The second-generation HR-V — Honda’s subcompact crossover SUV — enters 2023 with some significant size changes. The redesigned hauler is based on the 11-generation Honda Civic and gains a longer hood, a sleeker roofline, and wider stance coupled with a longer wheelbase compared to the outgoing model. Show All in an effort to appeal to younger, multicultural buyers, based on the company’s efforts to make this thing more ‘youthful’ and more ‘fun-to-drive.’ As Honda puts it, “This new HR-V will advance its position as the segment leader with young buyers, first-time buyers, and multicultural customers.” Of course, competition in the small SUV space is fierce with more stylish and capable options like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. New HR-V size and dimensions aside, expect the 2023 model to provide improved performance as well. Details are slim at time of writing, but Honda states the updated HR-V will feature a more responsive engine and a new independent rear suspension — overall, a more refined version of the small crossover that first hit the market in 2016, and originally based on Honda’s Global Compact Series Platform that formed the basis for the Honda Fit subcompact car. Here’s our full 2016 HR-V first drive review. Based on these initial, limited photos of the 2023 HR-V, the overall styling is conservative — something Honda does well. We’re not sure what’s up with the new front grill look, which certainly looks more beefy, but also very odd and perhaps trying too hard to look different — also something Honda does very well. Nevertheless, the new wide-set LED headlights and taillights do lend the new HR-V subcompact crossover a more athletic stance compared to its predecessor. And updated styling is much cleaner courtesy of windshield wipers now hidden under the hood line when not in use, new door-mounted mirrors, and a lower set cowl that now offers better visibility as well. Again, details and specs for the next-generation HR-V are limited at this point, but we know buyers can expect a major size upgrade and better engine for the new 2023 model. The Honda HR-V will be all-new for the 2023 model year, but other than some exterior photos and vague details, we don’t have too much information just yet. But here are four things we do know. Complete redesignThis is a complete redesign, which marks the second generation for this compact SUV. We know the underpinnings are based on the Honda Civic, which is all new for 2022. So, we’ll see some exterior design cues – like the lighting signatures – that will resemble those of the new Civic. The grille, roofline and exterior lines also get a facelift, and the overall effect is something that looks more curvaceous and elegant. Larger than last genOne of the vague details Honda shared in its 350-word press release is that the new HR-V will have a longer wheel and wider stance. If you take a look at previous HR-V specs versus the new Civic specs, we could see a wheelbase increase of round 4 inches, and an overall length increase of around 14 inches. New powertrainWhile Honda hasn’t released any specifics, it has stated the new HR-V will get a more responsive engine and a new independent rear suspension. Though Civic and HR-V haven’t previously shared the same engine specs, it would be interesting if Honda gave this next-gen SUV the Civic inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, that would account for an increase of 17 horsepower and 11 pound-feet of torque. Available this summerWe don’t have an exact drop date for the new HR-V, and saying “this summer” means we could see the new version available anywhere from June to September. So, you’ll have to stay tuned there. We expect more details to drop within the next couple weeks. The bottom line on the 2023 Honda HR-VThough the 2023 Honda HR-V has been “revealed,” we still don’t know very much about it. We have just four photos and a very brief press release. We see nothing of the interior, but knowing it’s based on the Civic, I think we can assume it will get some of the same honeycomb interior dash access and a more up-level look and feel to the materials. What’s clear is Honda intends for this version of the HR-V to be a little sportier and to attract a younger – or at least more youthful – customer.
All-new 2023 Honda HR-V steps out with youthful, athletic styling (Image courtesy of Honda Motor Co.)
All-new 2023 Honda HR-V steps out with youthful, athletic styling (Image courtesy of Honda Motor Co.)
All-new 2023 Honda HR-V steps out with youthful, athletic styling (Image courtesy of Honda Motor Co.)
All-new 2023 Honda HR-V steps out with youthful, athletic styling (Image courtesy of Honda Motor Co.) Related posts:
Is Honda HRAccording to Honda, HR-V models from 2014 to 2017 should not be flat towed. That said, the 2020 HR-V is rated for flat towing so long as it is equipped with a manual transmission, though you'll need some additional equipment, such as a tow bar, base plates, wiring, and supplemental braking.
How much weight can you tow with a Honda HRThe towing capacity of the Honda HR-V supports up to 1200kg. This is a braked figure, while the maximum load for any vehicle without using trailer brakes is 750kg, if rated to tow that much in the first place.
Can you put a towbar on a Honda HRFor a Honda HR-V 1999-2002 and 2002-2006 vehicles, the towbars have a towing weight capacity of up to 1200kg. For a Honda HR-V 2017 onwards vehicles, the towbars have a towing weight capacity of 1200kg up to 1450kg.
Does the 2023 Honda HRThe Feature: To further enhance fuel efficiency, all CR-V trims feature an idle-stop system.
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