Is This SUV Better Than A CX-30? (Honda HR-V 2023 Review)

Chasing Cars tests the new Honda HR-V Vi X small SUV to see whether it’s worth its $36,000 driveaway price – or if another car might be more suitable.

The Honda HR-V is a small SUV that competes with the Mazda CX-30, Subaru XV, Toyota C-HR and other crossovers. In Australia the HR-V is sold with a hybrid engine, or with a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol. This is the $36K Vi X petrol model on test.

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Honda HR-V.

Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[bryanjuni]

All the guys on Chasing Cars are great at presenting! 100%. But i want to say this guy's style is really good! Each segment flows so well and is seamless! NIcely done.
Really like the look of that car! I never have liked the look of Hondas but this one! Very nice!

[deant]

It's a shame, I like a lot about the car but the price is ridiculous for either option. The non electric is dangerously slow and the electric is stupidly over priced

[lesklower]

It's a Honda it will last a very long time better than some of its competitors

[Jeslino]

Got mine for 35k Euro in top trim as an hybrid here in austria. Fuel consumption is at 3-4L/100km in warm weather. Sometimes in low 5l on highway.

[peterellemor]

I'm a huge Honda fan (I currently own 2 Honda motorcycles), but I think Honda have lost the plot and are not giving the market what it wants. The exterior styling is above average, and no doubt the handling, engineering and build quality will be first class. But the low budget interior, flacid powertrain, 4 seats and literally insane price - especially the Hybrid - leaves one very obvious question: What were they thinking?!!???!!!! It's a genuine tragedy that a company with such an incredible history and capability as Honda is offering such uninspiring 'white goods on wheels'.

[kampferpl]

I feel sorry for those who bought this without knowing it's a 4 seater...

[tedk-]

Ouch Honda really missed the mark here. Bad economy and underpowered for the petrol model. Who would buy this...

[zaamuro]

Stick to the usual review format guys. Good to see Curt in front of the camera again. Is Curt still freelancing across many publications?

[PhiveWalls]

The 1.5L turbo should have made it to Aust instead of this non turbo unit & why is it a 4 seater where its a 5 seater in other countries.

[johnedds]

I love this short form review with no lingering on unimportant stuff. As for the HR-V, I think it's a loser in performance terms, but it won't deter older couples or suburban parents. By comparison a VW T Cross has about the same KW but heaps more torque and better rear seat and boot room. Thanks Curt for your review.

[jeffstryker]

What is Honda thinking only 4 seats and that engine is gutless, I just bought my wife a Mazda cx30 with the 2.5lt engine and it has way more power.

[kevinjong]

The lower displacement engine from the previous generation is a big downgrade

[robertceroli]

WTF were Honda thinking by decreasing the eng compacity in HRV and increasing the price clearly it's no more fuel efficient than the 1.8 in the previous gen.i suspect it's the old jazz eng

[jeffruebens]

More back seat room and luggage room than the Mazda CX-30, but the engine is much worse, and the price is higher, and no fifth seat. If you only change the oil once a year, you greatly increase the chances for losing more oil from piston rings clogging. DIY Dave has a good recent video for unclogging piston rings without removing them.

[GlowingTube]

Honda have started to discount the HRV as they are struggling to sell it. The base model should have leather steering wheel, be a 5 seater, offer the turbo 1.5 and be priced at around $34K to have any chance. As it stands, I paid just $990 more and purchased a VW T-Roc CityLife that is better than this poor effort from Honda in every conceivable way. Honda's reduced dealer and service footprint is also a massive turn off.

[TheEntelexia]

I think people overlook the interior materials. My experience of the interior was sub-par at best. It was truly awful for the price they're asking for.

[Clove_Parma]

No leather, even on the steering wheel, at this price? Honda has to be kidding. This car should be in the 20s with such a poor spec

[kenphillips]

Small boot, FOUR seats, plastic steering wheel, lacking safety items, seriously underpowered and AUD39k? The ghost of Stephen Collins is apparent here.

[grubguts]

Honda's lost the plot with there pricing. Look at the civic $47k I mean wtf.

[EnShinNoi]

This is about as powerful as my first car, a Mitsubishi Colt. Only that was 250kg lighter so the power to weight ratio was bearable. Driving this would be like driving that with a full load of adults sitting inside.