Yahoo Autos 2023 Honda HR-V Review: Checks many boxes, pulls few heartstrings
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 design element but, for now, it’s exceptional.
The touchscreen (7 inches in LX and Sport, 9 inches in EX-L), are shared with the Civic, and are exponentially better than the outgoing HR-V’s slow, convoluted and just-plain-old touchscreen. Oh, and it has a volume knob and shortcut buttons now. Now, are those screens better than those of the HR-V’s rivals? No, not really, especially when compared to the Kia Seltos. They’re also no longer demonstrably worse. Three USB-A ports also reside in the center console, and the range-topping EX-L trim level gets wireless charging to go with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Wired versions come standard.
How big is the HR-V?
The HR-V is both bigger and roughly the same size as the SUV it replaces, which is confusing, and if you want to know how and why, we dig into that in our HR-V first drive review. Ultimately, though, the HR-V has moved a half size up the SUV chart to join vehicles that include the Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taos, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross and Ford Bronco Sport. Passenger space is among the best of that group, and along with the Taos, is one of the more family friendly.
In terms of cargo space, there is 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space (basically the same as before, but again, long story). That’s only mid-pack, with the Seltos, Taos and Bronco Sport having a bit more. Moreso, we found the HR-V's angled liftgate opening makes it difficult to load luggage inside and reduces functionality relative its boxier and/or more voluminous competitors. The HR-V does at least boast a back seat that folds totally flat thanks to a smartly engineered, multi-hinged seat bottom that dips down into the footwell. No dual-level cargo floor necessary.
What are the HR-V fuel economy and performance specs?
There is only one engine and transmission combo available: a 2.0-liter inline-four good for 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque that’s connected to a continuously variable transmission. Front- and all-wheel drive are available. Its output is below average for the segment – many of which offer even more powerful upgrades.
EPA-estimated fuel economy comes in at 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. It falls to 25/30/27 with all-wheel drive. This is actually lower than those more powerful rivals.
