2023 Honda HR-V review:
- 2023 Honda HR-V – $23,800 – $27,900
- IIHS Top Security Pick+
- Pros: Smooth Ride, Improved Passenger Room, Agile
- Cons: weak engine, limited comfort, tight cargo space
The 2023 Honda HR-V is the smallest SUV in the lineup, and we wish we could call it small but mighty. However, it could use a little more force to become more attractive. But the 2023 HR-V delivers a smooth ride and is extremely convenient around town.
The HR-V used to be based on the beloved and longed-for Honda Fit, but now it looks like the Civic. It’s a bit bigger and more refined, but you might miss the magic seat. The decision to get rid of it was to improve the interior room. Passengers may notice the extra room to stretch out.
You’ll find the interior is packed with modern technology and higher-quality materials. But some features are missing, like integrated navigation, a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, and a premium audio system.
Which version of the Honda HR-V is better?
- There are three 2023 Honda HR-V models:
- Honda HR-V LX – $23,800
- Honda HR-V Sport – $25,900
- Honda HR-V EX-L – $27,900
The 2023 Honda HR-V Sport is a good option to consider that adds convenience features without raising the price too high. It adds 18-inch wheels, heated seats, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a distinctive grille, keyless entry, heated mirrors with black mirror caps, and blind-spot warning.
But rivals like the 2023 Mazda CX-30 have a lower starting price with more amenities to offer. edmunds recommends comparing the HR-V Sport to the standard 2023 Honda Civic model.
How does the 2023 Honda HR-V drive?
The 2023 Honda HR-V gets the job done. It will get you from point A to point B, but it may seem like it’s a bit of a struggle. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 158 hp and 138 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 10 seconds.
More power is probably on the way. But until then, take a few more seconds to merge with traffic and pass others on the road. Rumors suggest more power is on the way because the Civic uses a 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter hybrid engine.
You can use Normal mode for relaxed daily driving and switch to Eco mode to save more fuel. Normal mode is slightly faster, but we were surprised to find that there’s no Sport mode. On a positive note, there’s a snow mode for inclement weather.
The HR-V has responsive handling and reliable brakes. The desire to be more athletic is there, but it’s a quiet SUV that does better in busy downtown areas. On the highway and country roads, you may want more involvement.
Can the 2023 HR-V go off-roading?
The 2023 Honda HR-V is not designed to take on the wild. But each model can be equipped with all-wheel drive for $15,000, and Snow mode should help out on pavement. It only has 7.3 inches of ground clearance and lacks the torque needed for mud and ruts.
Could probably handle gravel roads without major impacts. It doesn’t come with roof rails, so the ability to store cargo for adventures is limited. During off-road testing, the HR-V was prone to slipping and struggled to climb steep grades.
Does the 2023 Honda HR-V have good fuel economy?
The 2023 Honda HR-V gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and up to 32 mpg highway. Adding AWD may drop these numbers by an mpg or two, but it didn’t hurt our model.
We average around 27.7 mpg and spend time on steep mountain roads in Asheville, NC, on flat country roads in South Carolina, on multiple highways, and in the downtown Charlotte, NC area.
Is the 2023 Honda HR-V comfortable?
The 2023 Honda HR-V has a new independent suspension that replaced the old torsion bar setup. As a result, ride and handling have been improved. The HR-V rides incredibly smooth on pavement.
Seriously, it absorbs shock extremely well. However, it is noisy at highway speeds when wind and road noise get into the cabin. Also, the engine makes an audible hum under hard acceleration and going up hills.
Body roll is well controlled and the seats are quite supportive. They get stiff during the longest rides, but offer a wide range of adjustment controls. The rear seat is roomy and comfortable. The back sits at a relaxed angle with plenty of room for two adults.
The climate control system takes a few minutes to kick in, but it’s solid and effective. Passengers in the front can tell how cold the air conditioning can be, but there are no rear vents. It has to be powerful to keep the entire vehicle cool.
