When you hear about Honda, the overall consensus is that it’s a great car, and it’s not just any model but the brand as a whole. Honda has an unwavering reputation for building reliable vehicles. These are vehicles that perform, hold their value, and earn loyalty from customers in droves. Honda is founded on designing dependable vehicles that are priced at an accessible price point for the majority of consumers. Whether you’re in the market for a new or used Honda, you simply cannot go wrong. Honda builds a wide range of incredible sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Are you shopping for your next vehicle? The 2023 Honda HR-V should be at the top of your list.
The likelihood is high that you see Honda HR-V models everywhere you go. It’s the smaller answer to the CR-V, a best-selling SUV in the segment. It’s no wonder an alternative gained so much traction so quickly. The HR-V can be found on the highway, in parking lots, and in your neighbor’s driveway. The popularity of the Honda HR-V is undeniable. The question begs: why is it so popular?
When you take a look at things like features, reliability, and resale value, it’s a no-brainer. Honda continues the legacy of the HR-V with the 2023 model. They’ve taken all the best parts of previous HR-V models, sprinkled in some new features, and delivered another incredible iteration. If you’re not familiar with the 2023 Honda HR-V, there’s never been a better time to check one out. Head over to your local Honda dealer and give one a test drive. You’re sure to be converted.
What’s New for 2023?
With so much excellence, you may be wondering how Honda could have possibly improved upon the previous 2022 Honda HR-V. For the 2023 model year, Honda did an extensive redesign of the exterior. The newly minted exterior is sleek, with new styling for the lights, grille, and body length. The 2023 HR-V gains 11 inches, making it one of the larger subcompact SUVs on the market. The longer wheelbase lends itself to more space in the interior and a closer resemblance to the CR-V. It contributes to the overall balanced look of the new HR-V.
Honda dropped the mid-level EX trim from the lineup. There are now three trim levels to choose from, including the LX, Sport, and EX-L. Honda also added more options for driver assistance features, like making the Blind Spot Information System (BSI) and Cross Traffic Alerts optional on certain trims. Even with the larger size and new features, it still maintains its stronghold as the entry-level Honda SUV. With a starting price of only $23,800, the 2023 HR-V is jam-packed with value.
Impeccable Safety and Driver Assistance
One of the best things about the 2023 Honda HR-V is the comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Many of these features come standard, while others are available as add-ons depending on which trim level you select. These features allow you to drive with confidence, knowing your Honda will alert you and step in with assistance when the unexpected occurs. Honda understands that you can never be too safe.
Every trim level of the 2023 HR-V comes with Honda Sensing. This suite includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System with Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Driver Attention Monitor, and auto high-beam headlamps. Many of these features are often only available as options with Honda’s competitors, making it a big bonus to be getting such features standard on every trim. There are additional driver assistance features available with the Sport and the EX-L for even more security. These available features include Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Monitor, Low-Speed Braking Control, and Front and Rear Parking Sensors.
Engaging Performance
The HR-V might be a subcompact SUV, but it packs the performance of much larger vehicles. The drivetrain is exciting and enthralling, with sturdy handling and a smooth ride quality. Honda ditched the chassis that was previously borrowed from the Civic for a longer setup. The 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine uses four cylinders to deliver 158 horsepower. It comes standard with front-wheel drive but is available with an all-wheel drive that would make it more adaptable in a variety of terrain. Referred to as Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System, this configuration offers better grip in snow. Using a system of sensors, the Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System automatically detects when it’s time to deliver torque to the rear wheels.
Beyond the powertrain, the 2023 Honda HR-V has other performance aspects that allow it to optimize drive quality in a variety of conditions. Hill Descent Control takes over when there is a steep incline, helping to stabilize your SUV by preventing unwanted increases in speed when you travel downhill. The suspension also received a facelift. The new system uses MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link system for the rear, soaking up inconsistencies in the road as you navigate traffic.
Inviting Interior
The 2023 HR-V spares no detail when it comes to the interior. It may be a subcompact, but it’s surprisingly spacious, offers plenty of storage, and is designed using high-quality materials throughout the cabin. This model year brings about updates to the infotainment center that include a pair of 2.5-amp USB-A charging ports and standard wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to ditch the cords. The EX-L receives dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and ambient LED lighting. The available nine-inch touchscreen infotainment center places all your most frequently used apps front-and-center and has intuitively placed controls for adjusting your settings. Take advantage of wireless charging while you wait in traffic.
Your HR-V comfortably sits up to five passengers and offers generous legroom in the back row. The 60/40 split-fold seats make it easy to manipulate cargo space and transport bulky items when you need extra space. For 2023, Honda adds a pair of electrostatic rear reading lights, standard on every trim, that illuminate with a simple touch anywhere on the fixture. Depending on the trim level, you can enjoy things like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, bold stitching, and a one-touch moonroof. The Body Stabilizing seats take your commutes from dull to dreamy, cushioning in all the right places.
The Right SUV at the Right Time
Since its debut in America for the 2016 model year, the Honda HR-V has had a steady climb to success. It offers a generous amount of features, especially for an entry-level subcompact SUV, making it a valuable addition to the SUV segment. As we enter this vehicle’s second generation in the U.S., it’s clear that Honda spared no detail in refining the appeal of the HR-V. Between the new exterior design, the additional entertainment elements, and the large quantity of safety and driver assistance features, there is nothing Honda hasn’t addressed. Not only is the 2023 Honda HR-V an exciting addition to the brand’s lineup, it has the qualities to stand out on its own. The 2023 Honda HR-V has so much to discover and enjoy.
