Execs: Excessive-end cabin; it’s mainly an enormous Civic; Honda dependability and resale
Cons: Gradual, even by section requirements, with no gas financial system bonus; no sporty or outdoorsy trim ranges
The 2023 Honda HR-V is much less intelligent and modern than the subcompact SUV it replaces. It additionally doesn’t lean into anyone area of interest of the market as most of its rivals do, reminiscent of making a method assertion, delivering a sporty driving expertise or being well-suited to venturing off the overwhelmed path. The brand new HR-V is simply very typical. That will make it much less attention-grabbing, however it’s additionally simple to see how that’ll make it extra interesting to extra folks. Particularly when you think about that most individuals most likely aren’t actually on the lookout for their small SUV to be a vogue assertion, sporty or significantly adept at discovering far-flung tenting spots.
Subsequently, as easy, reliable transportation for these wanting to take a seat up excessive and luxuriate in some additional versatility, the 2023 HR-V ought to completely ship. It’s one of many extra spacious SUVs in its section of midcompact SUVs (even when it doesn’t actually have any greater than its subcompact predecessor, however that’s an extended story we go into in our HR-V first drive). It additionally has a stunning, well-made inside with stable know-how, and total refinement that exceeds most rivals. In that means, it’s an terrible lot just like the Honda Civic, with which it shares a terrific deal. Sadly, that doesn’t embody the Civic’s turbocharged engine improve, which the HR-V certain may use – not as a high-performance possibility, however simply to offer ample acceleration. The HR-V is kind of sluggish, even by section requirements, and its gas financial system isn’t something particular, both.
Mainly, the brand new HR-V checks off a number of packing containers, however there are additionally a number of rivals that may pull in your heartstrings a bit stronger.
Inside & Know-how | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gas Economic system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Rankings & Security Options
What’s new for 2023?
The HR-V is larger and extra typical than the subcompact SUV pioneer it replaces … a lot in order that it’s probably not a subcompact SUV anymore. It is likely one of the bigger members of a section we name “midcompact,” whereas additionally being extra refined and cozy. It handles higher, too. There’s extra energy, however because it’s heavier, there’s probably not a efficiency enhancement. Lastly, Honda’s newest infotainment and security know-how is current, which can most likely be probably the most consequential distinction for a lot of consumers.
What are the HR-V inside and in-car know-how like?
Other than the excessive, floating heart console lined in soft-touch pleather that makes its means from the final HR-V (albeit up to date), the remainder of the cabin’s good-looking design and above-average supplies are largely in step with the brand new Honda Civic. That’s a terrific factor. The obvious Civic cue is the wheel-to-door air vent plated by a metal-look honeycomb sample. There could come a day when Honda overuses this design aspect however, for now, it’s distinctive.
The touchscreen (7 inches in LX and Sport, 9 inches in EX-L), are shared with the Civic, and are exponentially higher than the outgoing HR-V’s sluggish, convoluted and just-plain-old touchscreen. Oh, and it has a quantity knob and shortcut buttons now. Now, are these screens higher than these of the HR-V’s rivals? No, probably not, particularly when in comparison with the Kia Seltos. They’re additionally not demonstrably worse. Three USB-A ports additionally reside within the heart console, and the range-topping EX-L trim stage will get wi-fi charging to go along with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Wired variations come commonplace.
How huge is the HR-V?
The HR-V is each larger and roughly the identical measurement because the SUV it replaces, which is complicated, and if you wish to know the way and why, we dig into that in our HR-V first drive assessment. In the end, although, the HR-V has moved a half measurement up the SUV chart to affix autos that embody the Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taos, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross and Ford Bronco Sport. Passenger area is among the many better of that group, and together with the Taos, is likely one of the extra household pleasant.
When it comes to cargo area, there may be 24.4 cubic toes of cargo area (mainly the identical as earlier than, however once more, lengthy story). That’s solely mid-pack, with the Seltos, Taos and Bronco Sport having a bit extra. They’re additionally a bit boxier, which ought to make them simpler to load. The HR-V does at the least boast a again seat that folds completely flat because of a well engineered, multi-hinged seat backside that dips down into the footwell.
What are the HR-V gas financial system and efficiency specs?
There is just one engine and transmission combo accessible: a 2.0-liter inline-four good for 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque that’s related to a constantly variable transmission. Entrance- and all-wheel drive can be found. Its output is under common for the section – lots of which supply much more highly effective upgrades.
EPA-estimated gas financial system is available in at 26 mpg metropolis, 32 mpg freeway and 28 mpg mixed with front-wheel drive. It falls to 25/30/27 with all-wheel drive. That is really decrease than these extra highly effective rivals.
What is the HR-V wish to drive?
It’s fairly sluggish, with a dearth of low-end grunt (its piddling 138 pound-feet of torque arrives at a lofty 4,200 rpm). Lay into the throttle and nothing actually occurs, which is in distinction to the punchy little turbo engines of many rivals. Heck, even the bottom Subaru Crosstrek engine has extra torque – and its prospects finally satisfied Subaru to supply a extra highly effective improve. The CVT does a very good job of behaving like a fairly regular transmission by simulating gears, and even making use of engine braking when going downhill when in Sport or Low modes. Do you have to need to hustle issues alongside, the Sport mode doesn’t actually reside as much as its billing, because it’s too wanting to upshift. There are not any paddle shifters accessible.
Past the powertrain, the driving expertise is impressively refined for the section. Maybe it’s the varied current-generation CR-V bits and items within the suspension, however it does have a extra substantial, subtle really feel. Physique roll is saved in first rate test and the steering is constantly weighted with commendable response. The ratio is noticeably slower than the Civic’s, although, and dealing by way of a winding mountain highway required extra turning angle than anticipated. That is in distinction to the Mazda CX-30, which feels virtually equivalent to a Mazda3. There’s undoubtedly a sportier model doable right here ought to Honda select to go there – ditto one higher suited to outdoorsy actions. Its floor clearance is modest at solely 7 inches, and there are not any roof rails, both.
What different Honda HR-V opinions can I learn?
2023 Honda HR-V First Drive
A deeper dive into how the brand new HR-V differs from its predecessor, plus insights on why these modifications have been made (and why there isn’t any turbocharged engine).
What’s the 2023 HR-V worth?
The 2023 Honda HR-V begins at $24,895 for two-wheel-drive LX, together with vacation spot, and tops out at $30,195 for an AWD EX-L. That makes it competitively priced, aligning carefully with a Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. Contemplating Honda’s well-documented status for reliability and resale worth, there’s extra worth to be discovered than only a low worth and well-stocked options record.
The HR-V has a lowered variety of trim ranges in comparison with the Honda norm: LX, Sport and EX-L. In addition to a rise in tools, the Sport options barely completely different design parts (most notably the good-looking textured fabric upholstery and orange stitching). The EX-L is then noteworthy for its leather-based upholstery, an influence driver seat, bigger touchscreen and a sunroof.
All costs under embody the $1,245 vacation spot cost. All-wheel drive is a $1,500 possibility for all of them.
LX: $24,895LX AWD: $26,395Sport: $26,895Sport AWD: $28,295EX-L: $28,695EX-L AWD: $30,195
What are the HR-V security scores and driver help options?
Each 2023 HR-V contains as commonplace tools ahead collision warning, computerized emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping help, and adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go functionality and lane-centering steering help. It additionally contains rear aspect airbags, which is uncommon. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning are included on the Sport and EX-L.
The 2023 HR-V had not been crash examined by a 3rd get together on the time of this writing.
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