In April, Honda released the first photos and details about the 2023 Honda HR-V SUV and now we have all the details.
The previous HR-V was based on the same platform as the recently departed Honda Fit. This time, the 2023 HR-V moves to the same platform as the Civic, which means it’s not only bigger, but also looks far more grown up and refined. In addition to the new platform, there’s more power under the hood and a revamped interior with improved tech features.
When we say it’s larger, we mean it. The 2023 HR-V is 9.4-inches longer than its predecessor, 2.6 inches wider and its wheelbase has been stretched 1.7 inches. To give you an idea how much it’s grown, the HR-V is now about the same length as the Civic hatchback. On the outside the overall styling looks cleaner than the last HR-V with smoother lines that give it a more sculpted look. If you want a sportier look, there’s the appropriately named Sport trim level that features more aggressive grille, a gloss-black rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust finisher. The HR-V Sport also gets special gloss Berlina Black 18-inch split 5-spoke wheels.
Inside the massively upgraded interior gives us Civic vibes with its honeycomb accent on the dashboard and improved tech features. In front of the driver there’s a new 7-inch LCD display that sits alongside an analog speedometer. At the center of the dash the HR-V comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A larger 9-inch touchscreen comes with the EX-L trim level, which features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L also adds a wireless charging pad and an upgraded eight-speaker audio system.
The bigger footprint, gives the new HR-V a noticeably larger interior. Behind the second row, there’s 24.4 cu.-ft of cargo space, which can increase to 55.1 cu.-ft. with the rear seats folded down. In case you’re wondering, the old Magic Seat folding rear seat is no longer offered. Honda says that the traditional rear seats are now more comfortable than the last HR-V.
Under the skin there are some significant changes. Honda says that the new HR-V is based on a “significantly stronger structure” and at the rear there’s a new independent suspension. Under the hood the old 1.8-liter engine is gone and instead the 2023 HR-V is now powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb.-ft. of torque. The new engine has additional 17 hp and 11 lb.-ft. of torque. The four-cylinder is mated to a CVT and all-wheel drive is optional. The AWD system has also been re-tuned to send more power to the rear wheels when needed. A new Hill Descent Control system makes it easier to travel down a slippery slope.
Lastly the HR-V features a new Snow mode in addition to the Eco and Normal driving modes. Snow mode alters the drive ratios and throttle mapping to keep you doing down the road in slick snowy conditions.
The front-wheel drive HR-V is rated at 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined. The all-wheel drive version is rated at 25/30/27 mpg.
On the safety front, the HR-V comes standard with the latest Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technologies. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition. The EX-L trim level adds front and rear parking sensors, while the Sport and EX-L trims get blind-spot monitoring. It also comes standard with front occupant knee and rear-passenger side impact airbags.
The 2023 Honda HR-V will be offered in three trim levels: LX, Sport and EX-L. The pricing for the new HR-V starts at $24,895, including destination. The top spec EX-L AWD starts at $30,195. It’s on sale now.
