Honda has revealed details of the all-new 2023 Honda HR-V, with changes headlined by a larger, more responsive engine, an all-new platform with an independent rear suspension, and a redesigned interior with standard digital instrumentation display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The new HR-V will begin arriving at dealerships in early June.
Longer and wider, the second-generation HR-V features more rear seat legroom and a larger cargo area. For a smoother ride, HR-V’s wheelbase has been extended and its tracks are significantly wider, creating an athletic stance and improving stability, designers said. Safety features include standard Honda Sensing, next-gen front airbags, as well as standard side-impact and front occupant knee airbags.
“The new Honda HR-V is just the right size for young, active buyers looking for a sporty driving experience, and plenty of space and utility for an adventurous weekend escape,” said Michael Kistemaker, assistant vice president, Honda National Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “This new HR-V will welcome a new generation of customers to Honda, and we look to grow its position as the segment leader with young buyers, first-time buyers, and multicultural customers.”
HR-V’s all-new design features a low horizontal beltline that begins with the extended hood and continues over the rear fenders. Wide-set LED headlights and taillights highlight HR-V’s increased width (2.6 inches wider) and broad-shouldered stance. Overall length has grown by 9.4 inches.
In front, an new grille is flanked by air curtain inlets that route air through the bumper and around the front wheels. In the rear, the sculpted hatch and standard tailgate spoiler highlight HR-V’s sporty proportions, Honda said, and the outer edge of the taillights have been shaped to improve aerodynamics.
HR-V LX is highlighted by a matte-finish on its honeycomb-style grille, and the lower section of its front and rear bumpers. Large 17-inch alloy silver-painted wheels are standard.
HR-V Sport gets a horizontal-themed grille mesh, a gloss-black rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust finisher. The lower portion of the rear bumper is painted gunmetal metallic, and the HR-V Sport’s exclusive 18-inch split 5-spoke wheels are finished in gloss Berlina Black.
The HR-V EX-L features a gloss-black version of the honeycomb grille, gloss black door pillars, and gloss black trim on the front and rear bumpers. EX-L also rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, painted Shark Gray with an exclusive machined finish.
HR-V will be available in seven different colors, including two all-new colors exclusive to HR-V: Nordic Forest Pearl and Urban Gray Pearl.
Inside, HR-V’s new instrument panel has been designed with minimum cutlines to reduce windshield reflections and visual distractions, designers said, and features a metal honeycomb mesh accent. Premium materials are used throughout the interior and on all switchgear and controls, including the click and heft of knobs, stalks and switches. HR-V’s center console is upholstered with French stitching, while a pass-through with USB charging ports provides storage for small items.
HR-V’s standard cargo area behind the rear seat has been enlarged to 24.4 cu.-ft. on all trims and offers a lift-over height of 27 inches. The standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold to a flat floor, expanding the space to 55.1 cu.-ft.
For the first time, HR-V features a digital instrument display, with larger standard and available color touchscreens featuring standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
All HR-V grades are equipped with a 7-inch color LCD instrument display. An all-digital speedometer and tachometer are on the left side of the instrument panel, while a physical speedometer dial occupies the right side. The 7-inch multi-information display also features user-selectable functions such as Honda Sensing settings, vehicle information and more.
A new 7-inch color touchscreen is standard on LX and Sport models. It features physical knobs for audio system volume and station tuning, buttons along the bottom for switching modes and a simplified menu structure.
HR-V EX-L comes with a large 9-inch color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad and an upgraded audio system.
Based on the new Honda global architecture, the HR-V’s fully independent suspension features MacPherson struts in front and a new multilink arrangement in the rear, while its wheelbase has been extended to 104.5 inches (+1.7 inches).
Powering every 2023 HR-V is a larger 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 158-horsepower and 138 lb.-ft. of torque. Compared to the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder in the first-generation HR-V, the new engine is more powerful (+17 hp and +11 lb.-ft. of torque), while delivering improved drivability, refinement, and lower emissions, Honda said. The powerplant is paired to a standard continuously variable automatic transmission. Each trim is available with all-wheel drive.
