Best Small SUVs 2026, Overall Winner: Honda HR-V

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Honda’s “[H]igh-riding [R]evolutionary [V]ehicle” was actually one of the first small SUVs available in Australia when it debuted in 1999, and in 2026, it’s a great all-rounder. So much so, it’s won Wheels Best Small SUV 2026.

The original HR-V was arguably ahead of its time. In 2026, small SUVs are significantly more popular than ever, and even almost 30 years later, the HR-V holds its place in the segment. Put simply, if you’re after a small SUV, the HR-V should be first on your test drive list.

Buying an HR-V in Australia is easy because there are only three models available: Entry-level Vi X ($32,900 driveaway), mid-spec hybrid e:HEV X ($39,900 driveaway) and top-spec hybrid e:HEV L ($42,900 driveaway). We think the HR-V suits a range of budgets. Thanks to Honda Australia’s agency model, the price for each model is the same nationwide, so you won’t get a better deal elsewhere.

Standard equipment on the Vi X includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED exterior lighting, keyless entry with push button start, automatic walk away locking, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, single-zone automatic climate control, a 9-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane keeping assistance with adaptive lane guidance, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. 

But move up the range – as we would do – to the e:HEV X and not only does a hybrid drivetrain get added but also LED front fog lights, leatherette and cloth upholstery, heated front seats and more safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and upgraded LED headlights with auto-levelling, sequential indicators and Matrix adaptive high beam. 

At the top of the HR-V tree is the e:HEV L, which further adds a power tailgate with automatic walk away closing, heated and auto-folding mirrors that drop in reverse on the passenger side, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, rear USB ports, a heated steering wheel, automatic windows with remote opening and automatic rain-sensing wipers.

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The HR-V’s interior exhibits Honda’s typical good quality, featuring a well-built feel and solid materials. Clever touches include the climate control knobs lighting up blue or red when adjusting the temperature and side air vents that can direct airflow towards the roof. Storage is plentiful, and front seat comfort is good too. The 9.0-inch central touchscreen is quite easy to use and features sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio and wireless smartphone mirroring across the range.

Turning to the back seat reveals the HR-V’s party piece in the small SUV segment: its excellent packaging. The rear seat is one of the roomiest in the segment with excellent legroom and headroom, while two adults will be quite comfortable. Amenities include a centre armrest, map pockets and door pockets, with the upper-spec e:HEV L further adding the aforementioned air vents and USB charging ports as well. It does lack a fifth seat, however, which may or may not matter to you.

Making up for the lack of a fifth seat, however, are Honda’s Magic Seats, which allow for a completely flat floor with the rear seats folded. Pioneered in the original Honda Jazz and proudly featured today, their most magical trick is that the seat base folds up against the backrest, and combined with the flat floor in the rear cabin, taller items can be carried. Ikea trips are no match for the HR-V. The boot capacity is not massive at 304 litres, though it extends to a large 1,274L with the rear seats folded.

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Two drivetrains are available in the HR-V in Australia: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine or a 1.5-litre hybrid. Unless you’re on a tight budget, choose the hybrid. Making a solid 96kW of power and 253Nm of torque and mated to an e-CVT transmission with stepping to make it feel like a regular automatic, the HR-V hybrid drivetrain is refined, quite efficient rated at just 4.3L/100km and also more than quick enough in everyday driving. On the road, the HR-V drives well with nicely weighted steering, a tight chassis with good handling and a composed ride as well. 

The cherry on top of the HR-V cake is that Honda’s five-year/unlimited km warranty can be extended to eight years in total if it’s serviced at a Honda dealer during that time. A separate eight-year/160,000km warranty covers the hybrid battery. It costs just $995 to service over the first five years/50,000km of ownership, which is some of the lowest on the market, especially for an ICE product. By comparison, servicing a Hyundai Kona Hybrid costs over $2000 more over the same period. 

The Honda HR-V is a talented, high-quality small SUV that deserves to win Wheels Best Small SUV 2026. Some buyers may dislike that it’s only a four-seater, and the lack of a spare wheel isn’t great, but it compensates with strong practicality thanks to its Magic Seats, great cabin quality and a comfortable and engaging driving experience. Add in a simple model line-up, an efficient and punchy hybrid drivetrain, and a great aftersales program with some of the cheapest servicing on the new car market, and the HR-V should always be near the top of your contenders list. 

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