2023 Honda HR-V Test Drive, Reviews, Ratings, Specs

Small, Simple and Effective

Smaller compact cross-overs have been a huge hit over the last few years with more buyers preferring the convenience and fuel efficiency over excess size and practicality. That also makes the release of the all-new 2023 Honda HR-V good timing with revamped styling, more room, and a revised powertrain borrowed from the recently debuted Civic with a 2.0 liter naturally aspirated engine.

Three trims are available with the base LX model starting at just $25,100 with the Sport and higher EX-L priced in at $27,250 and $29,245 respectively.

LX (Base)	$25,100
Sport	$27,250
EX-L	$29,245

While the base LX trim will get the job done, the Sport trim is preferred with enhanced styling, larger 18″ wheels, blind spot monitoring, heated front seats and remote engine start. Upgrading to the highest EX-L trim gets you added convenience and safety features including added parking sensors, dual-zone climate controls and a larger 9″ media touch screen display.

Powertrain

North American buyers are locked in with a 2.0 L four-cylinder engine producing a mere 158 horsepower. Just like the the Honda Civic, the HR-V is a front-wheel drive running on a CV-T transmission. Canadian buyers automatically get AWD as standard while US buyers have the option to upgrade any trim from FWD to AWD.

Since the Honda Civic is offered with a more powerful 1.5L turbocharged engine with 180 horsepower, we anticipate the same upgrade will be available with the HR-V in the coming years. Fuel EPA ratings score in at 26 and 32 mpg in the city and highway, which isn’t astounding, but still falls within the competitive range along with the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona.

Interior and Tech Features

Although the HR-V sits at the bottom of the model lineup, the interior is still well equipped with many design features adopted from the already well-received Honda Civic. The clean climate control stack, honeycomb-style heat vents and the all-digital instrument display were key points noted during the test drive. Our leather trimmed seats on our EX-L test model proved to be both comfortable and supportive and the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter adds a very nice soft and smooth feel to the hands.

Base models get a standard 7″ touchscreen media display while our EX-L tester trim gets a larger 9″ display. Both Android Auto and Apple Carplay come available for smartphone connectivity and convenience. Tech wise, it comes with everything you would expect, but it would’ve been nice to have the BOSE audio sound system available like the Civic has.

Rear legroom proved to be sufficient, but headroom may become an issue for larger adults – but that’s the case for the small compact SUV category. Nevertheless, the rear folding seats adds extra cargo space for added convenience and practicality.

Test Drive and Final Thoughts

Road test shares similar notes as the Honda Civic – that’s no surprise with since the guts are exactly the same underneath the hood. While 158 horsepower from the 2.0L engine doesn’t sound great on paper, the HR-V still managed adequate acceleration for lane switching and highway merges. During and beyond that, the engine will reveals its struggle with high revs and loud tones and road comfort might be an issue for longer hauls. There’s also a lack of engine options available. We would’ve liked to see a more fuel-efficient hybrid, or a more powerful turbocharged engine available. The latter feels more likely given the engine availability in the existing Honda Civic model.

Still, the HR-V is relatively smooth for the most part on regular city and highway driving with the added practicality and convenience of a 5-door cross-over hatchback.

Specifications

Vehicle : 2023 Honda HR-V
Vehicle Type : Sub Compact Crossover
Seating Capacity :2+3
Engine : 2.0L 4 Cylinder
Transmission : CVT
Price as tested: $29,245

Pros

Refreshed and modern styling, even for base model
5-passenger practicality in a small cross-over form factor
Good interior quality and design (for upper EX-L trims)
Decent ride quality especially considering its price point.

Cons

Lacks road comfort
Lack of engine options available