The entry-level Honda HR-V crossover SUV is all-new for 2023 from the ground up. Like anything all-new, it has grown longer, wider, and more powerful. With more contemporary styling it’s also significantly more feature-rich particularly inside.
Based on the 11th-generation Honda Civic chassis architecture it gains a lot of it’s basic structure inside and out. It’s 2.6-inches wider and length has grown by 9.4 inches. It’s styling follows form with the more simplistic and conservative lines and forms seen in the latest Civic and CR-V models.
This means a longer front-end length to silhouette and a lower belt line that offers better outward visibility from behind the wheel. A longer greenhouse also affords additional windows added behind the rear doors between the C and D pillars. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 18-inches depending on trim grade.
The interior really is where the major upgrades are seen with a horizontal dash design nearly identical in theme to the Honda Civic. Wide design lines and rich metal grille design create and artistic architectural look crafted in top-notch materials throughout. A creatively designed center console features is curved and upholstered in a rich soft trim. A versatile pass-through makes using its USB charging ports and storage spots a snap.
Switchgear and hardware is upgraded substantially as are the tech features. Standard across the lineup is a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customized. Center of the dash is either a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system or an upgraded 9-inch system as seen here on the EX-L model.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as are hard controls for both volume and tuning added. The EX-L gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Qi-compatible wireless charging along with an upgraded audio system.
Handling and ride are said to be improved by way of a significantly stronger body structure and new fully independent rear suspension on both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. Capability is increase with the addition of hill descent control aiding on steep and slippery declines.
There’s more power for 2023 as the HR-V inherits the Civic’s larger and more powerful 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 158-horsepower and 138 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and as mentioned can be had with both FWD or Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control.
The 2023 HR-V has the expected driver selectable drive modes of Normal and Eco but now features a new Snow mode. Honda Sensing passive and active safety features are expanded from entry-level to the top end as well.
Pricing for the 2023 Honda HR-V starts at $23,650 for the FWD LX and rages up to $30,195 for the EX-L AWD model shown here in our video. The entire range is arriving at U.S Honda dealerships now.
