2017 Honda Freed Review

Detailed Review

The Honda Freed has undergone two generations of production. The first generation was in production from 2008 to 2016. This mini multi-purpose vehicle is currently in its second iteration of production which has some minor improvements.

The 2017 Honda Freed comes with two engine options, a 1.5 L (Petrol), and a 1.5 L (Hybrid) connected to either a 7-speeed automatic transmission or CVT. Refer to the 2017 Honda Freed Buyer’s Guide for a comprehensive overview that is tailored specifically to your preferences and budget for unparalleled value and savings in your car purchasing journey. 

2017 Honda Freed Grades

1. Honda Freed G- This grade comes with halogen headlights, fabric seats, a 12-volt power outlet, AM/FM Radio, anti-lock braking system, and power windows.
2. Honda Freed X- This grade has LED headlights, power sliding doors, a keyless entry and start, fog lights, alloy wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
3. Honda Freed G Aero- This grade is a sportier version and boasts side skirts, a roof spoiler, sports seats, Bluetooth connectivity, power mirrors, and power sliding doors.
4. Honda Freed Hybrid EX- This grade is fitted with a navigation system, a moonroof, power windows, AM/FM Radio, electronic brake force distribution and a 12-volt power output.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Honda Freed boasts a spacious interior with soft plastic touches on the dashboard. It comes in a 5-seater, 6-seater, and 7-seater configurations. The first row has ample legroom and headroom and its seats can recline to match a desired preference. The second row has supportive seats that have sufficient knee room and headroom. The third row seat is only ideal to kids as adults will find it uncomfortable owing to its limited legroom.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Honda Freed feature numerous storage compartments that are intended to improve the ride comfort of its occupants. The first row includes two cupholders, door panel storage, a glove box compartment, and a retractable tray. The second row passengers have access to door pockets. The third row seat have cupholders.

Boot Space

The 2017 Honda Freed has a small cargo area when the third row seat is in place. To create more room, the second and third row seats can be folded.

Exterior

The 2017 Honda Freed has a boxy exterior design that prioritizes functionality and practicality. Owing to its sloping nose, occupants have an excellent view and command of the oncoming traffic. Up front sits a nicely curved grille adorned with the Honda emblem. Flanking the grille are the halogen headlights with an angular shape. Higher grades come with LED daytime running lights that lend it a modern and upscale look. Fog lights and air vents are encompassed in the lower bumper.

Character lines are visible on the side profile and they help in improving aerodynamics. It features electronically driven doors that aid passengers to easily embark or disembark from the vehicle. The mirror caps and door handles are body-colored. Higher grades come standard with a moonroof which provides ambient lighting in the cabin.

The rear has taillights and turn signals. Its tailgate is electronically driven and this is very handy when you want to access the boot  but your hands are full of staff. A roof spoiler enhances the sportiness of this multi-purpose vehicle.

2017 Honda Freed Safety Features

The 2017 Honda Freed features multiple airbags, stability control, blind spot monitoring, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, child safety locks, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an anti-lock braking system.

2017 Honda Freed Fuel Consumption

2017 Honda Freed 1.5 L petrol engine consumption- 16.4 km/l on average

2017 Honda Freed 1.5 L hybrid engine consumption- 27.8 km/l on average

2017 Honda Freed Acceleration

2017 Honda Freed 1.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.2 secs

2017 Honda Freed 1.5 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.9 secs

The 2017 Honda Freed Fuel Tank Capacity: 36 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2017 Honda Freed has a ground clearance of 6.4 inches which is below the required standard of 6.5 inches on Kenyan roads.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts for the Honda Freed are generally affordable and available in Kenya. Body parts are slightly expensive and not easy to find.

Stability And Handling

The 2017 Honda Freed offers a sturdy and comfortable ride. It prioritizes comfort and practicality over handling. The steering wheel has a responsive feedback hence it adapts nicely to road bends. The suspension system provides a firm ride when driving on highways and it also protects passengers from jerky movements picked from uneven road surfaces.

It is recommended to slow down when approaching tight corners as this mini MPV experiences body rolls. Its approach and departure angles cannot clear inclined and reclined surfaces without damaging its body components which are costly to either repair or replace then hence driving in extreme off-road trails should be avoided.

The engine works in tandem with the transmission system to deliver a smooth start and decent acceleration. Anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, and a tire pressure monitoring system are encompassed in this car to improve its stability.

Reliability

The 2017 Honda Freed is considered a reliable car. Due to its low ground clearance, off-road driving should be avoided. Transmission issues and malfunctioning of the power sliding doors are the most commonly reported issues in this mini MPV. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such problems.

Refer to the 2017 Honda Freed Buyer’s Guide for a comprehensive overview that is tailored specifically to your preferences and budget for unparalleled value and savings in your car purchasing journey. 

Resale Value: Average

Honda Freed Competitors:  Toyota Passo Sette, Toyota Sienta, VW Touran, Mazda Premacy, Nissan Lafesta, and Peugeot Partner.

What we like about the 2017 Honda Freed

Excellent fuel economy

Spacious and versatile interior

Comfortable ride

What we don’t

Small cargo space behind the third-row seat

Conclusion

The 2017 Honda Freed is a reliable car that prioritizes practicality and comfort over a sporty handling. Folks with large households will definitely appreciate the spacious cabin that is very versatile. Long distance drivers have a good choice in the Honda Freed as its consumption rate is very low. Enthusiasts who are after performance will not find it in this mini MPV. Its purchase price is not very exorbitant, people on a tight budget may be in a position to buy it.