The 2020 Honda HR-V stands as a popular subcompact SUV, known for its fuel efficiency, versatility, and Honda’s reputation for reliability. For prospective buyers and current owners alike, understanding the safety performance of the 2020 Honda HR-V is paramount. This article delves into the comprehensive safety ratings and crash test results for the 2020 Honda HR-V, providing an in-depth analysis based on evaluations from leading safety organizations.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has rigorously tested the Honda HR-V, and this report summarizes their findings across various critical safety evaluations. It’s important to note that Honda implemented structural improvements starting with the 2019 model year to enhance occupant protection in frontal crashes. Therefore, the ratings discussed here are specifically relevant to the 2020 Honda HR-V and models within the 2019-2022 range.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end (driver-side in this case) impacts a barrier. This is a challenging test that assesses how well the vehicle structure holds up and protects the driver in such a severe crash.
Driver-Side Performance Evaluation
The 2020 Honda HR-V achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test, the highest possible rating from IIHS. This indicates robust performance in this demanding scenario.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
Action shot taken during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test of a 2020 Honda HR-V, demonstrating the vehicle’s structural response.
The structural performance and safety cage integrity of the 2020 Honda HR-V were rated “Good,” signifying that the vehicle maintained its structural integrity well during the crash. Furthermore, all driver injury measures – head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot – received “Good” ratings, indicating a low risk of significant injuries in a real-world crash of this type. The driver restraints and dummy kinematics were also deemed “Good,” meaning the airbags and seatbelts functioned effectively to control the dummy’s movement and minimize potential injuries.
Post-crash dummy position in the 2020 Honda HR-V driver-side small overlap test, showing excellent maintenance of survival space.
Technical measurements from the test further support these positive ratings. Occupant compartment intrusion was minimal, and injury measures for the driver dummy were well within acceptable limits.
Effective deployment of frontal and side curtain airbags in the 2020 Honda HR-V small overlap test, protecting the driver’s head.
Driver’s space maintained in the 2020 Honda HR-V small overlap crash, indicating low risk of leg and foot injuries.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
Similar to the driver-side test, the passenger-side small overlap front crash test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect the passenger in a comparable frontal collision on the opposite side.
Passenger-Side Performance Evaluation
The 2020 Honda HR-V also earned a “Good” overall rating for passenger-side small overlap crash protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable (A) |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
While the overall rating remains “Good,” the structure and safety cage received an “Acceptable” rating in the passenger-side test, slightly lower than the “Good” rating in the driver-side test. However, all passenger and driver injury measures and restraint performance were rated “Good,” indicating a similar level of occupant protection for both the driver and front passenger in this type of crash.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test
The moderate overlap front crash test involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacting a barrier, simulating a common type of frontal collision.
Performance Evaluation in Moderate Overlap Front Test
The 2020 Honda HR-V achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front crash test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, left | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The structure and safety cage again earned a “Good” rating, and all driver injury measures, including head/neck, chest, and leg/foot, were also rated “Good.” This consistent “Good” performance across frontal crash tests demonstrates the robust front-end safety design of the 2020 Honda HR-V.
Side Impact Crash Tests
Side impact crashes are another critical area of safety evaluation. IIHS conducts two types of side impact tests: the original side test and an updated, more severe side test.
Original Side Impact Test
In the original side impact test, the 2020 Honda HR-V received a “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
Both driver and rear passenger injury measures, as well as head protection, were rated “Good,” indicating excellent side impact protection in the original test scenario.
A 2017 Honda HR-V pictured just after the original side crash test, representing the model years including the 2020 HR-V.
Side airbags deployed and occupant compartment damage shown in a 2017 Honda HR-V after the original side crash test.
Greasepaint on the side curtain airbag indicates driver dummy’s head protection in the original side crash test.
Greasepaint showing rear passenger dummy’s head protection by the side airbag during the original side crash test.
Updated Side Impact Test
However, in the more stringent updated side impact test, the 2020 Honda HR-V‘s overall rating decreased to “Poor”.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Poor (P) |
| Structure and safety cage | Poor (P) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Acceptable (A) |
| Pelvis | Marginal (M) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Acceptable (A) |
| Pelvis | Marginal (M) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
While head protection remained “Good” for both driver and rear passenger, torso protection was rated “Acceptable,” and pelvis protection was “Marginal.” The structure and safety cage also received a “Poor” rating in this more demanding test. This suggests that while the 2020 Honda HR-V performs well in the original side impact scenario, its side structure may not hold up as effectively in more severe side collisions.
