The Honda HR-V is an entry-level model with standard solid equipment. A small SUV can accommodate up to five people and their baggage. It is more affordable and fuel-efficient than its smaller competitors, such as the Kia Seltos, but it has a bit more size, presence, and usefulness. Although it has appealing materials and is comfy, the inside lacks the high-end finishing featured in more expensive versions. Numerous standard safety features are included, and the infotainment system has been improved with more giant touchscreens that make it simpler to operate.
As it enters its second generation this year, the 2023 HR-V is entirely new. There are many modifications, beginning with a revised exterior design that does away with the toy-like style of the past in favor of something sportier and more striking. It boasts a more powerful engine and is more prolonged and broader, giving the interior additional space. This leads to higher performance, which, when combined with a revised suspension system, results in a drive that is more engaging and a ride that is smoother all around. The more extensive, standard, and optional infotainment displays provide the HR-V with a more upscale appearance and simplify navigation.
The HR-V has several capable competitors in the booming small SUV market. The sportier N trim, an optional electric engine, more excellent infotainment systems, and a bolder appearance are all available in the smaller-sized Hyundai Kona. The Kia Seltos offers additional trim options and two responsive turbocharged engines. The Mazda CX-30 delivers a livelier driving overall and is a more expensive alternative with finer inside materials, especially in its forceful turbocharged model. Volkswagen’s Taos boasts a more luxurious interior, better luggage space, and more torque.
This year, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque is added to the HR-V, improving performance. This is coupled with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that has been adjusted to transmit power more smoothly. This Honda CVT is smooth, much like previous Honda CVTs in recent years. The essential EX is priced at $24,895 in the three-trim range, while the Sport costs $25,650. Starting at $27,450 is the top EX-L. All-wheel drive (AWD) is an extra $1,500 option on all grades and is an alternative to front-wheel drive (FWD).
The HR-V’s interior is far more pleasant than what was available the previous year, with supportive seats and high-quality materials. Although the new model doesn’t mainly outperform the previous one regarding total cargo capacity, and other competitors provide a bit more in smaller footprints, it also offers adequate space for passengers and goods. Because of the redesigned suspension system, which significantly reduces the roughness of the previous generation, the ride is quiet. This car is more enjoyable because of its powerful engine and updated gearbox.
This year’s improvements include more extensive infotainment displays. The top-tier EX-L system has a 9.0-inch touchscreen as standard equipment, while the basic model features a 7.0-inch touchscreen. On the EX-L, both have a wifi connection and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The complete Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies includes lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warning, traffic jam assistance, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, and automated emergency braking.
Performance: Honda HR-V
The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque is the sole engine for the HR-V, which is mated to a continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT). This new engine’s increased horsepower, as well as its improved CVT from the previous year, are both appreciated. Although this isn’t an aggressive powerplant, it effortlessly propels the HR-V to a high speed, making highway merges less stressful.
The HR-V is the first vehicle with three driving modes available. Select ECON for the best fuel economy, snow for improved grip on slick roads, or standard for normal driving conditions. Another first for the HR-V is hill descent control, which is standard on all three trims. There aren’t any off-road driving options available. This crossover is better suited for roads than off-road exploration, with just 7.0 inches of ground clearance (7.3 on the Sport). An all-wheel drive is an option on all three grades, even though front-wheel drive is the default. The HR-V is not authorized to tow.
Fuel efficiency: Honda HR-V
Despite being tiny, the HR-V is not a fuel-efficient vehicle. EPA-rated fuel economy for front-wheel drive models is 26 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg overall. These figures are reduced to 25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined when AWD is added. This results in fuel efficiency for the HR-V, which is somewhat below average for a compact SUV and far from hybrid vehicles like the (albeit smaller) Kia Niro.
The Kia Seltos has the most outstanding overall fuel efficiency, but only when not taking into account the fact that it only has front-wheel drive. The Hyundai Kona has superior front-wheel drive fuel efficiency compared to the Seltos, but since it does have all-wheel drive, its average throughout its range falls. The Mazda CX-30 is last among the group.
Safety and driver support technology:
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recognized the 2023 Honda HR-V as a Top Safety Pick+ in November, which improved its rating. The 2023 Honda HR-V has not yet received a rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and traffic sign recognition are just a few of the standard safety features offered by Honda Sensing. Rear seat reminders and automatic headlights are further standard features. The Sport model now has blind-spot detection and cross-traffic alert, while the EX-L adds low-speed brake control. An extensive selection leaves even the lowest trim with good safety equipment.
New driver and front passenger airbags that debuted on the 2022 Honda Civic’s facelift are also included in the HR-V. Because of their unique shape, they may prevent head movement during a crash, which can lessen injuries.
Comfort and Space
Compact SUVs provide more inside space than sedans, but they fall short of midsize or full-size units in capacity. The second row is when much room is lost, which might be unpleasant for adults. The Honda HR-V outshines its rivals with an astounding 37.7 inches of back legroom. The Mazda CX-30 comes lower with 36.3 inches, narrowly beating out the Kia Seltos’ 38 inches. With just 35.2 inches, the Hyundai Kona ranks last on our list for legroom. Even while it may not seem like much, a few more inches may be all that a tall adult needs to keep their knees from squeezing into the back of the front seat.
