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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Honda
The Honda HR-V occupies a slightly different place in the American range than it does in Europe.
Model profile
Honda launched the HR-V nameplate in North America comparatively late. The first US generation arrived for the 2016 model year and ran through 2022. It was built on the Honda Fit platform and inherited the Fit's party trick: the second-row "Magic Seat" with cushions that flip up.
Powertrain and equipment
The 2016–2022 US HR-V used Honda's 1.8-litre R18 four-cylinder producing roughly 141 hp and 172 Nm, paired with a CVT (a six-speed manual was offered only in the earliest front-drive cars).
The HR-V is a five-door crossover only; there is no coupe or pickup variant. First-generation US trims ran LX, Sport, EX and EX-L, with EX-L adding leather and a sunroof. Second-generation cars are offered as LX, Sport and EX-L, the Sport adding cosmetic touches and a larger touchscreen.
Vehicle selection
The HR-V sells in large volumes across the United States, so the used pool is deep, particularly for 2017–2020 first-generation cars now well into the second-hand market.
A used HR-V import suits a buyer who values Honda reliability, easy running costs and genuine everyday practicality over performance or badge prestige.
Vehicle data
| Body style | Detail (US-market HR-V): 5-door subcompact / compact crossover |
|---|---|
| Seating | Detail (US-market HR-V): 5 |
| Length (2nd gen) | Detail (US-market HR-V): ~4,568 mm |
| Wheelbase (2nd gen) | Detail (US-market HR-V): ~2,655 mm |
| Cargo (2nd gen) | Detail (US-market HR-V): ~691 l behind rear seats |
| Engine (1st gen) | Detail (US-market HR-V): 1.8 L R18 I4, ~141 hp / 172 Nm |
|---|---|
| Engine (2nd gen) | Detail (US-market HR-V): 2.0 L K20 I4, ~158 hp / 187 Nm |
| Transmission | Detail (US-market HR-V): CVT (early FWD 6-speed manual) |
| Drivetrain | Detail (US-market HR-V): FWD or Real Time AWD |
| Fuel | Detail (US-market HR-V): Petrol |
| Fuel economy | Detail (US-market HR-V): ~7–8 l/100 km combined (approx.) |
| Generations (US) | Detail (US-market HR-V): 1st 2016–2022, 2nd 2023–present |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | Detail (US-market HR-V): ~9–10 s (approx.) |
| Typical import mileage | Detail (US-market HR-V): 40,000–120,000 km |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The HR-V is one of the more dependable vehicles in its class, but it is not flawless. The most discussed issue is the CVT: while durable when serviced, it benefits from Honda's specific CVT fluid at sensible intervals, and neglected examples can develop juddering or shudder. The 2016–2018 touchscreen without a volume knob is an ergonomic annoyance rather than a fault.
Germany and Europe
US-market headlights use the FMVSS/SAE beam pattern, which differs from the ECE pattern required in the EU, so they may need adjustment or replacement with ECE-compliant units for registration.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Questions and answers
No. The current US HR-V is larger, built on the Civic platform and sold only with a petrol engine, whereas Europe gets a smaller e:HEV hybrid. They share a name, not a chassis.
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
Yes, when maintained with Honda's specified fluid at proper intervals.If expressly commissioned, feasible at the vehicle location and approved by the seller, USCar Trader can arrange a driving assessment to document observable shift quality, shudder, hesitation or driveline noise; service and repair records are reviewed separately.
Roughly 141 hp in the first US generation and 158 hp in the second. It is adequate rather than quick.
Total cost depends on factors including purchase price, location, transport, insurance, port handling, possible adaptation and the treatment of the specific transaction. A reliable calculation therefore requires a selected vehicle. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase.
Most sensible imports sit between 40,000 and 120,000 km with a documented history. Lower is better if condition matches.
Honda's Real Time AWD helps in wet and light-snow conditions but is not a proper off-road system. For German winters it is a reasonable choice.
Allow several weeks from purchase to registration, driven mainly by ocean freight and inspection scheduling.
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