The 2027 Honda HR-V EX-L sits at the top of Honda’s small SUV lineup. Its appeal centres on a well-equipped five-seat cabin, standard all-wheel drive and a straightforward gasoline powertrain. Leather upholstery, a power driver’s seat and parking sensors distinguish it from the more affordable versions. For buyers comparing small crossovers, the important question is whether those upgrades justify the EX-L’s price premium.
This guide covers Canadian specifications and CAD pricing for the EX-L, with lower trims included for context. Equipment and fuel-consumption figures come from Honda’s 2027 documentation. The accompanying Automotive Car Reviews video provides a closer look at the vehicle.
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Models available and EX-L positioning

Honda offers four 2027 HR-V versions: LX 2WD, LX AWD, Sport and EX-L. The EX-L uses standard Real Time AWD. All four share a 2.0-litre engine and continuously variable transmission, so moving up the range primarily buys equipment rather than a larger engine. There is no hybrid powertrain in this Canadian lineup.
The Sport is worth comparing closely with the EX-L because some desirable comfort features are already included below the flagship. The EX-L adds leather-trimmed seating, an eight-way power driver’s seat and front and rear parking sensors. Consequently, shoppers who mainly want all-wheel drive should also consider the LX AWD.
2027 Honda HR-V EX-L engine specs

The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder produces 158 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 138 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. It pairs with a CVT and Honda’s Real Time AWD system. Normal, ECON and Snow modes are included. These specifications apply to the EX-L; the less expensive trims do not introduce an alternative engine.
The engine uses regular gasoline, and the tank holds 53 litres. That keeps the fuel requirement easy to understand when comparing ownership costs. The CVT also differs from a conventional automatic with a fixed number of gears, a useful distinction when comparing specifications across competing SUVs.
Fuel economy
Honda lists the EX-L at 9.5 L/100 km city, 7.8 highway and 8.7 combined. The other AWD versions carry the same published figures. The front-wheel-drive LX 2WD is rated at 9.1/7.4/8.3 L/100 km respectively. A lower L/100 km number means less fuel consumed over the same distance.
At the EX-L’s combined rating, a 100-kilometre trip represents 8.7 litres of gasoline under the rating conditions. Actual consumption varies with weather, traffic, short trips, passenger loads and maintenance. Buyers comparing a hybrid competitor should use its combined figure alongside the purchase-price difference rather than assuming AWD alone makes the models equivalent.
Towing and carrying capacity
Honda’s 2027 HR-V owner’s manual states that the vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer or have a tow hitch installed. Therefore, the HR-V EX-L should not be treated as a small tow vehicle. Shoppers who need to pull a trailer should choose a model with an explicit towing rating.
Passenger and luggage loads still matter even when no trailer is involved. Use the vehicle’s own load-information label when planning a fully loaded trip; accessories and occupants count toward the allowed load. Cargo volume describes space, while the load label describes weight, and the two measurements are not interchangeable.
Interior, seats and cargo space

The EX-L has five seats, heated front seats and leather-trimmed upholstery. The driver gets eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger’s seat has four-way manual adjustment. A heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and a tilt-and-slide moonroof are standard. The steering column adjusts manually.
Cargo capacity is 691 litres behind the rear seats or 1,559 litres with them folded. The rear seat splits 60/40, allowing a mix of passengers and longer luggage. Honda lists the EX-L at approximately 4,568 mm long, with a 2,655 mm wheelbase. Its dimensions are useful for checking garage space, although measuring the actual luggage you carry is more informative than volume alone.
The exterior includes LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels with gloss-black and machined-cut finishes. The EX-L’s equipment combines comfort upgrades with a manageable footprint; it remains a two-row vehicle, so a third-row requirement calls for a larger SUV.

Infotainment and connectivity

A 9-inch centre touchscreen works with wired or wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L includes eight speakers, Qi-compatible wireless phone charging and three USB-C charging ports. A separate seven-inch colour display provides driver information. Honda’s HR-V overview explains the screen and smartphone features.
Wireless charging and wireless smartphone projection are separate functions. A compatible phone can connect without a cable, while the charging pad helps replenish its battery. Nevertheless, a cable remains useful for devices that do not support the pad or for passengers using the USB-C ports. Check your phone’s compatibility before relying on every feature.
Safety and driver assistance
The 2027 Honda HR-V EX-L includes Honda Sensing features such as collision-mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and road-departure mitigation. Blind-spot information, a cross-traffic monitor, traffic-sign recognition and traffic-jam assistance are also listed. The EX-L adds low-speed braking control and four parking sensors at each end.
Its rear camera offers multiple views with dynamic guidelines; this is different from a surround-view camera system. Front, knee, side and curtain airbags complement the assistance features. Child-seat anchors are provided in the second row. As with any assistance system, cameras and sensors support the driver, and visibility or weather can affect operation.
2027 Honda HR-V EX-L pricing
Honda’s Ontario trim page displayed these selling prices in CAD: LX 2WD $33,953; LX AWD $36,253; Sport $39,553; and EX-L $42,353. These are selling prices rather than bare MSRP figures. Honda says they include freight and PDI, the air-conditioning charge, dealer and regulatory fees and other applicable listed charges. Sales tax, licensing, registration and insurance are extra.
On that basis, the EX-L costs $2,800 more than the Sport and $6,100 more than the LX AWD. Those comparisons use the same displayed price basis. Colour choices, accessories, incentives and dealer quotes can change the final amount. Check Honda’s current EX-L trim page before making a purchase decision.
Competition
The Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos are relevant alternatives. The 2026 Corolla Cross is offered with gasoline and hybrid powertrains, including AWD hybrids, making it worth comparing if fuel consumption is a priority. Hyundai’s 2026 Kona equipment guide also provides a useful reference for comparing comfort and connectivity packages.
Meanwhile, the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line introduces a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. That creates a clear powertrain distinction from the naturally aspirated HR-V. Compare equivalent trims, drivetrain and fee-inclusive quotes rather than relying only on each model’s starting price.
Who should consider the EX-L?
The 2027 Honda HR-V EX-L belongs on the shortlist for buyers who want five seats, AWD, leather upholstery and useful parking assistance in a small SUV. Its limitations are equally clear: no hybrid option in this lineup, a manually adjusted passenger seat and no trailer-towing role. The Sport and LX AWD remain important comparisons if the EX-L’s added equipment is not essential.
For the complete trim-by-trim equipment breakdown, consult Honda’s 2027 HR-V specifications. You can also browse more SUV reviews to compare vehicles in the same segment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canadian HR-V EX-L a hybrid?
No. The 2027 EX-L uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre gasoline engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and AWD.
Can an HR-V EX-L tow a small trailer?
Honda’s 2027 manual says the HR-V is not designed to tow a trailer or have a tow hitch installed. A different vehicle with an explicit towing rating is needed for trailer use.
Does the HR-V EX-L have a different engine from lower trims?
No. The Canadian lineup covered here uses the same engine. EX-L adds cabin and convenience equipment rather than a higher-output powertrain.