This week the all-new 2023 Honda HR-V crossover SUV showed up for our perusal. 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 system as seen here on our EX-L tester.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as are hard controls for both volume and tuning added. The EX-L has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Qi-compatible wireless charging along with an upgraded audio system.

Handling and ride are improved in a big way with 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.

It’s still adequate power, not sporting. While the increase in grunt is given so is an increase in weight. The CVT remains a let down in terms of its dynamic feel and response to driver inputs.

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 our EX-L AWD tester came in at $30,590 with its optional shade of paint.