The Honda HR-V range is being bolstered with the new e:HEV RS flagship, marking the return of the RS nameplate to the Hyundai Kona rival and taking the hybrid variant count to three.
Available to order now, the new 2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS is priced from $44,400 drive-away, undercutting similarly specified rivals including the Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium (from $45,950), and the Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos Hybrid 2WD (from $47,990) – both rivals are priced before on-road costs.
The RS is distinguished externally by an RS-specific grille finished in Bernina Black, along with blacked-out lower front bumper trim, door garnishes, mirror caps and 18-inch alloy wheels. Opting for the sportier look adds $1500 over the existing e:HEV L grade.
Looking for your next car? We’ll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.
The darkened theme continues inside the cabin, with the RS largely serving as a cosmetic upgrade over existing HR-V e:HEV hybrid variants.
Power comes from the same hybrid system introduced to Australian showrooms in 2023, pairing a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors to produce a combined 96kW and 253Nm.
Drive is sent to the front wheels through an electric continuously variable automatic transmission (e-CVT), with Honda claiming combined fuel consumption of 4.3L/100km.
The HR-V was Honda Australia’s third best-selling model in 2025 behind the CR-V and ZR-V, with the brand’s SUV range continuing to significantly outsell its Civic hatchback and Accord sedan.
Initially, the hybrid powertrain was offered exclusively in the flagship HR-V e:HEV L, but it’s now available across three of four available grades. The entry-level VTi X remains the sole variant powered exclusively by a 1.5-litre petrol engine.
“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,” said Honda Australia’s director of automotive, Robert Thorp, in a statement.
“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.
Mr Thorp was part of a leadership reshuffle at Honda Australia just over 12 months ago, when he was appointed director of automotive while former Honda United States executive Jay Joseph became chief executive officer (CEO).
Expanding the availability of hybrid models has formed part of the brand’s local turnaround strategy, with Honda recording a 9.2 per cent sales increase in 2025, making it one of the few Japanese brands to post growth last year.
This time last year, Honda only offered a single hybrid model grade in each of its SUV lines – CR-V, HR-V and ZR-V – as well as the Civic and Accord.
With the addition of the HR-V e:HEV RS, that has now increased to 12 model grades across six nameplates, including the newly arrived Prelude sports coupe.