The new Honda HR-V is a unique hybrid SUV that doesn’t require to be plugged in – we found it to be supremely practical, feature-packed and competitively priced, where we gave it our Value award.
Honda offers three trim levels, which coincidentally correspond with the audio configuration that one can attain: the Elegance has a four-speaker system, the Advance trim six, while the Advance Style that we have on review has ten.
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Honda HR-V audio setup
To tinker with the vehicle’s audio settings, one has to navigate to the appropriate menu on the 9″ infotainment system, where you’ll find a four-band equaliser – at least on the Advance Style trim, which houses a subwoofer in the boot – here are our optimal settings:
- Treble: +4
- Midrange: +0
- Bass: -1
- Subwoofer: -1
- Balance & Fader: Centre
To connect up to the infotainment system, you can use a wired connection whereby Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both supported. The latter also works wirelessly. Should you wish to resort to using Bluetooth, both the AAC and SBC codecs are supported, only.
As for your media controls, they can be accessed through the display, via a set of physical buttons next to the screen or by using the controls on the steering wheel.
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Honda HR-V audio performance
For a demo of the Honda HR-V’s audio system head on over to our YouTube channel.
When it comes to its audio configuration, the Elegance trim has speakers positioned within each of the four doors. The Advance adds a tweeter in each of the A-pillars. The Advance Style builds up the two trim levels and offers a tweeter within each of the rear doors, a centre speaker within the dashboard and an all-important subwoofer in the boot. Driver sizes and wattage weren’t shared by the manufacturer.
The addition of a subwoofer plays a big role in delivering low-end rumble within the HR-V’s cabin. Indeed, the speaker does a marvellous job of prolonging those sumptuous sub-bass tones in Mandy’s iconic 2005 single, ‘Body Language’. One could also praise its mid-bass quantity and quality – throughout the cabin, you’ll be treated with a lively reproduction that’ll keep you and your occupants boppin’ your heads to bassy tracks.
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While the HR-V’s 10-speaker audio system won’t compete with more premium audio systems in the low-end department, it still manages to produce one of the best basslines we’ve heard to date for a vehicle of its class and price.
Similarly, its top-end reproduction is excellent both at the front and rear of the cabin; thanks to the inclusion of tweeters at both ends of the cabin, it allows for the higher frequencies to be separated and excel to their fullest.
The added rear speakers and the centre-channel speaker also play their part when it comes to delivering a spacious sound. The system’s overall width and depth are impressive, with instrument separation also coming out as an impressive trait. Had Honda integrated separated the mids from the mid-bass via dedicated mid-range and woofer drivers it would have further bolstered the audio experience.
Ironically, the Advance Style’s weakest sonic characteristic is its mid-range reproduction. It’s V-shaped and recessed, and while you might be quick to add a few notches to the Midrange EQ, adding extra notches to the setting will hinder the mid-range accuracy. You’ll just have to accept that Enrique Iglesias’ vocals in ‘Bailando’ are pushed back throughout the song.
Finally, onto cabin noise, the new HR-V suffers from a lot of engine noise when a kick-down is initiated. In our controlled tests using a sound meter we recorded, 37 dBA at a standstill; 58-61 dBA, while driving at 20-30mph; 62-65 dBA, while driving at 40mph; and 71-74 dBA when at 70mph.
While the results aren’t bad, it should be noted that the 1.5-litre engine couldn’t be heard revving while we conducted our tests – acceleration was kept to a minimum. The above sound meter levels are a combination of tyre noise and wind noise deflecting off the A-pillars.
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TotallyEV’s verdict on the Honda HR-V’s audio system
The HR-V might not have a serene cabin nor the best mid-range reproduction, but its 10-speaker system is otherwise excellent. For a vehicle of its price and class, it’s supremely impressive and as a result, the Advance Style’s audio system receives TotallyEV’s Performance award.
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If you’re already set getting the new Honda HR-V, we’d suggest considering the Advance Style trim for its audio system alone; the addition of a subwoofer, rear tweeters and centre speaker will undoubtedly better the sonic reproduction of the six-speaker Advance trim, while the upgraded configuration will trump the Elegance’s four-speaker setup.
Would you consider spending more in order to achieve better audio reproduction? Let us know in the comments section below or via social media; we’re on: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Just got the new HRV EXL and I’m having some issues getting the audio to play in all speakers. Is that not the default setting? Is there something else I have to do?
Odd, which speakers are you feeling aren’t playing? Shouldn’t be anything you need to do – as you’ll see from our review/pictures.
My 2021 HR-V phone and is very quiet even at the max volume. I need to increase the volume can this be done ?
Shouldn’t be the case; presume your phone’s output volume is on max?
Hello I have h
Just brought a 23 plate honda HRV advance style with the 6 speaker audio system without a sub woofer the sound is OK but not brilliant do you know if honda can upgrade my system to the premium system or something like it ?
I don’t think they’ll be able to upgrade the system themselves, but you can always check at a dealership! You might need to go to an audio specialist.