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The 2023 Honda HR-V is based on the same platform as the Honda Civic. The redesigned crossover is the first competitive HR-V model in years. Is the 2023 HR-V tempting to Honda Civic owners, or does the subcompact SUV still have a long way to go?

The 2023 Honda HR-V is Civic-adjacent

The 2023 Honda HR-V sitting next to a canyon road.
The all-new 2023 Honda HR-V was impressive. | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Both the 2022 Honda Civic and the 2023 Honda HR-V come standard with 2.0-liter four-cylinder standard engines that produce 158 horsepower. The Civic gets 33 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway. The heavier HR-V gets 26 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2022 Honda Civic sedan starts at $22,550, and the hatchback version starts at $23,550. The HR-V subcompact SUV starts at $23,650. So, the HR-V is a great sedan alternative from an affordability standpoint. As far as fuel economy goes, the Civic is the better buy.

The latest HR-V model year comes standard with one-touch turn indicators, push-button start, and cruise control. It also includes standard heated side mirrors, hill descent control, and a collision-mitigation braking system. Buyers can add all-wheel drive to every HR-V trim level. Its starting price with all-wheel drive is $25,150. The 2023 Honda HR-V has plenty to offer for Civic drivers looking to make the switch to a crossover. The 2023 HR-V is the first HR-V model that makes a real case for making the switch.

Should you buy a Honda HR-V instead of a Honda Civic?

The 2022 Honda Civic has also been redesigned for its most recent model year. It has been getting great reviews. Car and Driver praises the Civic’s affordability and refined comfortable cabin.

The only reason to choose the HR-V over the Civic is if you’re looking for a larger vehicle with more cargo space. The Civic has about 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The HR-V has 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2022 Honda Civic has 99.0 cubic feet of interior volume. The 2023 HR-V has 123.1 cubic feet of interior volume. If you do choose the HR-V over the Civic, all-wheel drive is recommended for the full SUV experience.

The Honda Civic has a long history of excellence

A blue 2022 Honda Civic small car is driving on the road.
The 2022 Honda Civic | Honda

The Honda Civic is one of the most popular sedans on the market. The small car has a history of excellence. The Civic has been around for much longer than the HR-V, so it makes sense that consumers would trust it over the subcompact SUV.

Read more about the 2023 Honda HR-V in the next article below.

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What Does the Honda HR-V Have to Offer?