2023 Honda HR-V | Review & Road Test

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In this speedy encapsulation I’ll note that the 2nd generation HR-V shares its basic structure with the latest Honda Civic. Versus the previous HR-V, shown here, the newest HR-V is 2.6” wider and 8.7” longer with 1.7” longer wheelbase.


Despite larger exterior dimensions, interior volume has actually dropped slightly in most trims. No worries, my ultra-average 5’ 10” body still fits in the back seat with ease as proven by this b-roll shot with a GoPro stuck to a window.

This is also a prime moment to mention that the cargo area holds a healthy 24.4 cu-ft of stuff and has a low lift over height. Insert quip here about how you’ll hurt your back dancing on TikTok instead of hoisting luggage into your HR-V. Topical reference, check.

As for price, the HR-V starts under $24k not including destination charges.

Continuing the powertrain details, the HR-V’s engine is a 2.0L unit producing 158 horsepower (158hp, 138 lb-ft) partnered with a continuously variable transmission. And now I’ll let the editor show the fuel economy numbers rather than having to describe them.

Moving to the continuously variable transmission aka the CVT, I could gain easy credibility by complaining about it. After all, CVTs have historically offered elastic propulsion feel with racing engine sounds. But the truth is that Honda’s CVTs work great. If you camouflaged the car and asked most drivers to identify the transmission, I doubt many could.


The previous HR-V had a comparatively simple torsion beam rear suspension, where here we have an independent rear suspension. It’s always hard to tell how much things have improved without a proper back-to-back comparison but on these Oregon roadways, ride quality is supple.


The HR-V drives with more sophistication than its price would suggest, lending itself to pleasing commutes. But is there any fun to be extracted along the way. There’s just a splash of sportiness here but the steering moves satisfying heft and predictability. The HR-V corners with confidence.


As expected, Eco mode feels a bit lethargic for my tastes so I’ll stick to Normal mode. And I’m only mentioning Snow mode right now so I can fill a few seconds with this Honda provided b-roll.

Hitting quickly on looks, I’m tempted to describe the new HR-V’s aesthetic in detail. But instead, I’ll do the lazy thing and just show 15 seconds of b-roll under the guise of “letting you make up your own mind”.


Say what you will about its looks, but the HR-V feels far more substantive than the budget-oriented first generation.

I like how each trim has its own character. See, here’s the Sport trim and here’s the EX-L. A big part of the HR-V’s elevated auro is the quality of its interior.

As noted, the MSRP for a base HR-V LX FWD is $23,650.

That price includes a 7” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a 7” digital gauge cluster, single-zone automatic climate control, 10 airbags and an updated Honda Sensing suite of active driver assist tech.


Speaking of Honda Sensing, the lane keeping assist feature does an exceptional job keeping the vehicle in its lane. Meanwhile the adaptive cruise control is slow to adapt to changes in speed from the vehicle ahead.

Go baller with the fanciest EX-L AWD and the sum rises $28,950 but you’ll get a 9” infotainment screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, leather seats, a moonroof, and dual-zone climate control. Whichever trim you choose, budget an extra $1,245 in destination charges.


Notable HR-V competitors include the Toyota Corolla Cross, Chevy Blazer, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, VW Taos. Some of those vehicles are cheaper, more daringly styled, or offer a longer warranty but the HR-V responds with well-rounded excellence. Gen 1 was a pragmatic value but generation 2 adds upscale vibes to the equation with a sense of style that I’m warming up to.


The HR-V is practically designed, a pleasure to drive, and priced right. I suspect Honda is gonna sell a ton of them. And whether or not your closing point is a good one, end with a knowing glance.

00:00 2023 Honda HR-V
0:35 Exterior
1:20 Pricing
1:40 Engine
2:58 Driving Impressions
5:27 Interior
6:42 Competitors