Honda HR-V small crossover gets bigger and more powerful for 2023
Honda introduced its first North American version of the HR-V small crossover for the 2016 model year, based on the architecture of the subcompact Fit hatchback.
Now, for 2023, the fivepassenger HR-V enters its second generation in the U.S. market completely redesigned, and this time based on the larger Civic sedan and hatchback platform.
The HR-V remains the smallest of Honda’s four-crossover lineup. Next up the line is the fivepassenger compact CR-V, followed by the five-passenger midsize Passport and the seven- or eightpassenger full-size Pilot.
With the move to the Civic architecture, the 2023 HR-V gets slightly larger and has more power, thanks to its new 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 foot-pounds of torque. That’s up from the 141 horsepower and 127 foot-pounds of torque produced by the previous HR-V’S 1.8-liter four-cylinder.
The HR-V’S standard continuously variable automatic transmission has been improved as well. It includes Honda’s so-called Step-shift programming, designed to simulate gear changes when accelerating at full throttle.
While front-wheel drive is standard, Honda’s Real Time All-wheel Drive with Intelligent Control is available on all trim levels, for an additional $1,500. Honda says it has been re-tuned to send more engine torque to the
rear wheels when the road surface is slippery.
There are three basic trim levels, starting with the LX ($23,650, plus $1,245 freight, FWD; $25,150, AWD), followed by the Sport ($25,650, FWD; $27,150, AWD); and EX-L ($27,450, FWD; $28,950, AWD). (These are 2023 prices; 2024 prices are: LX, $24,100 FWD, $25,600 AWD; Sport, $26,200 FWD, $27,700, AWD; and EX-L, $28,200, FWD; $29,700, AWD.)
Our test vehicle for this report was the top-of-the-line EX-L AWD. The “L” stands for leather, so this trim level comes with leathertrimmed upholstery, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Honda does not routinely offer options packages, so each trim level comes with specific features at the stated price, with no
surprise add-ons to run up the tab.
But we did have one extra feature on our test vehicle: the premium Nordic Forest Pearl, which was $395 extra ($455 for 2024).
Also new for 2023 is Hill Descent Control, a first for any Honda sport utility vehicle. It helps control the vehicle as it goes down steep hills. Pressing a button allows the driver to set the downhill speed with the brake or gas pedal, and the vehicle will hold that speed until the system is disengaged.
Drivers can also customize the driving experience for different road conditions using the Drive Mode switch on the center console. The available modes are Normal, Eco, and Snow.
These choices are designed
to change drive ratios and throttle mapping to maximize available traction and performance according to the current conditions. Eco mode reduces throttle and transmission sensitivity, as well as air conditioning output to help preserve fuel efficiency.
The new model is 9.4 inches longer and 2.6 inches wider than the previous generation, and is around the same size as earlier generations of the CR-V.
Honda says the intention was to make the design and driving experience sportier, and increase the vehicle’s stability. This was helped by the longer wheelbase and wider track.
The extra length helped increase interior space, including more rear-seat legroom and a