The Honda HR-V is back for the 2023 model year, and it’s even better than before with an all-new design. New looks, a better engine, and a new platform spell exciting things for those interested in the 2023 Honda HR-V. Honda is taking a step forward with this model, trying to take it out of the land of boring commuter cars and into the category of vehicles you buy because they serve you well and because they look good.
The Honda HR-V is the perfect option to consider if you are a young buyer looking for your first car or you need something close to a sedan but a little bit larger to handle your commute. The 2023 HR-V takes all of the good things you want in an everyday commuter and wraps it in a new, seamless exterior that will make it something you want to drive rather than a vehicle you drive just because you have to. So, what exactly does the all-new 2023 Honda HR-V have in store?
Changing Up the Base
The Honda HR-V of the past rode on the same platform as the Honda Fit; however, this new version will ride on the same platform as the Civic, providing the vehicle with a bit of a larger base. What this essentially means is that the 2023 HR-V has a longer and wider wheelbase than before, giving you a more comfortable vehicle without being too large. This new size lends itself perfectly to the updated exterior styling choices and the new engine sitting under the hood.
How does the larger base translate into interior measurements? Well, the newer model actually has a little bit less space inside than the previous generation. The extra inches added by the new chassis are all put toward the longer front hood rather than the interior. That said, you still get 98.7 cu.ft. of passenger volume, which is not far off from the 100.1 cu.ft. found in the 2022 model. Likewise, the 55.1 cu.ft. of maximum cargo volume isn’t too much of a loss from the 58.8 cu.ft. previously found in the HR-V. While it’s not fun to lose space inside of a vehicle that is built on a larger base, it isn’t so much that it will be detrimental to the experience.
More Power Than Before
As we said, the all-new 2023 HR-V is getting a new engine to match its sportier new design. The previous model had a 1.8L I-4 that produced 141 hp. Not a bad showing for a commuter and small family-oriented option. However, we think drivers are going to like the new 2.0L I-4 that generates 158 hp for a more responsive driving experience.
However, much like the interior space, this new engine does come with some losses as well as gains. With this new engine, you will see fuel economy ratings of an estimated 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway with the front-wheel drive model. Those are excellent numbers for something you are likely to drive to work daily or for running errands. However, the 2.0L does have a fuel economy that’s worse than the old 1.8L. Fortunately, it’s only a 2 MPG difference for city and highway driving, but in a world where gas prices only ever seem to rise, and the government is cracking down on companies to be more fuel-efficient, this is a little bit of a letdown.
Exterior Styling Upgrades
One of the biggest aspects of the 2023 Honda HR-V that has people talking is the new design choices that Honda made for the exterior. Flowing curves along the body give this model a sleek and sporty look. Laser brazing is used to give the roofline and side panels a seamless and smooth transition so that nothing looks clunky or out of place. The longer front slopes down nicely to showcase the honeycomb design of the front grille framed by the new slim LED headlight design for a sophisticated overall feel. The rear LED lights mimic the slim headlights to keep the overall aesthetic consistent.
17-inch silver-painted alloy wheels are the standard option for this model, but we think they match the other styling choices quite well. However, if you like a little bit more character, you can opt for the 17-inch glint black alloy wheels for a darker look or the 17-inch HPD bronze-finish alloy wheel for a more luxe feel. Also, for those more inclined for adventure, don’t be afraid to add a bike, snowboard, or surfboard attachment. While this may not be the most customizable model out there, there are still a few options so you can add your own personal flair.
Honda is really making an interesting choice to try and emphasize the sportiness of this model. The refined look may not fit the personal preference of every driver out there, but for those who need a commuter car that is reliable and want something that doesn’t look completely boring, the HR-V should fit the bill. However, if you want the sportiest version of the new design, you’re going to want to go for the Sport trim that will come with 18-inch gloss black wheels.
Interior Design to Match the Exterior Look
The interior of the Honda HR-V isn’t the most flashy thing on the market, and we think that is one of the best things about it. The design choices are more subtle, with a honeycomb detail that runs along the dashboard and is reminiscent of the grille design. Simple yet elegant is probably the best way to describe the interior design choices, from the sleek controls to the black cloth seating. The interior is another place where the Sport trim shines above the other two. This trim has a blacked-out interior accented by orange stitching and a nice metallic honeycomb instrument panel insert.
However, just because the interior has simpler styling doesn’t mean that it can’t keep up with the modern diver. Wireless Apple Carplay and Wireless Android Auto are there to let you easily connect to the HR-V through your phone on a system with four, six, or eight speakers, depending on the trim. You can also get a model with the one-touch power moonroof if you want the option of opening the vehicle up to some sun and breeze as you go about your day.
Bringing Something New and Exciting to 2023
The 2023 Honda HR-V is an excellent choice for first-time drivers and commuters who need something bigger than a sedan, and the new take on it is sure to make anyone happy to be seen driving it around. We won’t say this model is flawless, as it does have a slightly smaller interior and worse gas mileage despite the new additions, but overall we think the new HR-V is great for its place in the market. This redesign isn’t necessarily breaking new grounds and blowing us away with exciting performance specs or wild visual choices, but we don’t expect that from a practical subcompact model like the HR-V. We expect a vehicle that will reliably carry us through our everyday commute, and the 2023 HR-V does that with a newer style and stronger engine that provides a smoother ride.
