2026 Honda HR-V EX-L: Staten Island Buyers Guide

What the top trim actually buys

The jump from Sport to EX-L, roughly $2,050, moves the HR-V from sporty-looking to genuinely well-equipped. Leather-trimmed seating and an 8-way power driver's seat replace the Sport's manually adjusted cloth buckets. Dual-zone automatic climate control lets the driver and front passenger stop negotiating over the vents. The one-touch power moonroof is the single feature no other HR-V trim offers at any price, and it's paired with footwell ambient lighting and an auto-dimming mirror that quietly upgrade the cabin's feel after dark.

Front and rear parking sensors are the practical addition most owners notice first, useful on a model that already parks easily but benefits from an extra margin on a tight Staten Island driveway or a crowded municipal lot near the ferry. The 8-speaker, 180-watt audio system is a real step up from the Sport's 6-speaker setup for anyone who spends real time behind the wheel.

Same engine, more comfort, same practicality

It's worth repeating what doesn't change on the EX-L: the 158-hp 2.0-liter engine, the CVT, the 24.4-cubic-foot cargo hold, and the 60/40-split rear seat are identical to the LX. Honda didn't hold back cargo room or drivetrain performance for the top trim, the EX-L's extra money buys comfort and materials, not capability. Fuel economy stays at 26 city / 32 highway with FWD, dropping to 25/30 with the $1,500 AWD option, the same delta every HR-V trim sees.

That makes the EX-L an easy recommendation for a buyer who wants the nicest possible version of a genuinely practical small SUV, rather than someone cross-shopping for outright performance. A recent HR-V buyer summed up the appeal of the model generally: "I ended up financing with Honda, & left with my brand new 2026 HR-V" after a sales process she described as handled "with professionalism and respect."

Frequently asked questions

What does the EX-L add over the Sport?

Leather-trimmed seats, an 8-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a one-touch power moonroof, front/rear parking sensors, an 8-speaker 180-watt audio system, footwell ambient lighting, and an auto-dimming mirror, for roughly $2,050 more.

Is the HR-V EX-L worth it?

If leather, the moonroof, and dual-zone climate are on your must-have list, yes, the EX-L is the only trim that offers them. If those items don't matter, the Sport delivers most of the day-to-day upgrades over the LX for less money. There's no hybrid or turbo trade-off to weigh here, only comfort features.

What does the 2026 HR-V EX-L cost out the door in New York?

Start from $30,350 MSRP (or $31,850 with AWD), add $1,450 destination, then New York City's 8.875% sales tax plus title and registration. The full breakdown, including how monthly lease and finance offers move, is in the pricing & leasing guide.

Does the EX-L have a moonroof?

Yes, a one-touch power moonroof, standard on the EX-L and not available on the LX or Sport at any price. It's one of the clearest reasons to step up to the top trim.

Is the EX-L available with AWD?

Yes, all-wheel drive is a $1,500 option on the EX-L, identical to the LX and Sport. The AWD EX-L starts at $31,850 before destination, tax, and fees.

Is the EX-L in stock on Staten Island?

Check live HR-V inventory at Honda of Staten Island, or call 718-701-8269, the top trim moves in smaller numbers than the LX and Sport.

The bottom line

The EX-L is the HR-V for a buyer who has already decided this size of SUV is right and simply wants the nicest version of it. Leather, the moonroof, parking sensors, and the better stereo close the gap to bigger, pricier crossovers without changing anything about how the car drives or how much it can carry. Pair it with the Certified Pre-Owned lot at Honda of Staten Island if the new EX-L's price is a stretch and a lightly used one isn't.