Overview
The Honda HR-V is one of the United States' best-selling small SUVs. That's saying something, as the small crossover segment has exploded in popularity over the past few years. This year the HR-V is all-new. Honda has given it a complete redesign, improving the affordable subcompact SUV in practically every way. It is larger, more comfortable, more refined, better looking, and it has more cargo space. It's also more fun to drive thanks to its larger, more powerful engine, some steering components from the sporty Honda Civic, and a new sophisticated independent rear suspension borrowed from the Honda CR-V.
We're also impressed with the HR-V's new interior. It has a clean and sporty design similar to the Civic's, but with cool new touches like a curvy double-decker center console. Plus, the HR-V now has a digital instrument display and a larger touchscreen. These extensive upgrades and affordable pricing should keep the HR-V ahead of key rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Kona.
What's New for 2023
Trims and Pricing
The 2023 Honda HR-V is available in three trims: LX, Sport, and EX-L. Front-wheel drive is standard. Honda's Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System can be added to any trim for $1,500. The Sport is the popular model, and it's our recommendation as well. We'll explain why.
LX
The HR-V LX starts at $24,895 (including a $1,245 destination fee). The least expensive trim level comes with push-button start, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, hill-descent control, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, and the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist technologies.
Sport
The HR-V Sport ($26,895) is our pick as the best value. It adds a sportier look with a more aggressive mesh grille, a gloss-black rear spoiler, a chrome exhaust tip, and black 18-inch alloy wheels. Smart entry and remote start are standard. Inside, the Sport gets exclusive black cloth seats with orange stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, and a six-speaker audio system.
EX-L
The top-of-the-range HR-V EX-L costs $28,695. It includes a power sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, and front and rear low-speed braking control. The front seats provide additional shoulder support. Leather is standard, along with a dual-zone automatic climate control system, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a 9-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system.
Engine and Performance
The 2023 Honda HR-V is powered by a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It's a huge upgrade over the previous 141-hp 1.8-liter engine. It's not only more responsive, but also more refined, and it provides more standard horsepower than you get in rivals such as the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and Nissan Kicks. Honda has also done a good job of tuning the CVT transmission. Overall, the HR-V is quick enough for most buyers in this class. It has a satisfying punch off the line when you need it and it's zippy around town. Passing on the highway requires some patience, however. If you want more standard power and quicker acceleration, check out the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-30. The Mazda and the Hyundai are available with turbocharged engines making at least 250 hp.
We're impressed with the HR-V's ride and handling. Much like the Honda Civic it's based on, the HR-V's comfortable ride smooths out rough roads but doesn't feel overly soft. It's pleasantly sporty, with precise steering, strong brakes, and responsive handling, especially when equipped with the retuned all-wheel-drive system that now sends more torque to the rear wheels.
Fuel Economy
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