What is the interior of the 2023 Honda HR-V like?
The interior of the 2023 Honda HR-V is one of the bright spots of this small SUV. The doors open wide, providing easy access to each row. The front and rear provide plenty of room for adults of all sizes.
You’ll find the interior is crafted from premium materials including premium leather and deluxe upholstery with attractive red accent stitching. There are touches of chrome accents to break up large sections of the dash’s soft-touch covered areas.
The sunroof is a bit small, but a larger unit would be difficult to install. Allows plenty of natural light into the cabin. The layout is simple and intuitive, with everything you need conveniently at your fingertips.
Outward visibility is strong, but rear visibility is a bit limited. Parking sensors help make up the difference. Ambient lighting, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and leather upholstery are limited to the EX-L trim.
Does the Honda HR-V have good technology?
The 2023 Honda HR-V has modern technology that is easy to use. While a 7.0-inch touchscreen comes standard, you can upgrade to the 9.0-inch unit. The system features attractive graphics and works quickly. It’s easy to find different menus and adjust settings.
While the digital gauge cluster is a bit basic, it does at least provide crucial driving information like your drive mode and how many miles are left before you run flat. Lower models have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
To access the wireless phone charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite radio, and parking sensors, you need to upgrade to the EX-L trim. In general, the technology is basic and simple.
How much cargo space does the 2023 HR-V have?
The 2023 Honda HR-V offers 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with plenty of room for suitcases and groceries. You can access up to 55.1 cubes in total.
It is easy to fold the seats flat. It creates a flat load floor, which is very convenient. Additionally, the HR-V has a wide hatch with a low lift height, making it easy to load heavy or awkward items.
Personal storage is a bit limited. The center console, glove box and door panels are a bit tight. Larger cups and bottles don’t fit very easily. Also, the seat pockets are tight. However, there is a nice rubber tray in front of the gear stick.
If you need additional space, you may be out of luck. The Honda HR-V is not recommended for towing and does not offer towing capability.
How safe is the 2023 Honda HR-V?
The 2023 Honda HR-V is incredibly safe. It is an Institute of Road Safety Insurance (IIHS) Choice of maximum security+. It got a ‘Good’ rating in almost all crash tests, which is the highest score possible.
It earned an ‘Acceptable’ rating for its ability to protect the driver’s pelvis and torso. It has excellent roof strength and a low risk of tipping.
The HR-V earned a ‘Superior’ rating for its ability to avoid collisions at speeds of 12, 25 and 37 mph. In addition, a warning was issued 2.4 seconds in advance.
The child seat anchors were rated ‘Fair’ because the strap for the middle seat in the rear is hard to find. But the tethers are easy to fasten and mauver. They are not located too deep in the seats.
Is the 2023 Honda HR-V Reliable?
It’s a little early to give the 2023 Honda HR-V an official reliability rating. It needs to be put through the steps. However, based on similar models and brand history, the HR-V is expected to be more reliable than other options.
The outgoing model is projected to last 150,000 to 200,000 miles, which is on the lower end of the spectrum. But the updated platform, suspension, and engine could help the 2023 HR-V last longer.
MotorBiscuit awards the 2023 Honda HR-V with an official score of 7.9 out of 10
The experts at MotroBiscuit gave the 2023 Honda HR-V an official score of 7.9 out of 10. While the 2023 HR-V has a fresh look and updated interior, the sluggish engine detracts from its gritty character.
It doesn’t even come with a Sport mode. But at least it has a smooth ride with responsive handling. Plus, it’s right up there with its fuel economy, even when equipped with AWD. However, be prepared for interior noise at highway speeds.
The seats could use a little more padding, but there’s plenty of room and visibility. Also, while the technology is intuitive and effective, it’s a bit mediocre.
Rivals offer more advanced options. If we’re lucky, we’ll release another model this winter to see if Snow mode is up to the task.