2023 Honda HR-V Engine, Horsepower, MPG –
In terms of subcompact crossovers, is there a better option than the Honda HR-V in terms of versatility? Over the last two decades, Honda’s Magic Seats have revolutionized the usability of small vehicles. So it’s no wonder that Honda decided to use the Magic Seat design in as many vehicles as possible after the first-generation Fit established a new standard for space and utility in a small car. The HR-V, Honda’s compact crossover competitor, was released for the 2016 model year. When it came out, it set the bar very high. It used the best features and practicality of the Fit and had a big, angular design.
Because crossovers are becoming the preferred vehicle for most families, it was an obvious choice. Thanks to Honda’s engineering, the HR-V’s passenger and cargo capacity are impressive for a car of its size. However, the driving experience is awful at best. The 2023 HR-V is powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 141 horsepower. The CVT gearbox Honda paired with this engine removes almost all of the joy from driving. Since its mid-life update in 2019, the HR-V has not changed.
2023 Honda HR-V Exterior
It’s not necessarily a bad thing if the Honda HR-V isn’t visible. As expected, it has the standard proportions and rides height of a vehicle in this price range, but it also has some distinct Honda styling characteristics for good measure. Select models include new alloy wheels and privacy glass, which enhance the sporty look of the Sport model. To top it all off, it’ll be the only Honda HR-V Sport in the range with 18-inch matte black alloy wheels by 2023, so keep an eye out for it! The 17-inch silver-painted alloy wheels are standard on all other models.
All versions in the range come standard with halogen projector headlights, while the brake lights and daytime running lights are all LED. You may be surprised to learn that the HR-V has a wheelbase of just 102.8 inches, given a large amount of passenger and luggage space available. The length of the LX, EX, and EX-L models is 170.4 inches, while the Sport version is somewhat longer at 170.9 inches. Except for the Sport, which is slightly broader at 70.5 inches, all variants are 63.2 inches tall and 69.8 inches wide.
Interior
Like its engine, the HR-V’s interior is very retro. But the layout is acceptable and well-thought-out, and it’s not as zany as a Kia Soul or a Hyundai Kona. High-quality, soft-touch materials are used to form the primary points of contact. Gray, long-lasting plastic in various hues fills the remainder of the interior. It may not be physically pleasing, but it looks like it was made to last for decades, even when exposed to damaging children’s behavior. It appears to be durable. Honda’s Magic Seat design is found in all cars, regardless of trim level. And that’s excellent news since it’s one of the primary reasons people buy an HR-V.
It may seem modest from the outside, but it’s rather hefty on the inside. The HR-V has a five-passenger capacity, with the second row including full-size adult seats. 41.2 inches of legroom and 39.5 inches of headroom are provided for front-seat occupants. In the second row, passengers get 39.3 inches of legroom and 38.3 inches of headroom. The legroom for backseat passengers is only 35.2 inches in the Hyundai Kona in this situation. So, while the Kona outperforms the HR-V in ride and handling, it simply can not compete in passenger space.
Engine
There is just one engine choice in the HR-V range. An engine with a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder generates 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. As a result, this power is transmitted to either the front axle or all four wheels through a CVT gearbox, depending on the vehicle’s type. Once it gets up to speed, the CVT performs well both in town and on the interstate. Unlike a manual gearbox, getting up to speed is the problem.
The CVT does not tolerate bursts of acceleration. The CVT may be troublesome when merging onto the highway or overtaking slower-moving cars. Pushing the throttle into the carpet increases engine rotation and loudness. Everything that needs to be done has been completed, except for the actual improvement in speed. Adjusting the car’s speed to match the loudness and rotations may take some time. It’s an issue that CVT-equipped cars have all too often encountered.
2023 Honda HR-V Release Date and Price
The cheapest HR-V is the LX model with front-wheel drive. This year’s model is just $200 more expensive than the 2021 model, with an MSRP of $21,420. At $23,370, the Sport model is the most expensive lineup. The Honda Sensing-equipped EX model has a sticker price of $24,620. The EX-L with complete leather trim costs $26,220. All HR-V models may be ordered with all-wheel drive, adding $1,500 to the introductory price. The destination cost for a Honda Accord is $1,225.
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