Honda WR-V – Best Compact SUV for City Drives with Premium

Chetan

Published on: 28 June 2025

Honda WR-V is a compact SUV that was designed for Indian families and urban drivers who want a vehicle that is reliable, fuel-efficient, and comfortable. It offered a strong road presence, a roomy cabin, and good features at an affordable price. While Honda discontinued this model in its earlier form, it continues to enjoy popularity in the pre-owned market. Also, the next-generation Honda WR-V has been launched internationally and is expected in India soon.

This blog covers everything about the Honda WR-V, including performance, features, mileage, practicality, and why it still makes sense for many Indian buyers.

Honda WR-V Price and Variants

The last sold Honda WR-V in India was priced between ₹9 lakh and ₹12 lakh (ex-showroom). It was available in two main variants – SV and VX – in both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol variant came with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the diesel variant had a 6-speed manual.

Even though it lacked automatic transmission options, many buyers still preferred the WR-V for its fuel economy, strong build, and Honda’s service reliability.

Honda WR-V Engine and Performance

Honda WR-V was offered with two reliable engine choices that performed well in Indian road and traffic conditions.

1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine produced 90 PS of power and was tuned for smooth city driving. It had a refined power delivery, light clutch, and easy gear shifts, making it ideal for office commutes and local use.

1.5L i-DTEC diesel engine offered 100 PS and 200 Nm of torque. This engine was built for efficiency and long-distance driving, giving excellent highway performance with less gear shifts. It was also one of the most fuel-efficient diesel SUVs under ₹12 lakh.

Both engines were BS6-compliant and had low maintenance costs. However, the lack of an automatic option was a drawback for urban buyers who preferred clutch-free driving.

Fuel Efficiency and Mileage

Mileage was one of the strongest reasons why buyers picked the Honda WR-V.

The petrol version gave an average of around 16 to 17 kmpl in city conditions and around 18 to 19 kmpl on highways.

The diesel version was highly fuel-efficient, delivering around 21 to 23.5 kmpl depending on the road and traffic conditions.

Thanks to its fuel economy, the WR-V helped reduce monthly fuel expenses, making it a smart pick for middle-class families, students, and working professionals.

Exterior Design and Road Presence

The Honda WR-V exterior design had a blend of SUV ruggedness and premium looks. It had a wide front grille with chrome finishing, bold headlamps, and a raised bonnet. The sculpted side profile gave it a sporty appearance, while roof rails added SUV styling.

The rear had a strong bumper design, wraparound tail lamps, and a wide glass area for better visibility. Overall, the WR-V looked bigger than most hatchbacks and had good road presence, especially with its 16-inch alloy wheels and high ground clearance.

Cabin Quality and Interior Features

Inside the WR-V, Honda focused on practicality and passenger comfort. The cabin was well laid out, with black and silver finishing and good build quality.

The front seats were wide and supportive, ideal for long drives. The rear seats offered good legroom and shoulder space, making it suitable for 5 adults. The flat floor in the rear added comfort for the middle passenger.

The dashboard had a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control with a digital panel, and steering-mounted audio controls. There was also a sunroof in the top-end variant, which was one of the most loved features in the segment at that time.

Honda WR-V Features You Should Know

Here are some of the standout features that made the Honda WR-V unique in its category:

Electric sunroof – Provided an open and airy feel, especially for city drives and family trips

Touchscreen infotainment system – Supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with easy controls

Steering-mounted audio and call buttons – Helped control music and calls without distraction

Automatic climate control – Maintained cabin temperature for comfort in all weather

Height-adjustable driver seat – Allowed better driving posture

Rear parking camera and sensors – Made reversing easy in tight spaces

Push-button start and keyless entry – Added convenience for daily use

LED DRLs and projector headlamps – Offered better visibility and road appeal

Eco assist feature – Helped track and improve your driving style for better mileage

Safety and Build Quality

Safety was a key focus in the WR-V. The car was built using Honda’s ACE body structure, which offered better crash protection.

Key safety features included:

Dual front airbags
ABS with EBD
Rear parking camera with sensors
ISOFIX mounts for child seats
Engine immobilizer
Impact-mitigating headrests

Although newer SUVs today offer 6 airbags or ADAS, the WR-V still delivered a safe experience backed by Honda’s engineering and strong build.

Boot Space and Practicality

The boot space of the WR-V was 363 litres, which was quite good for a compact SUV. It could easily handle 2 large suitcases or weekend luggage for a small family.

The rear seat could be folded in a 60:40 ratio to carry larger items or additional cargo. With smart use of cabin space, large glovebox, door storage, and cup holders, the WR-V was a very practical choice for daily and long-term use.

Honda WR-V in the Used Car Market

Even though Honda has paused the WR-V for now, it continues to be in demand in the used car market. Buyers who want a no-compromise SUV with Honda quality and great fuel efficiency are still choosing WR-V as a smart second-hand car option.

You can get a good condition WR-V diesel under ₹7–8 lakh in 2024, which offers great value if you are looking for an affordable compact SUV.

Is the New Honda WR-V Launching in India?

Yes. Honda has already launched the next-generation WR-V in international markets like Indonesia. The new WR-V has more space, a fresh design, better safety, and modern features. It is expected to arrive in India soon as part of Honda’s new SUV lineup.

The new WR-V will compete with Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, and Maruti Brezza. If priced well, it can bring back the WR-V as a strong contender in the compact SUV space.

Final Verdict

Honda WR-V is a great option for those who want:

A comfortable and practical city SUV
Honda’s trusted petrol and diesel engines
Good fuel efficiency for daily use
A premium feel under ₹12 lakh
Low maintenance and strong resale value

While newer options offer more tech and automatic gearboxes, the WR-V remains a practical, smart, and safe choice. If you’re looking for a dependable SUV for your family or work needs, the WR-V still holds good value, especially in the used market. And if you’re planning to wait for the next-gen WR-V, the upcoming model promises to be even better.