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The subcompact SUV moves up in cost and features
Honda suggests the 2023 HR-V is wider than its predecessor and rides on a for a longer period wheelbase.
By Jeff S. Bartlett
The next-generation Honda HR-V is larger, much more potent, and much better equipped than the model it replaces.
The first HR-V was spun off from the now-discontinued Healthy subcompact hatchback for the 2016 model yr, making a lower-priced starter SUV. This redesigned edition techniques up to the newly redesigned Civic’s system, granting it a for a longer period wheelbase, far more interior space, a extra potent engine, and an impartial rear suspension that could support each ride and handling. The outgoing model works by using a place-productive but considerably less innovative torsion beam process on entrance-push versions.
These significant enhancements and larger sized sizing promise to placement the HR-V far better against the most recent opposition, which features types that did not exist when the HR-V was to start with launched, like the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Getting 11 inches in size, this new HR-V is a a great deal more substantial auto than the authentic, and for a longer time than most subcompact SUVs. In simple fact, the dimensions place it really near to the latest CR-V in duration and width.
Together with the several upgrades will come a foundation rate that is nearly $2,000 much more than the 2022 design. But that funds appears to be perfectly spent.
Here’s what we know so far.
What it competes with: Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Rogue Sport, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, Volkswagen Taos.
What it appears to be like like: An upscale tiny SUV from one more brand name.
Powertrain: 158-hp, 2.-liter four-cylinder engine constantly variable transmission entrance- or all-wheel drive.
Price tag: $23,650-$28,950
On sale: Late June
The HR-V’s overall body is sculpted with smooth curves that move the look closer to that of the newest Honda SUVs.
Photograph: Honda
CR’s Consider
The humble little HR-V has grown up, and it seems completely ready to just take on the latest wave of subcompact SUVs. At 179.8 inches very long, it’s just 2 inches shorter bumper-to-bumper than the Honda CR-V. (That tends to make it a good guess that the redesigned 2023 CR-V will mature incrementally.)
The outgoing HR-V feels a bit low-cost. It has a rigid trip, a tinny in general come to feel, not comfortable seats, and an underpowered engine. The new a single has the opportunity to be a absolutely distinct vehicle.
The upgraded suspension ought to enable road manners. And shifting to the Civic-shared 2.-liter engine seems intriguing, but the general performance relies upon on the vehicle’s pounds. New child rival Toyota Corolla Cross has 11 additional horsepower and its acceleration is tepid. Very best mood your anticipations.
We would welcome observing a hybrid model, as offered by the CR-V and shortly the Civic. Of class, it would be entertaining to have the 200-hp Civic Si motor equipped for a accurate Activity model. (Really do not get your hopes up.)
The genuine charm may perhaps be in obtaining a bit far more elbow home and cargo area, as perfectly as a extra complex driving encounter. At the very least which is the guarantee. We’ll see how it actions up when we acquire a person to examination.
Outside the house
This new HR-V appears to be like more experienced, even a bit upscale. Absent are the odd superior-mounted rear doorway handles. They are replaced by common grips. The human body is sculpted with smooth curves that go the seem nearer to that of the newest Honda SUVs and absent from the crisp creases viewed in Honda’s vehicles. Even continue to, the physical appearance seems a bit dated as opposed to the edgy styling on some of the hottest small SUVs.
Contributing to the clean looks is the absence of chrome about the grille or aspect glass.
The HR-V Sport is distinguished by a horizontal-topic grille, black rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, and 18-inch, 5-spoke black wheels.
The top EX-L trim has gloss-black exterior trim and grey 17-inch wheels.
The cabin has a traditional equipment selector (not a presented with Honda), rotary dials for the local climate controls, and the brand’s newest infotainment technique.
Image: Honda
Within
The HR-V capabilities a 7-inch digital instrument panel. At center phase is a 7-inch infotainment display on LX and Activity variations. This is enlarged to 9 inches on the increased EX-L trim, alongside with getting wi-fi Android Automobile and Apple CarPlay, a wi-fi phone charger, and an upgraded stereo. We examined each units in the Civic Activity and Civic Si and located them easy to use. Total, the HR-V appears to keep the simple command format we liked in the Civic, which includes the satisfyingly clicky weather knobs and vents.
Honda suggests that outward visibility was enhanced by reducing the windshield foundation and going the facet mirrors absent from the forward roof pillars. And it claims that significant get the job done was performed to strengthen seat convenience. All excellent things.
The seats fold entirely flat, maximizing cargo place.
Photograph: Honda
What Drives It
The prior 141-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is supplanted by a 158-horsepower, 2.-liter motor shared with the Honda Civic. It is backed by a consistently variable transmission. In the Civic, this blend recorded a tepid 9.7 second to 60 mph operate, well balanced by a sound 33 mpg total. Honda statements that the CVT right here has been engineered to support response. That may possibly assistance offset the additional weight for the HR-V and the driveline drag that an AWD process generally delivers. It would be even superior if the HR-V could adapt the powertrain from the forthcoming Civic hybrid.
The HR-V AWD is EPA-rated at 25 town, 30 freeway, and 27 mpg put together.
This puts the HR-V guiding the smaller initial-generation design (29 mpg blended) and Corolla Cross (30 mpg merged), based on EPA figures. According to Honda’s specifications, the new product is about 200 pounds heavier than the outgoing HR-V.
There are 3 driver-selectable modes—Normal, Eco, and Snow—that have an affect on the engine and transmission, enabling their overall performance to be customized to disorders. The HR-V has a hill descent control, operable from 2 to 12 mph, that causes the SUV to sustain a set speed. This can be helpful on steep mountain streets and delicate grime trails.
The present HR-V suffers from a stiff and choppy trip, and it is incredibly loud. The a lot more innovative chassis, much more sizeable framework, and for a longer period wheelbase should improve the experience and sounds isolation.
Safety and Driver Aid Devices
The HR-V employs the hottest Honda Sensing suite of protection capabilities uncovered on the Civic. It facilities all over a one camera with a 100-degree area of view—twice as vast as that on the camera and radar program on the earlier product. This will allow it to far better detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, lines, and street signals, according to Honda.
In addition to regular ahead-collision warning and computerized emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise manage, lane maintaining support, sign recognition, a driver awareness observe, and rear seat reminder are all standard. Blind spot warning and rear cross targeted visitors warning aren’t out there on the foundation LX but are standard on Activity and EX-L.
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