My HHR only has 157k miles on it but I'm always thinking ahead. They're obviously not making them anymore and good used ones are going to be harder to find. What would be a decent future replacement for the HHR that gives the versatility, durability, economical operation of the HHR? I saw a couple of small station wagons that might fit the bill like a used Golf wagon, but it doesn't have the character of the HHR. How many cars even have a flat folding front seat anymore?

 

We bought Sweeties 2018 Terrain SLE as a replacement for Oldblue, ended up keeping Oldblue and selling her 2003 Sunfire GT.
The Terrain is a bit wider and longer than the HHR but gets good fuel mileage, ours has the 1.5 litre Ecotec with a turbocharger and the 9 speed automatic transmission.

 

Not exactly a replacement but a 2019 Ford Flex has taken the place of my recently sold HHR SS. Similar in body style, I consider them both to be a station wagon.
The Flex is a Limited EcoBoost. AWD, V6, twin turbo, 365 hp.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/atta...1&d=1686709685

 

Kia Soul doesn't have quite the cargo capacity, but it does have character and economy.

 

If you're looking at a used Golf, here's a great Volkswagen creation: the SEAT Altea 2.0T 4WD DSG Freetrack (05.2009 - 04.2015).
I don't know the American market very well, maybe you don't have that. But if I was considering replacing the SS, I would pay close attention to the Freetrack. Of course, you understand that all the ills of Volkswagen it has too (I mean the unreliable DSG robot, etc.). But it doesn't seem to bother you.
Main settings
Equipment name 2.0T 4WD DSG Freetrack
Release period 2009 - 2015
Drive type Full (4WD)
Body type Minivan
Transmission type RKPP 6
Engine displacement, cc 1984
Body brand 5P5, 5P8
Acceleration time 0-100 km/h, s 7.6
Maximum speed, km/h 218
Ground clearance (road clearance), mm 185
Assembly country Spain
Number of doors 5
Winter equipment
Manufacturer's warranty 2 years regardless of mileage
Dimensions
Body dimensions
Body dimensions (L x W x H), mm 4493 x 1788 x 1622
Cabin dimensions
Number of seats 5
Number of rows of seats 2
Undercarriage dimensions
Wheel base, mm 2576
Minimum turning radius, m 5.5
Front track width, mm 1542
Rear track width, mm 1527
Weight and permissible loads
Weight, kg 1661
Permissible gross weight, kg 2191
Specific gravity, kg/hp 7.87
Volumes
Fuel tank volume, l 55
Trunk volume, l 532
Engine, transmission and steering
Engine
Engine brand CCZ
Fuel used Gasoline AI-98
Engine type In-line, 4-cylinder
Supercharger
Supercharger type Turbine
Maximum power, hp (kW) at rpm 211 (155) / 5300
Maximum torque, N * m (kg * m) at rpm. 280 (29) / 5200
Number of valves per cylinder 4
Compression ratio 10.3
Cylinder diameter, mm 82.5
Piston stroke, mm 92.8
Add. engine information Multiport fuel injection
Ecological engine type Euro-5
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption in the urban cycle, l / 100 km 11
Fuel consumption outside the city, l / 100 km 7
Fuel consumption in the combined cycle, l / 100 km 8.4
Steering
Power steering -
electric power steering
Suspension / Chassis
Suspension
Front Suspension Independent MacPherson strut
Rear suspension Independent, multi-link
Disks
Wheel size 7J x 17"
Tires
Front wheels 225/45 R17
Tire reviews 225/45 R17
Buy tires 225/45 R17
Rear wheels 225/45 R17
Tire reviews 225/45 R17
Buy tires 225/45 R17
brakes
Front brakes Ventilated disc
Rear brakes Disc
Exterior and external equipment
Headlights
Halogen headlights
Interior fittings
Salon execution
Fabric upholstery
seats
The second row of seats folds in a ratio of 40/20/40
Active and passive safety systems
Airbags
Driver's airbag
Front passenger airbag
Passenger airbag with deactivation function
Side airbag
Curtain airbags
Child safety
ISOFIX mount
Active and passive safety
Three-point seat belt
Electronic security and traffic control systems
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Traction control system (TCS)
Facilities
Interior microclimate
Air conditioner
Audio systems
Radio
CD player
MP3 support
Audio system accessories AUX-in connector
Additional amenities
On-board computer
Driver kit
Spare wheel

 

Sadly, no Seat in the US.

 

I looked at some of the suggestions but none have the size, economy and versatility of the HHR from what I'm seeing. Someone said you can actually put a washing machine in the back of a Chevy Volt, a car which I've always like, plus it's kind of quirky, but I'd have to see that to believe it. If GM was smart, they'd bring back the HHR in electric form, it would be the perfect around town car and better looking than most of the EVs out there right now. In fact, it would be cool if someone electrified an older HHR - looks like there'd be plenty of space for the battery.

 

In the Chevy lineup, Trailblazer. Dimensions match nicely, especially if you shortened the HHR bumper Trailblazer isn't super unique (not retro) but can be equipped differently and painted with two-tone colors.

Cargo/trunk space is nearly the same 25.2 vs 25.3. HHR wins out with seats down. You can match the seat down position with the Equinox if that mattered more

 

As much as I don't want another SUV, the Jeep Compass and the Trailblazer took like reasonable alternatives once they "season" a decade or so, lol.

 

Some of the Mazdas have a more spacious interior than you would guess from the outside. Ditto for The Tuscon. The Mazda is likely more fun to drive. Boring but functional could be the Volvo V60 series and its been out a while - nails the wagon look! Kia Sorento is intriguing as it is the smallest 3 row right now (Nissan Rogue had a 3 row a few years ago) and doesn't use a CVT like many other smallish models have (including the Trailblazer crossover). Several of these are offered in hybrid form

For things that are already used/older, its harder to consider (for me) if adding tech... like elec or hybrid. Would depend on price I guess.