dummies remained low, similar to the driver-side test, ensuring occupant safety.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
In the moderate overlap front test, a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end (40%) impacts a deformable barrier at 40 mph. This test represents a significant portion of real-world frontal crashes.
Moderate Overlap Performance: “Good” Rating
The 2019 Honda HR-V earned a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front crash test. All evaluation criteria, including structure, driver injury measures (head/neck, chest, leg/foot), and restraints, received the highest “Good” rating.
Technical Measurements: Moderate Overlap Front
Measurements showed minimal occupant compartment intrusion and low injury measures. Footwell intrusion was limited, and steering column movement was well-controlled. Driver injury measures, such as HIC-15 (323) and chest compression (23 mm), were again low, indicating good protection in a moderate frontal impact.
Side Crash Test: Original and Updated
The side crash test evaluates occupant protection in a side impact scenario. The IIHS conducts two types of side crash tests: the original side test and an updated, more severe test. The 2019 Honda HR-V was subjected to both.
Original Side Crash Test: “Good” Rating
In the original side crash test, the 2019 Honda HR-V achieved a “Good” overall rating. Both driver and rear passenger injury measures, head protection, and structural performance were rated “Good.”
Visual of the 2017 Honda HR-V immediately following the original side impact crash test.
Image showing the damage to the occupant compartment and deployed side airbags of the 2017 Honda HR-V after the original side crash test.
Grease paint marking on the side curtain airbag indicating driver head protection in the 2017 Honda HR-V side impact test.
Grease paint residue on the side airbag showing rear passenger head protection during the 2017 Honda HR-V side impact crash test.
Updated Side Crash Test: “Poor” Rating
However, in the more demanding updated side crash test, the 2019 Honda HR-V received a “Poor” overall rating. While head and neck protection for both driver and rear passenger remained “Good,” torso protection was “Acceptable,” and pelvis protection was “Marginal.” Critically, the “Structure and Safety Cage” was rated “Poor,” indicating significant structural deficiencies in this more severe side impact scenario.
Picture of the 2021 Honda HR-V right after undergoing the updated, more stringent side impact crash test.
Image displaying the deployed side airbags and damage to the occupant area of the 2021 Honda HR-V after the updated side crash test.
Grease paint markings illustrating driver head protection by side airbags in the 2021 Honda HR-V updated side crash test.
Grease paint evidence of rear passenger head protection from the side airbag during the 2021 Honda HR-V updated side crash test.
Roof Strength Test: “Good” Rating
The roof strength test assesses the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash.
Roof Strength Performance: “Good” Rating
The 2019 Honda HR-V earned a “Good” rating in roof strength, with a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.14. This indicates the roof can withstand over five times the vehicle’s weight, providing good protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats: “Good” Rating
Head restraints and seats are evaluated for their ability to protect against neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
Head Restraints & Seats Performance: “Good” Rating
The 2019 Honda HR-V’s head restraints and seats received a “Good” overall rating, with “Good” ratings for both dynamic performance and seat/head restraint geometry. Technical measurements confirmed effective head restraint positioning and minimal neck forces during simulated rear impacts.
Headlights: Mixed Ratings Depending on Trim
Headlight performance varies significantly across the 2019 Honda HR-V trim levels, impacting nighttime visibility and safety.
Touring Trim: “Acceptable” Rating
The Touring trim, equipped with LED reflector headlights, received an “Acceptable” overall rating. While low beams provided fair to good visibility on straightaways and curves, high beam performance was more variable, ranging from good to inadequate depending on the curve type. High-beam assist helps compensate for some low beam limitations.
EX and EX-L Trims: “Marginal” Rating
EX and EX-L trims, featuring halogen projector headlights, earned a “Marginal” overall rating. Low beam visibility was fair on straightaways but inadequate on curves. High beams offered good straightaway visibility but were inadequate on most curves. High-beam assist is included to improve performance.
LX and Sport Trims: “Poor” Rating
LX and Sport trims, also with halogen projector headlights but without high-beam assist, received a “Poor” overall rating. Low and high beam performance was generally inadequate, particularly on curves, indicating potential visibility limitations at night.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle – “Superior”
Front crash prevention systems aim to mitigate or prevent collisions with other vehicles.
Front Crash Prevention Performance: “Superior” (with Optional Honda Sensing)
When equipped with the optional Honda Sensing package, the 2019 Honda HR-V achieved a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention. The system successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests and meets forward collision warning requirements.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH): “Acceptable” Rating
Child seat anchors (LATCH) are evaluated for their ease of use and effectiveness in securing child restraints.
LATCH System Rating: “Acceptable”
The 2019 Honda HR-V’s LATCH system received an “Acceptable” rating. It features two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor and the ability to borrow lower anchors. While generally functional, some lower anchors are noted as being deep in the seat and potentially confusing hardware is present.
Conclusion: Mixed Safety Performance for the 2019 Honda HR-V
The 2019 Honda HR-V demonstrates strong performance in many crash tests, particularly frontal impacts, earning “Good” ratings in small overlap (driver and passenger side) and moderate overlap front tests. Roof strength and head restraint/seat performance are also rated “Good.” Front crash prevention is “Superior” with optional Honda Sensing.
However, the “Poor” rating in the updated side crash test is a significant area of concern. Additionally, headlight ratings vary widely by trim level, with lower trims receiving “Marginal” or “Poor” ratings, impacting nighttime safety. The LATCH system is rated “Acceptable,” indicating room for improvement in ease of use.
Potential buyers should carefully consider these mixed safety results, particularly the updated side crash test and headlight performance, when evaluating the 2019 Honda HR-V. Prioritizing trims with better headlight ratings and understanding the limitations in severe side impacts is crucial for making an informed decision.
