Car News

2023 Honda HR-V Gets Bigger, More Powerful, and More High-Tech

Honda has redesigned the HR-V for 2023. It's bigger inside and has more tech, and Honda says there will be a more upscale cabin.

The brand's smallest model gets a new architecture that Honda says combines the CR-V with the bones of the new 11th-generation Civic. The new platform grows from 4,348 mm in length to 4,568 with width up substantially from 2,003 to 2,088 mm, which means more shoulder and foot room. Cargo space grows as well: The last-generation HR-V was already able to pack plenty of gear, but the new one will hold 691L with the seats up and 1,559L with them folded. Honda has also given the cargo area new plastic panels with a design meant to hide scuffs and scratches from use.

A 2.0L engine makes 158 hp, 17 more than the outgoing 1.8L. Torque is up 11 lb-ft to 138. Honda says it will deliver better drivability, refinement and emissions. Fuel economy will suffer as a result, with the new front-drive model estimated at 9.1 L/100 km city, 7.4 highway compared with 8.4/7.0 for 2022. AWD models see a similar increase to 9.4/7.8.

Honda has retuned the continuously variable transmission (CVT) for better refinement and a more traditional automatic box feel. Honda's AWD system (optional) now sends more torque to the rear wheels if there is reduced traction, which should help winter performance.

Honda Sensing, the brand's driver assistance tech, has been upgraded. It now has the same systems found on the latest Civic including Traffic Jam Assist, traffic sign recognition, and is meant to have more natural responses for systems like lane keeping and adaptive cruise contrrol. Blind spot assist is also new to the HR-V.

All 2023 Honda HR-V models get a 7.0-inch digital dash display, sitting beside a physical speedometer. The LX and Sport models will have 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while higher trims will have a 9.0-inch screen with nav, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and wireless phone charging.

The 2023 Honda HR-V will arrive at dealers this month, with a front-drive LX model from $28,730. A steep increase over the $26,200 MRSP for the same-trim model in 2022.

2023 Honda HR-V Canadian Pricing

LX FWD $38,730
LX AWD $31,030
Sport AWD $33,930
EX-L Navi AWD $37,130