Honda's refreshed HR-V compact crossover gets new styling, trim levels and standard safety gear for 2019, plus a big price hike that reflects the elimination of last year's manual transmission option.
That means the continuously variable automatic is the only transmission available, and along with the new safety gear, it drives up the MSRP for the entry-level LX 2WD trim by $1,550 to $23,100.
The loss of the stickshift is the only mechanical change for the 2019 HR-V, though Honda says it has refined the CVT for a "more natural driving feel" and quieter operation. All trims once again share a 1.8L four-cylinder engine that makes 141 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque.
Styling changes come courtesy of a new grille and bumpers and lights front and rear, while new-for-2019 Sport and Touring trims bring their own details. The HR-V Sport gets blackout trim and trim-specific wheels, and the Touring boasts LED headlights and fog lights and dark chrome trim.
All trims get more sound deadening in the fenders and floor, and Sport and Touring trims get active noise cancellation.
Honda has put its latest infotainment and display audio system in the HR-V, which introduces Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and returns a volume knob. There's also a new gauge cluster with an analog speedo and digital rev counter.
The 2019 safety update sees all HR-V trims gain standard automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, adding to the forward collision and lane departure warning systems included in last year's model.
That $23,100 price tag applies to the LX FWD, while LX AWD trim sees a more modest $250 price increase to $25,400. The new Sport trim comes in at $28,600 and the Touring goes for $31,800, a nearly $1,000 bump over last year's top-trim EX-L Navi model.
Honda says dealers have begun taking orders for the 2019 HR-V, but deliveries won't begin until early next year.
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