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The 2023 HR-V kick-starts the second-generation run for Honda's smallest SUV with a new engine, bold looks, and a bucketful of technology features.
Honda's cheapest and smallest SUV was lagging behind the competition by a huge margin, so much so, that people had almost forgotten of its existence! A major revamp was due, and the Japanese automaker has finally given their lesser-known SUV a generation upgrade, and it is everything that it needs right now.
The small SUV segment is thriving with refreshed and new generation offerings like the 2022 likes of Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, and the new Volkswagen Taos. Honda has given the 2023 HR-V a more powerful engine, increased real estate, and a healthy uplift in terms of features to catch up with the evolving competition.
It looks sharp and curvy at the same time. The taillights do remind us of previous generations of the Audi Q7. The cabin has been heavily derived from the 11th-Gen Honda Civic and is the perfect blend of comfort and technology. Honda has also added more features to the HR-V's already impressive Honda Sensing suite of safety features. This makeover is sure to bring Honda's baby SUV back into the game.
The 2023 HR-V kick-starts the second-generation run for Honda's smallest SUV with a new engine, bold looks, more space, and a turn-around of technology and comfort features.
Honda has cut short on the trim levels and bumped up the pricing for the 2023 HR-V. It now comes in three trims - LX, Sport, and EX-L. All are offered in either FWD or AWD configuration. The base LX trim with FWD starts with an MSRP of $23,650 and the list tops out at $28,950 for the EX-L with AWD. The base price has been bumped up by over $1,000 which isn't a lot if you put the list of upgrades into the picture.
Honda has given the 2023 HR-V the 2.0-Liter NA motor from the base Civic. This teetotaler churns out 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque which is a marginal bump of 17 hp and 11 lb-ft over the HR-V's outgoing 1.8-Liter unit. Power is sent to either front or all wheels via a CVT gearbox.
The added size, weight, and marginal bump in power have taken a toll on its EPA figures. The 2022 HR-V returns 28/34/30 MPG in city/highway/ combined. But now, the 2023 HR-V is slated to return 26/32/28 MPG. The reduction is constant across the line-up.
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The 2023 HR-V shares its platform with the Civic. This makes it a lot more rigid than the outgoing model. Honda has also replaced the old torsion-beam layout with a fully independent rear suspension setup. This new multilink layout helps improve the ride quality and gives the HR-V a rather sporty character.
The front suspension continues to flaunt MacPherson struts. Also adding to a stable driving setup is its extended wheelbase of 104.5 inches (increased by 1.7 inches). The front and rear wheel tracks have also been bumped up by 2 inches and 2.5 inches respectively. The 2023 HR-V also gets the same steering setup as the Civic with refined electronics.
The Honda Civic relationship is carried over to the interior as well. The 2023 HR-V gets a clean, and well-laid-out interior that was first introduced in the Civic. We dig the all-black theme and the dashboard is split in between by a patterned grille that smartly hides the air-con vents as well.
The sem-digital instrument cluster and the standard 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system are all taken off the Civic's book. The HR-V can also be equipped with a bigger 9-inch infotainment unit. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a no-brainer here.
But if you need wireless versions of the same, then opting for the bigger screen is the only way. An optional wireless charging pad is also on the roster. The differences are evident when you slowly move away from the dash. The HR-V has its cup-holders positioned ahead of the gear shifter.
The seats are new, and thanks to the increased wheelbase, provide more room. But Honda has removed its famous Magic Seat which would have added to the 2023 HR-V's practicality. But on the flip side, cargo space has notably gone up from 14.8 cu-ft to 22.4 cu-ft.
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The visual redesign of the 2023 HR-V is surely a breath of fresh air, but it is not without criticism. The last-gen HR-V was all about being sharp and everybody's panel reciprocated it quite well. But the 2023 MY has a mixed signal. While the LED lighting gives forth a sharp look, the new HR-V has a more bulbous outlook, especially from the front fascia.
The rear is cooler and has a German vibe to it. The front grille kinda looks small for the bulky fascia. But then again, looks are subjective, and we will let you be the judge. It comes with either 17-inch standard or 18-inch Sport wheels. The 2023 HR-V is offered in seven colors including two new shades - Nordic Forest Pearl and Urban Gray Pearl.
The 2023 HR-V comes with the latest Honda Sensing Suite. New features include the latest driver and passenger front airbag technology which heightens head protection. It also gets new front passenger knee and rear-passenger side airbags. HR-V also packs the new single-camera driver-assistive features as seen in the 11th-gen Civic.
There's even more! The new HR-V gets Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sight Recognition as well. All the other existing features are now more efficient. Honda has also added Blind Spot Information as an optional feature for the first time on the HR-V.
Tijo is an engineer, mechanic, gamer, and an avid content creator. He is a grease-monkey who loves tinkering with automobiles every now and then, when not busy penning down his passion for them. He has always had a soft spot for JDM and is keen on diving deep in for anything that involves wheels and engines.