What is the best year for a Honda HR-V?

The 2021 HR-V is the strongest used pick from the second generation — 61 complaints, a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, and only 6 severe issues. Avoid 2023: it was the third-generation debut and drew 678 complaints as Honda worked through early transmission and infotainment issues. By 2025 that generation had settled to 36 complaints, making it a solid option for buyers who want the newer platform.

How much does Honda HR-V insurance cost?

The HR-V averages around $2,005/year to insure, or roughly $167/month. Its strong safety scores and low theft profile contribute to competitive rates. Actual quotes will vary by trim, model year, location, and driver history.

Is the Honda HR-V or Ford Bronco Sport cheaper to maintain?

Maintenance cost data isn't available for the Ford Bronco Sport, so a direct dollar comparison isn't possible. What the data does show: the HR-V's $301/year and 5% major repair probability are benchmarks that would be difficult for most rivals to beat.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Honda HR-V?

No. A 5% major repair probability — less than half the subcompact segment average of 9% — makes this one of the lowest-risk ownership propositions in the class. The one exception is the 2023 model year, which had significantly elevated complaints during the third-generation launch. For any other year, self-insuring is the better financial move.

Honda HR-V vs Subaru Ascent

Two subcompact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Honda HR-V based on your priorities for this class.

Buy the Subaru Ascent based on your priorities for this class.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Honda HR-V	Subaru Ascent
Annual maintenance	$301	—
5-year total cost	$1,505	—
Reliability score	10 / 10	—
Major repair risk (5yr)	5%	—
Cargo space	55.1 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$28,600winner	$40,795
Best years to buy	—	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Honda HR-V	Subaru Ascent
RepairPal score	10 / 10	—
NHTSA complaints / 100k	140.4	—
Years to avoid	2022, 2023	None identified
Value retained · 3 yr	87.1%	—
Value retained · 5 yr	71.3%	—
Value retained · 7 yr	60.5%	—

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Honda HR-V	Subaru Ascent
Engine	4.6%	—winner
Electrical	10.6%	—winner
ADAS	8.5%	—winner
Brakes	3.0%	—winner
Steering	9.2%	—winner
Fuel system	7.4%	—winner
Tires/Wheels	0.6%	—winner
Glass/Windows	29.2%	—winner
Airbags	3.5%	—winner
Seatbelt	0.9%	—winner

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Honda HR-V	Subaru Ascent
Avg annual premium	$2,005	—

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Honda HR-V

$301/yr maint · 10 reliability

// FAQ

Common questions

The HR-V is one of the cheapest SUVs to own in any segment — averaging $301/year in maintenance, $165 below the subcompact average of $466. Its repair frequency of 10% is half the subcompact segment average of 20%, and its 5% major repair probability is well below the class norm of 9%. For pure ownership cost, nothing in the subcompact class touches it.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →