2023 Honda HR-V adds features, power and style, but fuel economy slips

PORTLAND, Oregon – The 2023 Honda CR-V subcompact SUV adds size, power, features and style, but the improvements come at a cost: lower fuel economy in a period of surging gasoline prices.

The HR-V has been a stealth hit for Honda. Launched in the U.S. as 2016 model, it's caught the surge in small SUV sales. The new model just went on sale, but even before it arrived, the modest first-gen HR-V had snuck into third spot in Honda’s 2022 U.S. sales, passing the Civic — one of America’s favorite and best-selling cars for decades.

The ’23 is likely to continue that trajectory, despite EPA projections that driving one will cost more for fuel than the '22 model:  $100-$200 a year extra for an all- or front-wheel-drive model, respectively.

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The original HR-V was a triumph of substance over style. Value, features, reliability and fuel economy trumped exterior styling only the Witness Protection Program could love. Somebody found the light switch in the design studio, with the result that the 2023 has a shapely grille, appealing accent lights, long hood and low stance.

How much?

Prices for the 2023 HR-V start at $23,650 for a front-wheel-drive LX model. All-wheel drive raises the price to $25,150. The $1,500 increase for AWD is consistent across the model line. The top HR-V is a $28,950 AWD EX-L. All prices exclude a $1,245 destination charge.

The 2023 HR-V has a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. That’s 17 hp and 11 pound-feet up from the 2022’s 1.8L four cylinder. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard.

The HR-V competes with small SUVs like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX30, Nissan Rogue Sport, Toyota Corolla Sport and VW Taos.

HR-V prices and features compare well with those.

Smaller SUV-ish vehicles that don’t offer AWD but cost less include the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks.

2023 Honda HR-V prices and trim levels

LX FWD: $23,650

LX AWD: $25,150

Sport FWD: $25,650

Sport AWD: $27,150

EX-L FWD: $27,450

EX-L AWD: $28,950

Prices exclude $1,245 destination charge

Driving impressions

I spent a day driving an HR-V on highways, mountain roads and along sweeping riverfronts in Washington and Oregon.

The HR-V is responsive, but not particularly sporty. Most of its competitors use a small turbocharged engine that produces more torque than Honda’s naturally aspirated 2.0L. Honda’s choice saves money — turbos are expensive — and possibly fuel, but at the expense of acceleration. The HR-V’s drive mode selector, in fact, doesn’t even offer a “sport” setting. Normal, eco and snow modes are on the menu, though.

The HR-V’s fun to drive despite that, thanks to firm, well-tuned steering and a suspension that absorbs bumps while keeping the little SUV flat and stable on a switchback-filled logging road above the Columbia River Gorge.

The transmission does have a sport mode. It enables confident passing and provided some engine braking coming back down the same mountain road.

The interior was quiet over pebbled tarmac and in strong crosswinds as I drove past wind surfers reveling in the gorge’s strong, sustained winds.