2023 Honda HR-V Review: More Refined

The Honda HR-V competes in the increasingly aggressive small SUV phase, but Honda is hoping that the revamped 2023 HR-V will proceed to gain around potential buyers. For starters it is a ton bigger than the final technology, with a bigger inside and a extra highly effective powertrain beneath the hood. Will it be in a position to rival, its crosstown rival, the Toyota Corolla Cross? The straightforward remedy is of course and in several strategies it is really the much better choice to opt for.

The 2023 HR-V is practically 10 inches for a longer time and 3 inches broader than the final technology. If you are questioning how bit it looks in individual, it’s length is about the similar as the Civic hatchback. Talking of the Civic, the HR-V is now centered on the very same system as the Civic, alternatively of the more mature system that was shared with the Match.

In terms of styling, the new HR-V has a extra developed up glance than just before with its sculpted physique, traditional rear door handles and simpler grille. The past HR-V experienced a little bit far too many strains, so its fantastic to see that Honda has smoothed out the all round search of the new HR-V.

Inside of there are some major improvements that assist the HR-V stand out in this entry-stage class. You’ll notice that the inside does borrow several styling cues from the Civic with its minimalistic design and style and metallic honeycomb mesh that handles the air vents. The most significant big difference among the two is the center console which has a pleasant storage location beneath. The HR-V’s interior is wrapped in superior excellent materials, which makes it come to feel more upscale than the Corolla Cross.

In entrance of the driver there is a partly electronic gauge cluster with a 7-inch display screen and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The major spec EX-L ups the technological innovation with its larger sized 9-inch display screen. The base infotainment technique comes typical with Apple CarPlay and Android Vehicle, but if you go with the EX-L you can connect wirelessly. There is also a wi-fi charger and good sounding 8-speaker audio technique on the top rated trim level.

Moving to the rear seat, there’s another huge alter. The prior HR-V’s Magic Seat that was capable to fold up to fit larger sized products on the floor has been deleted. As an alternative the new HR-V gets a additional traditional split-folding rear seat. With the rear seats up, there’s 24.4 cubic feet of cargo place.

On the basic safety front, the HR-V will come regular with the Honda Sensing suite of energetic protection systems, which contains automatic crisis braking, adaptive cruise regulate, lane-departure warning, lane-trying to keep support, site visitors signal recognition, automated high beams and a rear-seat reminder.

Below the hood the HR-V borrows its motor from the Civic. It’s now run by a by natural means aspirated 2.-liter 4-cylinder motor with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, which is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). That suggests that the new HR-V has an further 17 hp and 11 lb-ft. much more than the past HR-V’s 1.8-liter engine. But if you’re considering that the added electrical power will make the HR-V additional pleasurable to travel, you will be disappointed. The added bodyweight from its even bigger overall body suggests that the added electric power under the hood does not necessarily mean that you are going to choose off from a end a lot quicker. Just like most models in this class, the HR-V is slow to decide on up velocity. We definitely desire Honda would offer you the Civic’s 1.5-liter turbo in the HR-V, which would truly assistance.

Just like before entrance-wheel push is standard, even though all-wheel generate is optional. The FWD edition is rated at 26 mpg city, 32 mpg freeway and 28 mpg merged, when the AWD variation is rated at 25/30/27 mpg. Those people specs are somewhat down from the final HR-V, but it’s envisioned considering how much greater the 2023 HR-V is.

When the quantity of energy under the hood is a bit disappointing, the great news is that the new HR-V has a a lot more refined driving practical experience than prior to. Its cabin is quiet with very low degrees of highway and tire sounds disrupting the space. The feeding on position is decreased than ahead of also, which can make the HR-V experience additional carlike than prior to. The trip quality is also greater many thanks to its new independent rear suspension. There’s even now a little bit of physique roll in corners, but that’s on par with its rivals.

The 2023 Honda HR-V is readily available in three trim degrees: LX, Activity and EX-L. The base LX begins at $24,985, together with destination with all-wheel travel adding an more $1,500. All in, the EX-L with AWD is priced at a affordable $30,195.

At the finish of the day, the 2023 HR-V has grown up a bit with its greater footprint, far more inside place and much better driving dynamics. Can we call the HR-V enjoyable? No. But we just can’t overlook that the HR-V will do largely every little thing that prospective buyers in this course want. It is got a lot of place, interesting pricing and an interior that feels more premium than most other crossovers in this class.