Redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V Grows To Fit American Tastes

Honda joined the subcompact crossover segment in the U.S. six years ago with the second-generation HR-V. The first generation was sold in the European and Asia-Pacific markets from 1999 to 2006. With its sales domination, the company had a good reason to bring another generation to our shores that's a little bigger, a little faster and much better looking.

"By gaining aspirational qualities beyond its segment, the all-new 2023 Honda HR-V will welcome a new generation of customers to Honda and grow in importance as a gateway to the Honda brand," said Michael Kistemaker, assistant vice president of Automobile Sales of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "This new HR-V will advance its position as the segment leader with young buyers, first-time buyers, and multicultural customers."

In 2021 the HR-V outsold its next competitor, the Subaru Crosstrek, by about 10,000 vehicles, the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Hyundai Kona by about 50,000 vehicles and the rest by even more.

The facelift brings a new grille, longer hood and new roofline based on the new Honda Civic. The company says the wheelbase is longer too, and that the HR-V has a wider stance. The company didn't reveal actual cargo numbers or dimensions.

Honda says the new HR-V "will have a strong sense of adventure" with a lower beltline and gently flared fenders. New LED headlights and taillights will accentuate the width of the HR-V, while the tailgate spoiler denotes its sporty nature.

Door-mounted mirrors and a low cowl make for better visibility, and the roof moldings have been eliminated with laser-brazing technology during manufacture.

The new HR-V goes on sale this summer. Honda says it will have a more responsive engine, though no figures were given, and a new independent rear suspension, which will refine the ride over broken pavement and dirt roads.

The 2022 Honda HR-V only offers one engine currently: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder making 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission sends power to the front or all four wheels. The two-wheel drive versions returned 34 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 28 mpg in the city.

Honda Sensing comes standard on the HR-V with collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and more.

The 2022 Honda HR-V is currently on sale starting at $23,095. The most expensive model stickers for $29,395 including destination. Expect prices not to vary too far from that.