A 2021 Honda HR-V pictured after the more rigorous updated side crash test, relevant to the 2020 model.
Side airbags deployed and occupant compartment damage depicted in a 2021 Honda HR-V following the updated side crash test.
Greasepaint indicating driver dummy’s head protection by side airbags in the updated side crash test.
Greasepaint showing rear passenger dummy’s head protection by the side airbag in the updated side crash test.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test evaluates the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover accident.
Roof Strength Performance
The 2020 Honda HR-V achieved a “Good” rating in the roof strength test.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Curb weight | 3,035 lbs |
| Peak force | 15,604 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.14 |
This “Good” rating indicates that the roof of the 2020 Honda HR-V provides strong protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints and Seats
Head restraints and seats play a crucial role in preventing neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation
The 2020 Honda HR-V received a “Good” rating for head restraints and seats.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good,” indicating effective design in minimizing whiplash injuries in rear impacts.
Headlights
Headlight performance is essential for nighttime driving safety. IIHS evaluates headlights based on visibility and glare. The 2020 Honda HR-V has different headlight options depending on the trim level, resulting in varying ratings.
Headlight Ratings by Trim Level
- Touring trim (LED reflector headlights with High-beam assist): “Acceptable” (A) rating. These headlights offer good visibility on straightaways and curves, with high-beam assist compensating for some limitations.
- EX and EX-L trims (Halogen projector headlights with High-beam assist): “Marginal” (M) rating. These headlights provide fair to inadequate visibility in various driving scenarios, with high-beam assist offering some compensation.
- LX and Sport trims (Halogen projector headlights without High-beam assist): “Poor” (P) rating. These headlights offer inadequate visibility in most scenarios, and lack high-beam assist.
This headlight evaluation highlights a significant variation in safety performance based on the trim level of the 2020 Honda HR-V. Choosing the Touring trim with LED headlights provides a considerable advantage in nighttime visibility.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems can significantly reduce or prevent frontal collisions. The 2020 Honda HR-V offers an optional Collision Mitigation Brake System as part of the Honda Sensing package.
Front Crash Prevention System Evaluation
The 2020 Honda HR-V with the optional Honda Sensing package and Collision Mitigation Brake System received a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
| System details | Optional Collision Mitigation Brake System |
| Package name | Optional Honda Sensing |
The system meets forward collision warning requirements and successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests. This “Superior” rating underscores the effectiveness of the optional Honda Sensing safety suite in preventing frontal crashes.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors (LATCH) are crucial for safe and easy installation of child car seats.
LATCH System Evaluation
The 2020 Honda HR-V received an “Acceptable” rating for its LATCH system.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
| Vehicle trim | LX |
| Seat type | cloth |
The 2020 Honda HR-V has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor and the ability to borrow lower anchors. While rated “Acceptable,” the system has some usability concerns, such as lower anchors being deep in the seat and potentially confusing hardware.
Conclusion
Overall, the 2020 Honda HR-V demonstrates solid safety performance in many critical areas, particularly in frontal crash tests and roof strength. It achieves “Good” ratings in driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and roof strength tests. Head restraints and seats also received a “Good” rating. The optional front crash prevention system is “Superior,” significantly enhancing safety.
However, the updated side impact test revealed a “Poor” rating, indicating a weakness in more severe side collision scenarios. Headlight ratings vary significantly by trim, with only the Touring trim achieving an “Acceptable” rating, while lower trims receive “Marginal” or “Poor” ratings. The LATCH system is rated “Acceptable” with some usability considerations.
For buyers considering a 2020 Honda HR-V, it’s important to be aware of these safety ratings and consider the trim level, especially concerning headlight performance. While the 2020 Honda HR-V offers strong protection in many crash scenarios, the “Poor” rating in the updated side impact test and headlight limitations on lower trims should be taken into account. Opting for the Honda Sensing package and the Touring trim with LED headlights will significantly enhance the overall safety of the 2020 Honda HR-V.
