Adaptability seems to be the Filipino driver’s top priority when purchasing a new car. The checklist: a ride that can meet everyday driving needs, be game for adventures, and hopefully save a few pesos on fuel. There’s more to life than the daily grind, after all, so a vehicle that can go places and let you do things outside of your regular routine makes journeys more enjoyable.
This is why subcompact crossovers have risen so much in popularity. They fit in and stand out in the city, boasting stylish road presence while still being able to squeeze into smaller backroads and spaces. They pull off the rugged look—complete with muddy rims and dusty windshield—quite well, if that’s the kind of weekend adventure you’re into. And their small powertrains make them very fuel-efficient.
To usher in 2025, Honda is making its stylish and versatile subcompact crossover a more sustainable one, too. The Honda HR-V RS e:HEV adds hybrid power to an already capable and proven vehicle—helping drivers reduce their carbon footprint while going wherever they need to go.
Whether the destination is within the city or out in the province, the HR-V hybrid should get around 23.2km/L in optimal driving conditions. We’ve seen firsthand how efficient Honda’s e:HEV system can be in the CR-V and the Civic. This powertrain delivers seamless hybrid propulsion that saves fuel while pushing performance.
To put that into numbers, the HR-V RS e:HEV makes 129hp and 253Nm of torque. The powertrain consists of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle i-VTEC engine and two electric motors mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In our experience, the shift between electric and gas power is essentially unnoticeable, providing a smooth and speedy drive.
With the latest version of Honda SENSING, the driving experience also feels safe and secure. Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow relieves the stress of crawling through gridlock, while active aids like collision-mitigation braking, road-departure mitigation, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, auto high beam, and lead-car departure notification keep a watchful eye and guide you safely to your destination. Honda LaneWatch also helps you check blind spots, making it absolutely essential in city cruising and expressway driving.
The cabin has been updated with a new infotainment screen that now comes standard with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s even a wireless phone charger to keep the interior neat and tidy while ensuring your phone never runs out of battery for important calls and navigation needs.
On the outside, the HR-V RS e:HEV looks clean and tough as ever. The angular body and the top-spec RS variant’s updated fascia retain a premium vibe while encouraging bumpier weekend adventures. The exterior balances ruggedness and class for a look and feel that should be suited to various tastes. Each color option lends a different character to the car, swinging between urban and outdoorsy, with Meteoroid Gray Metallic being the most neutral. We do think the new Sand Khaki paint job would look great anywhere, too.
Its unique design language and accessible size make the HR-V RS e:HEV a worthy option for anyone looking for a new car that can breathe new life into their driving. The updated model line still covers the basics, comfortably fitting up to five passengers with ample legroom for everyone and sufficient space for their cargo in the back. The crossover’s performance and confident stance can take you to where you need and want to go. If you ever needed a sign to go on an adventure, a good look at this car parked in your garage should give you the right inspiration to drive out.
Even when you’re not behind the wheel, the HR-V is a joy to own and operate. The Honda CONNECT app gives owners remote control over their vehicle, further extending its safety and surveillance features. The ability to use your phone to switch on your headlights as you look for your car in a vast parking lot is next-level convenience that every new car should offer. Owners can even check fuel level and battery health through the app. This makes scheduling refuels and maintenance visits much easier, and motoring generally safer.
All these features create a solid baseline for performance and daily use; it is up to the owner how to make the HR-V RS e:HEV their own. This crossover can be vibrant and fun, but it can also be lowkey and subtle. Its character is fluid and depends on who’s behind the wheel. It can truly become your vehicle—an extension of you—while also lessening carbon emissions and saving you money on fuel costs, of course.
There is something for everyone in the HR-V, and with the latest updates care of Honda SENSING and Honda CONNECT, it’s not only future-proof in terms of technology, but can also accommodate the current and future needs of the driver. The e:HEV also system shows no signs of slowing down, and should be a reliable powertrain for years to come.
No matter what era you’re in or you’re entering, the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV can be your new reliable—a comfortable and consistent driving partner that pushes you into new challenges and experiences.
Created in partnership with Honda Cars Philippines
