Honda felt it was time to revamp its subcompact crossover, which first arrived in 2016. For 2023, the HR-V gets a major overhaul as it enters its 2nd generation. Of course, the brand is targeting “young active buyers” and hopes the new updates will make a difference in a market otherwise saturated with small sport utility vehicles.
The appearance of the new HR-V is slightly sportier (and frankly reminds us of the new Ford Escape 2021), the interior is redesigned with a lot more technology, including a standard digital instrument display, a new engine of 2.0L produces 17 more horsepower and now rides on a reworked suspension system, Honda says this volume-selling crossover will be more fun on open roads.
The size of the HR-V increases and gains a new engine with more power
Gone is the 1.8L 4-cylinder, replaced by a larger 2.0L 4-cylinder with 158 horsepower (SAE net @ 6,500 rpm) and 138 lb-ft. of torque (SAE net at 4,200 rpm). Aside from a more refined engine, the new mill produces 17 more horsepower and adds 11 lb-ft. of torque.
The CVT transmission remains for 2023 but gets some upgrades for power, refinement and engine sound. Honda promises “a more naturally responsive feel” thanks to the new CVT’s improved G-Design programming and “Step-Shift” programming. We’ll know for sure once we’ve tested the redesigned HR-V on the road.
For daily driving, Honda has built the new model on a significantly stronger structure, combined with a new independent rear suspension. The wheelbase jumps to 104.5 inches – an increase of almost 2 inches over the outgoing version – and has widened the track for better stability, adding 2 inches in the front and 2.5 inches in the rear. back.
New HR-V interior for 2023
Inside, Honda really wants to drive the simple, sporty and spacious themed home with new customers – a design language first introduced in the 2022 Civic.
Exterior mirrors are now further away from the A-pillars coupled with a lower bonnet, all opening up interior visibility. Widening the dash with fewer cut lines seems to reduce windshield glare and visual distractions.
Rear passengers benefit from a more comfortable cabin thanks to wider seats and a new rear tray for storing small items; all seats improve with better stabilization features designed to make those longer rides less uncomfortable by reducing fatigue.
Adding more storage space to an already small SUV will always earn customers bonus points. The new HR-V’s cargo space behind the rear seat is expanded to 24.4 cu. ft. on all 2023 HR-V trims; while increasing the lift height for larger items, measuring just over 27 inches.
The space is also more durable, hiding those scratches and dents with a new wavy pattern, which essentially hides things better, and the 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold flat, which is a nice touch and practice.
The digital instrument display is an HR-V first (standard on LX and Sport models), and the new, larger touchscreen (standard and optional versions), boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard. The HR-V EX-L gains the largest 9-inch color touchscreen where Apple CarPlay and Android Auto go wireless.
Front and center of the driver is a new 7-inch multi-information display as well as a fully digital speedometer and tachometer.
2023 Honda HR-V Exterior Styling Changes
Compared to the outgoing 2022 subcompact crossover, the redesigned 2023 HR-V is certainly sleeker with a low horizontal beltline and an elongated hood. Coupled with a 9.4-inch increase in length, Honda has widened the LED headlights and taillights, about 2.6 inches longer.
Probably the most noticeable design change is that narrower, honeycomb-style front grille flanked by air curtain inlets. It works with the lower, slimmer 2023 design, but the outgoing grill wasn’t horrible either. Again, the new look looks like a Ford Escape rip-off.
The LX trim finds a matte finish on its grille; The HR-V Sport tries to step it up with a horizontally themed grille, gloss black rear spoiler and chrome exhaust finisher.
17-inch silver-painted alloy wheels come standard, with 18-inch gloss black 5-split-spoke wheels fitted to the HR-V Sport. The HR-V 2023 is available in seven colors, including some new ones: Nordic Forest Pearl and Urban Gray Pearl.
Price of the 2023 Honda HR-V in the United States and Canada
The next-generation 2023 HR-V starts at $24,895 in the US, for the entry-level LX with FWD. In Canada, the same LX FWD starts at $30.60. Both prices include the respective destination charges.
Here is an overview of all HR-V versions and prices for each market.
Pricing in the United States
| Toppings | MSRP ($1,245 fee included) |
| LX (TA) | $24,895 |
| LX (AWD) | $26,395 |
| Sports (TA) | $26,895 |
| Sports (AWD) | $28,395 |
| EX-L (TA) | $28,695 |
| EX-L (AWD) | $30,195 |
Canada Pricing
| Trim | MSRP ($1,950 fee included) |
| LX (TA) | $30,680 |
| LX (AWD) | $32,890 |
| Sports (AWD) | $35,880 |
| Navi EX-L (AWD) | $39,080 |
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