Redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V Grows in Size and Power
The subcompact SUV moves up in price and features
Honda says the 2023 HR-V is wider than its predecessor and rides on a longer wheelbase.
By Jeff S. Bartlett
The second-generation Honda HR-V is larger, more powerful, and better equipped than the model it replaces.
The original HR-V was spun off from the now-discontinued Fit subcompact hatchback for the 2016 model year, creating a low-priced starter SUV. This redesigned version steps up to the newly redesigned Civic’s platform, granting it a longer wheelbase, more interior space, a more powerful engine, and an independent rear suspension that could aid both ride and handling. The outgoing model uses a space-efficient but less sophisticated torsion beam system on front-drive versions.
These significant improvements and larger size promise to position the HR-V better against the latest competition, which includes models that didn’t exist when the HR-V was first introduced, like the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Gaining 11 inches in length, this new HR-V is a much larger vehicle than the original, and longer than most subcompact SUVs. In fact, the dimensions put it quite close to the current CR-V in length and width.
Along with the numerous upgrades comes a base price that’s almost $2,000 more than the 2022 model. But that money looks to be well spent.
Here’s what we know so far.
What it competes with: Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Rogue Sport, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, Volkswagen Taos.
What it looks like: An upscale small SUV from another brand.
Powertrain: 158-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; continuously variable transmission; front- or all-wheel drive.
Price: $23,650-$28,950
On sale: Late June
The HR-V's body is sculpted with smooth curves that move the look closer to that of the latest Honda SUVs.
Photo: Honda
CR's Take
The humble little HR-V has grown up, and it appears ready to take on the current wave of subcompact SUVs. At 179.8 inches long, it’s just 2 inches shorter bumper-to-bumper than the Honda CR-V. (That makes it a fair bet that the redesigned 2023 CR-V will grow incrementally.)
The outgoing HR-V feels a bit cheap. It has a stiff ride, a tinny overall feel, uncomfortable seats, and an underpowered engine. The new one has the potential to be a completely different vehicle.
The upgraded suspension should help road manners. And moving to the Civic-shared 2.0-liter engine sounds intriguing, but the performance depends on the vehicle’s weight. Newborn rival Toyota Corolla Cross has 11 more horsepower and its acceleration is tepid. Best temper your expectations.
We would welcome seeing a hybrid version, as offered by the CR-V and soon the Civic. Of course, it would be fun to have the 200-hp Civic Si engine fitted for a true Sport version. (Don’t get your hopes up.)
The real appeal may be in having a bit more elbow room and cargo space, as well as a more sophisticated driving experience. At least that’s the promise. We’ll see how it measures up when we buy one to test.
Outside
This new HR-V looks more mature, even a bit upscale. Gone are the odd high-mounted rear door handles. They’re replaced by traditional grips. The body is sculpted with smooth curves that move the look closer to that of the latest Honda SUVs and away from the crisp creases seen in Honda’s cars. Even still, the appearance looks a bit dated compared to the edgy styling on some of the latest small SUVs.
Contributing to the clean looks is the lack of chrome around the grille or side glass.
The HR-V Sport is distinguished by a horizontal-theme grille, black rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, and 18-inch, five-spoke black wheels.
The top EX-L trim has gloss-black exterior trim and gray 17-inch wheels.
The cabin has a conventional gear selector (not a given with Honda), rotary dials for the climate controls, and the brand's latest infotainment system.
Photo: Honda
Inside
The HR-V features a 7-inch digital instrument panel. At center stage is a 7-inch infotainment screen on LX and Sport versions. This is enlarged to 9 inches on the higher EX-L trim, along with gaining wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger, and an upgraded stereo. We tested both systems in the Civic Sport and Civic Si and found them easy to use. Overall, the HR-V appears to retain the simple control layout we enjoyed in the Civic, including the satisfyingly clicky climate knobs and vents.
Honda says that outward visibility was improved by lowering the windshield base and moving the side mirrors away from the forward roof pillars. And it claims that significant work was done to improve seat comfort. All good things.
The seats fold completely flat, maximizing cargo space.
Photo: Honda
What Drives It
The previous 141-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is supplanted by a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine shared with the Honda Civic. It’s backed by a continuously variable transmission. In the Civic, this combination recorded a tepid 9.7 second 0 to 60 mph run, balanced by a solid 33 mpg overall. Honda claims that the CVT here has been engineered to aid response. That may help offset the added weight for the HR-V and the driveline drag that an AWD system typically brings. It would be even better if the HR-V could adapt the powertrain from the upcoming Civic hybrid.
The HR-V AWD is EPA-rated at 25 city, 30 highway, and 27 mpg combined.
This puts the HR-V behind the smaller first-generation model (29 mpg combined) and Corolla Cross (30 mpg combined), based on EPA figures. According to Honda’s specifications, the new model is about 200 pounds heavier than the outgoing HR-V.
There are three driver-selectable modes—Normal, Eco, and Snow—that affect the engine and transmission, allowing their performance to be tailored to conditions. The HR-V has a hill descent control, operable from 2 to 12 mph, that causes the SUV to maintain a set speed. This can be helpful on steep mountain roads and mild dirt trails.
The current HR-V suffers from a stiff and choppy ride, and it’s very loud. The more sophisticated chassis, more substantial structure, and longer wheelbase should improve the ride and noise isolation.
Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
The HR-V employs the latest Honda Sensing suite of safety features found on the Civic. It centers around a single camera with a 100-degree field of view—twice as wide as that on the camera and radar system on the previous model. This allows it to better detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, lines, and road signs, according to Honda.
In addition to standard forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, sign recognition, a driver attention monitor, and rear seat reminder are all standard. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning aren’t available on the base LX but are standard on Sport and EX-L.
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