Don’t Buy a 2022 HR-V, Wait for the 2023 HR-V Instead
The 2022 Honda HR-V is a spacious, frugal, reliable, and inexpensive SUV. But don’t buy a Honda HR-V. Yet. The 2023 HR-V will come with so many upgrades that if you’re looking at Honda’s smallest SUV it may be best to wait just a few months. Honda based the 2023 Honda HR-V on the new Civic platform, so it will be larger, have a nicer interior, and have better overall packaging.
It was probably time to retire the 2022 Honda HR-V
The 2022 HR-V was based on the old Honda Fit platform. It feels like it’s built to a price point, and while that means it’s affordable and starts at about $22,000, it was short on niceties. Basically, the competition has caught up to Honda and the 2022 Hyundai Kona and the 2022 Toyota C-HR both represent a better value at about the same price. It was hard to justify buying a 2022 HR-V.
The 2022 HR-V was underpowered
The 2022 HR-V is also underpowered. The hamsters in the wheel up front have a hard time getting the 2022 Honda HR-V going. The only engine available is a 141-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder that’s stuck to a fun-robbing CVT automatic transmission. So, while it’s not powerful, it’s also boring. Of course, that small motor means it’s great on gas, and the HR-V gets 28 mpg city and 34 highway.
The 2023 Honda CH-V addresses the old model’s shortcomings
The 2023 HR-V is a big step forward – OK 11 inches. The HR-V gains 11 inches in length because it’s now built on the updated Civic platform and that means it gets a longer wheelbase, more space, better suspension, and more storage. The extra length allows the 2023 HR-V to have fold-flat rear seats and lots more leg room than the outgoing model. But, not everybody loves the styling.
The HR-V’s big brother the 2023 Honda CR-V is also receiving a major update for 2023.
The 2023 HR-V is no Corvette, but it’s quicker
The 2023 HR-V will come standard with Honda’s 2.0-liter 158-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The SUV gains only 17 horsepower, but that’s a more than 10% gain. It is still mated to a CV-T, however. But, Honda says it will still see great gas mileage. It should see 26 mpg in the city and get up to 32 on the highway. All-wheel drive saps a bit of that efficiency.
How much does a 2023 Honda HR-V cost?
The 2023 Honda HR-V pricing starts at $23,650, which is a slight increase over the 2022 SUV. It comes in three versions, base LX, Sport, and EX-L. The base LX now comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Honda Sensing tech. The Sport version starts at $25,650 and adds heated seats, blind-spot monitoring, and 18-inch wheels. The EX-L starts at $27,450 and adds a power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate, and a larger 9.0-inch touch screen. A 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard, and all-wheel-drive is a $1,500 option on all trims.