Honda’s entry-level vehicle, the HR-V, doesn’t feature a luxurious cabin in the primary grade. Despite this, the front seats have been overhauled and are now more spacious and pleasant for lengthy trips. Compared to the previous model, it is also noticeably quieter, with reduced engine, wind, and road noise. Automatic temperature control and manually adjustable fabric seats are included as standard equipment. The front seats in the Sport are heated. The EX-L boasts leather seating surfaces and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Infotainment: Honda HR-V
With a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen as a starting point, infotainment sees significant advancements. A four-speaker audio system, new physical knobs for power/volume and tuning, extra buttons at the bottom of the screen for frequently used tasks, and a four-speaker audio system are also included. It’s a simple method that you can learn in no time. Honda has upgraded the infotainment system’s CPU, which results in speedier touchscreen responses. Three USB connections are provided in addition to the standard versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep everyone’s gadgets charged.
While the top-tier EX-L trim has an improved infotainment system, the Sport receives two more speakers. A 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi wireless charging, and accessible wifi with a subscription are all features of this vehicle. The system even learns as you use it, so the home screen automatically displays the functions you use most. Six user-defined shortcuts may be put at the bottom of the screen to access the services you want at the ready. Another great detail is the plethora of USB ports on the base trim.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Despite being 3 inches wider and almost 9 inches longer than the 2022 model overall, the 2023 Honda HR-V strangely doesn’t have more excellent luggage space. Behind the back seats are 24.4 cubic feet, the same as the 24.3 cubic feet in 2022. Curiously, the maximum capacity is now 55.1 cubic feet, a touch less than the previous year when the 60/40 split rear seats were folded. AWD variants, thankfully, don’t lose any room as they did in the last HR-V design.
Although most of the HR-V’s rivals, such as the Seltos and Taos, are smaller on the exterior, and the Kona is 13.8 inches shorter overall, these values are still above average for the class. The Taos has 27.9 and 65.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, compared to 26.6 and 62.8 for the Seltos, while the rest of the group falls well short. The Hyundai Kona is much behind with 19.2 and 45.8, while the Mazda CX-30 has 20.2 and 45.2. The HR-V has a spacious center console and ample storage for minor things. The HR-V is a good option if you’re looking for a small SUV with much load space.
Design: Honda HR-V
This year, the HR-V received a significant external change that enhanced its presence. The previous generation’s drab styling, which made it seem old-fashioned and underwhelming compared to rivals with sleeker exteriors like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos, is no longer present. You’ll be pleased to see it parked in your driveway since it looks more appealing and contemporary. The Mazda CX-30’s svelte, premium style is still the most striking, but the HR-V can no longer be disregarded. Even while the outside has more excellent aesthetics, the inside has undergone more significant alterations.
The material upgrade is the most apparent change. The less cheap-looking hard plastic is used, and the dashboard’s design is reduced, giving it a sleek, contemporary appearance. The top-of-the-line EX-L option, with its quilted leather seats, creates a more pleasant environment than previously available. This entry-level crossover trades in its cheap, uninspired style and subpar materials for something enticing, fashionable, and far more appealing.
Which HR-V is the Best Value?
A beautiful little SUV with space for the whole family is the HR-V. With higher-quality materials, more comfortable front seats, and a quieter ride, this year’s updates make the interior a more enjoyable place to spend time. Depending on your living conditions, you may choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and its new engine is more responsive. A strong selection of essential safety features, an updated infotainment system with more giant touchscreens, a standard smartphone connection, and several USB outlets to keep everyone charged all contribute to the vehicle’s attractiveness.
Even though the EX-L has the most excellent interior, we’d choose the Sport trim. Its inside has been upgraded with heated front seats, a six-speaker audio system, a blind spot warning system for improved safety, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and its exterior receiving stylistic modifications for additional visual appeal.
The Mazda CX-30 offers a more luxurious performance experience, but when extras are added, the cost soon increases. Although the Hyundai Kona offers an optional electric and a performance package, it lacks the HR-V’s spacious cabin. On the inside, the Kia Seltos is comparable, although it lacks all-wheel drive. The Taos is the closest rival and merits comparison shopping, but the HR-V offers comfort, functionality, and design at a competitive price.
How Much Does it Cost to Insure?
The HR-V is a reasonably priced car to insure. Our statistics show that an average 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate an average yearly premium of $1,710; however, this budget covers all 50 states. In comparison, the Taos costs $1,841, the Kona costs $1,818, the CX-30 costs $1,707, and the Trailblazer costs $1,782.
Verdict
This year’s Honda HR-V is brand-new, dramatically restyled, and equipped with several improvements. It offers a spacious interior, a good amount of cargo capacity, the adaptability of an SUV, and proportions that are perfect for city dwellers. It now has a more contemporary exterior style and an interior that is more beautiful and made of higher-quality materials. The 2.0-liter engine has been increased in size and power, and the suspension system has been enhanced. Infotainment is also upgraded with a touchscreen of either 7.0 inches or 9.0 inches. The HR-V is a capable alternative in a market with many deserving rivals.
