2023 Honda HR-V: 10 Things to Know [Buyers Guide]

The Honda HR-V, a subcompact crossover SUV from Honda, was an instant hit when it was debuted in the American market in 2013. This SUV’s low price and easy-to-drive nature earned it a popular favorite in the sector. After nearly a decade of continuous production, Honda has finally unveiled the all-new third generation of the HR-V with the 2023 model, which starts at $23,650.

The 2023 Honda HR-V is available in three trim levels and features a slew of updates, making it an appealing option in this competitive category. This model has larger outside proportions, making it appear more premium than its predecessor. Because it is based on the Civic’s platform, it is also more comfortable, polished, and enjoyable to drive. Here are ten things you should know before purchasing the 2023 Honda HR-V, which competes with the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Soul.

1. An Excellent City Commuter

Get into the 2023 HR-V and drive it through congested traffic to see how good of a city commuter it is. The engine is precisely tuned for slow-speed travel, and the remarkable engine refinement and smooth CVT gearbox ensure a hassle-free driving experience.

The suspension is perfectly calibrated to smooth out the bumps of America’s horrible city and suburb roads, and it never manages to jolt the passengers. Even when confronted with larger potholes and undulations, the suspension easily absorbs them. We particularly appreciate the suspension’s quiet operation and the comfortable chairs on offer.

2. Refinement Isn’t The Best

The greatly improved refinement level of the 2023 HR-V is one thing you will notice. This third-generation model feels noticeably better than the second-generation model, thanks to the 2.0-liter engine and enhanced sound-deadening materials.

The engine doesn’t get boomy below 5,000 rpm, and we appreciated the lack of vibration and roughness. When you come near to the redline, the engine makes its presence known. There was also road noise and tire noise. As a result, the 2023 HR-V was unable to unseat the CX-30 as the subcompact SUV with the best refinement in the segment.

3. Firm Brakes

The 2023 Honda HR-V is equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes with 12.3″ front rotors and 12.2″ rear rotors. Other braking options include automated emergency braking, ABS with EBD, brake assist, a ventilated front disc, hill hold control, and hill descent control.

Despite the greater curb weight of this current generation model, we found the braking performance to be on par with the previous model. The brake pedal was sufficiently firm, and there was more than enough feedback available. The initial bite is also precise, and the brakes do not seem grabby.

4. All The Driver-Assistance Techs Are Onboard

The 2023 Honda HR-V, like many sector rivals such as the Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross, does not skimp on driver-assistance technology. With automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, family buyers will be pleased with their purchase.

As a sub-$30,000 SUV, the 2023 HR-V doesn’t skimp on fundamental safety measures. The sturdy build quality, combined with the Civic base, ensures that the 2023 Honda HR-V will receive good crash safety ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS.

5. Infotainment Is Pretty Intuitive

The 7″ and 9″ touchscreen infotainment systems are each loaded with all of the entertainment and connection capabilities you’d expect from a family SUV. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, and voice recognition are all included.

Both the infotainment and navigation systems are also fairly simple to use, with no learning curve. However, we prefer the larger 9″ unit that comes standard with the EX-L trim because the increased size and better graphics are useful. A wireless charging pad is also included with this trim. The three trims have three different audio system setups, with the EX-8-speaker L’s system being the best.

6. Fuel Economy Is As Good As The Rivals

Fuel efficiency is one of the crucial factors that will make or break a purchase choice for a subcompact crossover SUV. Thankfully, the 2023 Honda HR-V manages to match the older generation’s remarkable gas mileage. With the FWD type, it earned 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

However, if you choose AWD, the fuel efficiency drops to 25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. In comparison, the Mazda CX-30 and Buick Encore achieved lower combined gas mileage of 26 and 27 miles per gallon, respectively.

7. Handsome Styling

The style is heavily influenced by other Honda monikers, with more than seven color palettes available for all trims. The full LED headlights with LED DRLs, gloss black grille, and greater width and height make it appear more mature than the previous generation HR-V.

Based on the Civic Platform, the long wheelbase and length make this subcompact SUV appear more premium than many of its sector rivals, and the smart touches like blacked-out pillars, flat black cladding, and the 18″ alloy wheels break up the monotony. LED taillights, a black and silver lower bumper, and an integrated rear spoiler grace the back end.

8. Peppy 2.0-Liter Under The Hood

Even though the performance numbers are improved from the older generation, the acceleration times turned out to be just slightly higher, which could be associated with the increase of close to 400 lbs. It is also nowhere as peppy as the Mazda CX-30. Even though the performance numbers are improved from the older generation, the acceleration times turned out to be just slightly higher, which could be associated with the increase of close to 400 lbs. It is also nowhere as peppy as the Mazda CX-30.

9. Spacious And Comfortable Interior

The 2023 Honda HR-step-in V’s height is ideal, and you won’t have to plunge into the cabin. When you get inside, you’ll find comfy seats with heat and power support. In the top EX-L grade, the seats are also leather-wrapped. The car’s outstanding ergonomics, along with ample seating, make it a great daily driver.

Nobody will be disappointed by the experience from the back seat. The impressive length and wheelbase translate to plenty of legroom. The seat also provides adequate under-thigh support. The 2023 Honda HR-V has about 24.5 cu ft of storage space with the rear seat up, making it one of the greatest options in the market. The rear seat could be folded for additional cargo space as well.

10. Driving Demeanor Is Pretty Honda-Like

The 2023 Honda HR-V is designed to provide a comfortable traveling experience while retaining the charm that many Hondas are known for. We found the driving dynamics to be very similar to the new Honda Civic despite being built on the Honda Global Small Car platform.

When you accelerate through the corners, the 2023 HR-V doesn’t feel out of control. There is adequate road grip, and this SUV barely understeers if driven aggressively. The steering is also crisp and precise. However, in terms of feel and input, it falls short. In comparison, we considered it to be superior to competitors from the Kia and Hyundai stables. But the CX-30 still comes out as the most fun-to-drive SUV in the segment.