2023 Honda HR-V

Overview

To combat the onslaught of desirable and stylish small SUVs, Honda is gearing up its 2023 HR-V with a complete redesign. The outgoing generation was practical and offered good value but needed a major update to improve its curb appeal and challenge the segment’s best, such as the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos, and the Mazda CX-30. It gets it: The new HR-V looks totally different from the outgoing model, and also very different from the one sold in Europe. We expect the HR-V to use either the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four or or the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, both from the Civic since the two vehicles share the same platform; a hybrid setup is also a possibility. The previous-generation HR-V shared its platform with the small Fit hatchback, which was smartly configured to allow for a trick second-row Magic Seat that made the HR-V a surprisingly cargo friendly. Since the HR-V has moved to the Civic platform, we aren’t sure what that means for its interior packaging, but it at least means the new model is larger than the previous version and will gain an independent rear suspension.

What’s New for 2023?

Honda’s smallest crossover will be completely redesigned for the 2023 model year and is expected to go on sale this summer.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Pricing for the 2023 HR-V is expected to increase slightly over the outgoing model. Once we find out more about the HR-V’s various trim levels and its standard and optional equipment, we’ll update this story with those details and pick our recommended model.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

In Europe, the HR-V is powered by a hybrid powertrain borrowed from the Insight and Accord but the we expect the U.S. version to come with a traditional gasoline four-cylinder powertrain. Since the HR-V shares its platform with the new Honda Civic, we could see either a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter under the SUV’s hood. A hybrid model could be added to the lineup too, and we expect that model to launch later than the standard nonhybrid. Front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) will almost certainly be the standard arrangement with all-wheel drive offered as an option. The outgoing HR-V didn’t deliver the quiet athleticism we expect of Hondas, nor did it provide a particularly supple ride over potholed roads, so we are hoping for improvement in those areas. A new independent rear suspension promises to help both ride and handling. When we get a chance to drive the new HR-V, we will update this story with driving impressions and test results.

Honda

More on the HR-V SUV

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

There’s no word yet on the new HR-V’s fuel economy ratings, but the outgoing model was particularly efficient, so it has big shoes to fill. For more information about the HR-V’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The HR-V is likely to adopt a more modern interior design with this new generation and may be inspired by the newly redesigned 2022 Civic. Such an approach would give the HR-V an interior that looks both classic and attractive. The outgoing model offered Honda’s novel second-row Magic Seat, which allows the rear bench to flip and fold to a very low, flat floor. That feature helped the tiny HR-V lead the segment in cargo capacity despite its size. Unfortunately, the HR-V’s move to the Civic platform may prohibit such a feature from making a return on the 2023 model. When Honda releases details and photos of the new HR-V’s interior, we’ll update this story with that information.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

All models will likely come with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the European version of the HR-V, the infotainment screen stands proud in the middle of the dashboard and looks to be larger than the 7.0-inch screen in the outgoing model. We expect niceties such as onboard Wi-Fi, SiriusXM radio, and in-dash navigation, at least as options.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

We expect more standard driver-assistance technology to make their way to the HR-V for 2023, including more advanced tech such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. For more information about the HR-V’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Honda’s standard warranty package is fairly basic, and rival SUVs such as the Kona and Seltos come with much longer coverage plans. Buyers of the Toyota C-HR will find a two-year complimentary maintenance plan, but Honda offers no such perk.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 milesNo complimentary scheduled maintenance