2016 Honda HR-V surprisingly stable in high winds, heavy truck traffic (Video)

I’m often asked by Torque News readers how subcompact Hondas handle in high side winds and heavy interstate traffic. 2016 Honda HR-V surprises!

Cool looking? that’s a given. But how does Honda’s next best selling subcompact handle itself in high cross and headwinds while jockeying for position with 18 wheel semis on the interstate? If your significant other is anything like mine, he or she isn’t down with fighting heavy traffic of any kind in a vehicle slightly larger than a Honda Fit. Playing bumper tag with an 18 wheel long-haul for lane position? Forget about it!

Anyone that’s driven 2015 Honda Fit has an idea of 2016 HR-V’s agility in the city. When parking or maneuvering for a lane change, HR-V is akin to a 2 wheeler. Finding a parking space, albeit a small one, no problem. But how stable is HR-V under highway driving conditions?

Smaller than Honda’s best selling SUV CR-V, 2016 HR-V tips the scales at a bit under 3100 lbs in the top of the lineup AWD with navigation trim, and is 10 inches shorter than Honda Civic. No big thing!

Yet HR-V is surprisingly stable in crosswinds, while driven over transitionally, crappy road surfaces, or while fighting for position on the interstate while darting in and out of heavy truck traffic.

I recently drove 2016 HR-V south on Interstate 5 through Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and was surprised by the available passing torque, stability of ride, and braking prowess exhibited by Honda’s latest entry in the growing subcompact crossover segment.

Despite 30 mph headwinds, semi truck generated turbulence and 95* temperatures, HR-V held its own with the cruise control set at 73 mph. The 1.8 liter fuel injected i-VTEC 4 cylinder engine, Honda CVT transmission and Real Time ™ all-wheel-drive, worked together seamlessly presenting a pleasurable drive, ride experience while sipping gasoline and averaging 33 mpg.

You may catch my latest ‘initial’ drive assessment of 2016 Honda HR-V AWD with Navigation here. For those in the market for a subcompact 5 door, 5 passenger crossover, available in front wheel or all wheel drive, sporting very decent standard accessories, top of class fuel economy, and Honda Civic derived engine reliability, HR-V earns your consideration.