2023 Honda HR-V

2023 HR-V Photos
 Editors' Pick
Autoblog Rating
7

The Honda HR-V has a refined interior with lots of space, but it's dreary to drive with boring looks and a high price, making it tough to recommend.

Industry
8
Pros: High-end cabin; it’s basically a big Civic; Honda dependability and resale Cons: Slow, even by segment standards, without a fuel economy bonus; no sporty or outdoorsy trim levels The 2023 Honda HR-V is less clever and innovative than the subcompact SUV it replaces. It also doesn’t lean into any one niche of the market as most of its competitors do, such as making a style statement, delivering a sporty driving experience or being well-suited to venturing off the beaten path. The new HR-V is just very conventional. That may make it less interesting, but it’s also easy to see how that’ll make it more appealing to more people. Especially when you consider that most people probably aren’t really looking for their small SUV to be a fashion statement, sporty or particularly adept at finding far-flung camping spots. Therefore, as simple, dependable transportation for those wanting to sit up high and enjoy some extra versatility, the 2023 HR-V should absolutely deliver. It’s one of the more spacious SUVs in its segment of midcompact SUVs (even if it doesn’t really have any more than its subcompact predecessor, but that’s a long story we go into in our HR-V first drive). It also has a lovely, well-made interior with solid technology, and overall refinement that exceeds most competitors. In that way, it’s an awful lot like the Honda Civic, with which it shares a great deal. Unfortunately, that does not include the Civic’s turbocharged engine upgrade, which the HR-V sure could use – not as a high-performance option, but just to provide sufficient acceleration. The HR-V is quite slow, even by segment standards, and its fuel economy isn’t anything special, either. Basically, the new HR-V checks off a lot of boxes, but there are also a lot of rivals that might pull on your heartstrings a little stronger. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? The HR-V is bigger and more conventional than the subcompact SUV pioneer it replaces … so much so that it’s not really a subcompact SUV anymore. It is one of the larger members of a segment we call “midcompact,” while also being more refined and comfortable. It handles better, too. There’s more power, but as it’s heavier, there’s not really a performance enhancement. Finally, Honda’s latest infotainment and safety technology is present, which will probably be the most consequential difference for many buyers. What are the HR-V interior and in-car technology like? Apart from the high, floating center console lined in soft-touch pleather that makes its way from the last HR-V (albeit updated), the rest of the cabin’s handsome design and above-average materials are largely in keeping with the new Honda Civic. That’s a great thing. The most obvious Civic cue is the wheel-to-door air vent plated by a metal-look honeycomb pattern. There may come a day when Honda overuses this …
Full Review
Pros: High-end cabin; it’s basically a big Civic; Honda dependability and resale Cons: Slow, even by segment standards, without a fuel economy bonus; no sporty or outdoorsy trim levels The 2023 Honda HR-V is less clever and innovative than the subcompact SUV it replaces. It also doesn’t lean into any one niche of the market as most of its competitors do, such as making a style statement, delivering a sporty driving experience or being well-suited to venturing off the beaten path. The new HR-V is just very conventional. That may make it less interesting, but it’s also easy to see how that’ll make it more appealing to more people. Especially when you consider that most people probably aren’t really looking for their small SUV to be a fashion statement, sporty or particularly adept at finding far-flung camping spots. Therefore, as simple, dependable transportation for those wanting to sit up high and enjoy some extra versatility, the 2023 HR-V should absolutely deliver. It’s one of the more spacious SUVs in its segment of midcompact SUVs (even if it doesn’t really have any more than its subcompact predecessor, but that’s a long story we go into in our HR-V first drive). It also has a lovely, well-made interior with solid technology, and overall refinement that exceeds most competitors. In that way, it’s an awful lot like the Honda Civic, with which it shares a great deal. Unfortunately, that does not include the Civic’s turbocharged engine upgrade, which the HR-V sure could use – not as a high-performance option, but just to provide sufficient acceleration. The HR-V is quite slow, even by segment standards, and its fuel economy isn’t anything special, either. Basically, the new HR-V checks off a lot of boxes, but there are also a lot of rivals that might pull on your heartstrings a little stronger. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? The HR-V is bigger and more conventional than the subcompact SUV pioneer it replaces … so much so that it’s not really a subcompact SUV anymore. It is one of the larger members of a segment we call “midcompact,” while also being more refined and comfortable. It handles better, too. There’s more power, but as it’s heavier, there’s not really a performance enhancement. Finally, Honda’s latest infotainment and safety technology is present, which will probably be the most consequential difference for many buyers. What are the HR-V interior and in-car technology like? Apart from the high, floating center console lined in soft-touch pleather that makes its way from the last HR-V (albeit updated), the rest of the cabin’s handsome design and above-average materials are largely in keeping with the new Honda Civic. That’s a great thing. The most obvious Civic cue is the wheel-to-door air vent plated by a metal-look honeycomb pattern. There may come a day when Honda overuses this …
Hide Full Review

Retail Price

$23,800 - $29,400 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 2.0L I-4
MPG Up to 26 city / 32 highway
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 2-spd CVT w/OD
Power 158 @ 6500 rpm
Drivetrain all wheel, front-wheel
Curb Weight 3,159 - 3,333 lbs
Smart Buy Program is powered by powered by TrueCar®
Autoblog Advertisement