If you’re hunting for a used subcompact crossover, you’ve probably seen a million listings for the auto honda hrv 2017. It’s everywhere. Why? Because in 2017, Honda basically figured out a cheat code for small cars. They took the chassis of the tiny Fit, stretched it out, gave it some ground clearance, and called it a day. It sounds lazy. It wasn’t.
Honestly, the 2017 HR-V is a weird little beast. It’s not fast. It’s definitely not "luxurious" in the way a modern Lexus is. But it’s arguably one of the most practical things ever put on four wheels. You can fit a mountain bike in the back of this thing without taking the front wheel off. I'm serious. Most "real" SUVs can't even do that.
What People Get Wrong About the Auto Honda HRV 2017
Most people look at the spec sheet and see a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine making 141 horsepower and think, "Yeah, that’s fine."
It’s not fine. It’s slow.
If you’re merging onto a highway in a auto honda hrv 2017, you’re going to hear that CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) groan. It sounds like a blender struggling with a bag of frozen kale. But here’s the thing: most buyers don't care about 0-60 times. They care about whether the car starts every single morning for the next decade.
The 2017 model year was a sweet spot. It was the second year of the first generation in the US, so Honda had already ironed out the first-year jitters from the 2016 debut. You get that legendary Honda reliability without the "new model" tax.
That Magic Seat Magic
We have to talk about the seats. Honda calls them "Magic Seats." It sounds like marketing fluff, but it’s the best part of the car. The rear seat cushions flip up.
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Think about that.
Instead of just folding the backrest down to create a flat floor (which it also does), you can flip the bottom cushion up against the backrest. This creates a tall, narrow cargo area right behind the front seats. You can put a potted palm tree in there. You can put a tall floor lamp in there. Most people who own a auto honda hrv 2017 don't even realize they have this feature until six months after they buy it, and then it changes their entire life at Home Depot.
The Real World Fuel Economy Struggle
Honda advertised the front-wheel-drive 2017 HR-V at about 28 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.
Reality check?
If you’re heavy-footed because you’re trying to make that sluggish 1.8L engine actually move, you’re going to see closer to 26 mpg in the city. Owners on forums like HRVForum and Reddit's r/Honda constantly debate this. The AWD version takes a bigger hit. It’s still efficient for a crossover, but don't expect Prius numbers. It’s a boxy car. Wind resistance is a real thing.
Common Problems and Why They (Mostly) Don't Matter
No car is perfect. The auto honda hrv 2017 has some quirks that might drive you nuts.
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- The Infotainment: The 2017 model used that "all-touch" screen. There is no volume knob. I’ll say it again: No. Volume. Knob. You have to use the touch slider or the steering wheel buttons. It’s annoying. You get used to it, but you'll complain about it for the first two weeks.
- The Road Noise: Honda was stingy with the sound deadening in 2017. If you’re driving on the interstate at 75 mph, it’s loud. You’ll be turning up that knob-less radio just to hear your podcast.
- CVT Reliability: Early Honda CVTs had some issues, but the 2017 unit is generally considered robust if—and this is a big if—you change the fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Neglect it, and you're looking at a $4,000 repair bill.
Is the AWD Worth It?
Probably not.
The Real Time AWD system in the auto honda hrv 2017 is reactive. It waits for the front wheels to slip before sending power to the back. It’s great for getting out of a snowy driveway, but it’s not an off-road system. It adds weight. It lowers your gas mileage. If you live in Southern California or Florida, skip the AWD and save the money.
Comparing the Trims: LX, EX, and EX-L
Choosing the right trim for a auto honda hrv 2017 is basically a choice of how much you hate the sun and how much you like warm butts.
- LX: The base model. It’s basic. You get a 5-inch screen (which actually has buttons!), a backup camera, and 17-inch alloys. It’s a great "A to B" car.
- EX: This is the one most people bought. You get the sunroof, heated seats, and the 7-inch touchscreen. You also get Honda LaneWatch, which is a camera on the passenger-side mirror that shows you your blind spot on the screen when you signal right. People either love it or think it's the most distracting thing ever invented.
- EX-L Navi: Leather seats, roof rails, and built-in navigation. Honestly? Just use your phone for maps. The 2017 Honda navigation system looks like something from a 2004 GameBoy.
The Safety Reality
The 2017 HR-V did well in crash tests, earning a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it’s worth noting that it didn't have the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety tech that became standard later on. No adaptive cruise control. No lane-keep assist. It’s an "old school" driving experience. Some people actually prefer that. No beeps. No steering wheel yanking you back into the lane. Just you and the road.
Why the 2017 Model Specifically?
Why not a 2016 or a 2019?
The 2016 was the first year, and first years are always risky. The 2019 got a facelift and better tech, but it’s significantly more expensive on the used market. The auto honda hrv 2017 sits in that "Goldilocks" zone of depreciation. It’s lost most of its initial value but still has a lot of life left. Most of these cars hitting the market now have between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. For a Honda, that’s just getting warmed up.
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Maintenance Checklist for Buyers
If you’re looking at a auto honda hrv 2017 on a lot right now, check three things immediately:
First, look at the CVT fluid records. If the owner can't prove it's been changed, use that as a bargaining chip or walk away.
Second, check the paint on the roof and hood. Some 2017 Hondas (especially in White Orchid Pearl) had issues with paint peeling. It’s a known thing.
Third, sit in the back. Check if the Magic Seats actually lock into place. Sometimes the mechanism gets gunked up with spilled soda or pet hair.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’ve decided the auto honda hrv 2017 is the right move for your lifestyle, here is exactly how to pull the trigger:
- Search for "Single Owner" listings: These cars are often "hand-me-down" vehicles or second cars for families. A single-owner HR-V is usually better maintained than a rental fleet unit.
- Prioritize the EX trim: The added features like heated seats and the sunroof vastly improve the resale value and your daily comfort for a negligible price difference on the used market.
- Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): Specifically ask the mechanic to check the push-button start system. Some 2017 models had a faulty start/stop switch that would fail over time. It's a relatively cheap fix, but annoying if it happens the day after you buy it.
- Skip the Factory Nav: If you're looking at an EX-L, don't pay extra for the "Navi" part. It’s outdated. Use that money to buy a high-quality phone mount instead.
The HR-V isn't going to win any drag races, and it isn't going to turn heads at a valet stand. But if you need a car that can haul a surfboard on Sunday and commute 40 miles on Monday without complaining, it’s a powerhouse. It’s basically a backpack on wheels.