Honda expands HR-V line-up with e:HEV RS

HONDA has expanded its HR-V line-up with a new hybrid flagship, introducing the sportier e:HEV RS variant as the Japanese brand continues its aggressive push toward electrification in Australia.

Priced from $44,400 driveaway, the new HR-V e:HEV RS becomes the fourth member of the compact SUV range and the third variant to feature Honda’s e:HEV hybrid powertrain.

The launch follows a strong year for the HR-V, with Honda reporting sales growth of 44 per cent in 2025, helping cement the model’s position as one of the brand’s strongest-performing vehicles.

Honda Australia director of automotive Robert Thorp said the new variant builds on growing consumer demand for hybrid vehicles.

“With the arrival of an additional hybrid grade, the range-topping e:HEV RS, we’re confident HR-V will connect with even more drivers in 2026,” he said.

“The introduction of the RS is another example of Honda’s focus on hybrid following the expansion of CR-V and ZR-V hybrid ranges.

“We anticipate by the end of this year, more than 80 per cent of Honda sales will be hybrid.”

The e:HEV RS builds on the existing e:HEV L grade with a range of styling enhancements designed to give the HR-V a more athletic appearance.

Exterior changes include an RS-specific Bernina Black grille, black lower bumper garnish, black lower door garnish, black mirror caps, specific 18-inch alloy wheels, and RS badging.

Inside, the new variant receives black synthetic leather and cloth upholstery, red contrast stitching, red cabin accents, and RS-specific trim detailing 

The model is available in six colours, with Crystal Black offered exclusively on the RS grade.

Under the bonnet sits Honda’s familiar e:HEV hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. Outputs remain unchanged at 96kW/253Nm with drive sent to the front wheels via Honda’s e-CVT transmission.

Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed 4.3 litres per 100km on the ADR combined cycle.

The drivetrain has become a key pillar of Honda’s local strategy, with hybrid availability expanding rapidly across the HR-V, CR-V, ZR-V, Civic, Accord, and recently launched Prelude.

Beyond its cosmetic upgrades, the RS inherits the comprehensive equipment list of the e:HEV L.

Standard features include adaptive LED headlights, an electric tailgate, dual-zone climate control, Honda Connected Services, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, Honda Sensing safety suite (including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance technologies).

The HR-V range also benefits from Honda’s latest Google Built-In connectivity system and post-collision braking technology.

The addition of the RS means three of four HR-V variants now feature hybrid power, reflecting Honda’s broader transition toward electrified vehicles.

Just two years ago, the HR-V offered a single hybrid grade. Today, hybrid models account for the majority of the range, mirroring a trend seen across Honda’s wider SUV portfolio.

Honda says the new RS is less about outright performance and more about broadening the appeal of its hybrid technology through sharper styling and stronger showroom presence.

It arrives with small SUV competition intensifying and buyers increasingly seeking fuel-efficient alternatives.

2026 Honda HR-V pricing*:

*National driveaway pricing.