2023 Honda HR-V | Review & Road Test

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In this speedy encapsulation I’ll note that the 2nd generation HR-V shares its basic structure with the latest Honda Civic. Versus the previous HR-V, shown here, the newest HR-V is 2.6” wider and 8.7” longer with 1.7” longer wheelbase.


Despite larger exterior dimensions, interior volume has actually dropped slightly in most trims. No worries, my ultra-average 5’ 10” body still fits in the back seat with ease as proven by this b-roll shot with a GoPro stuck to a window.

This is also a prime moment to mention that the cargo area holds a healthy 24.4 cu-ft of stuff and has a low lift over height. Insert quip here about how you’ll hurt your back dancing on TikTok instead of hoisting luggage into your HR-V. Topical reference, check.

As for price, the HR-V starts under $24k not including destination charges.

Continuing the powertrain details, the HR-V’s engine is a 2.0L unit producing 158 horsepower (158hp, 138 lb-ft) partnered with a continuously variable transmission. And now I’ll let the editor show the fuel economy numbers rather than having to describe them.

Moving to the continuously variable transmission aka the CVT, I could gain easy credibility by complaining about it. After all, CVTs have historically offered elastic propulsion feel with racing engine sounds. But the truth is that Honda’s CVTs work great. If you camouflaged the car and asked most drivers to identify the transmission, I doubt many could.


The previous HR-V had a comparatively simple torsion beam rear suspension, where here we have an independent rear suspension. It’s always hard to tell how much things have improved without a proper back-to-back comparison but on these Oregon roadways, ride quality is supple.


The HR-V drives with more sophistication than its price would suggest, lending itself to pleasing commutes. But is there any fun to be extracted along the way. There’s just a splash of sportiness here but the steering moves satisfying heft and predictability. The HR-V corners with confidence.


As expected, Eco mode feels a bit lethargic for my tastes so I’ll stick to Normal mode. And I’m only mentioning Snow mode right now so I can fill a few seconds with this Honda provided b-roll.

Hitting quickly on looks, I’m tempted to describe the new HR-V’s aesthetic in detail. But instead, I’ll do the lazy thing and just show 15 seconds of b-roll under the guise of “letting you make up your own mind”.


Say what you will about its looks, but the HR-V feels far more substantive than the budget-oriented first generation.

I like how each trim has its own character. See, here’s the Sport trim and here’s the EX-L. A big part of the HR-V’s elevated auro is the quality of its interior.

As noted, the MSRP for a base HR-V LX FWD is $23,650.

That price includes a 7” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a 7” digital gauge cluster, single-zone automatic climate control, 10 airbags and an updated Honda Sensing suite of active driver assist tech.


Speaking of Honda Sensing, the lane keeping assist feature does an exceptional job keeping the vehicle in its lane. Meanwhile the adaptive cruise control is slow to adapt to changes in speed from the vehicle ahead.

Go baller with the fanciest EX-L AWD and the sum rises $28,950 but you’ll get a 9” infotainment screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, leather seats, a moonroof, and dual-zone climate control. Whichever trim you choose, budget an extra $1,245 in destination charges.


Notable HR-V competitors include the Toyota Corolla Cross, Chevy Blazer, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, VW Taos. Some of those vehicles are cheaper, more daringly styled, or offer a longer warranty but the HR-V responds with well-rounded excellence. Gen 1 was a pragmatic value but generation 2 adds upscale vibes to the equation with a sense of style that I’m warming up to.


The HR-V is practically designed, a pleasure to drive, and priced right. I suspect Honda is gonna sell a ton of them. And whether or not your closing point is a good one, end with a knowing glance.

00:00 2023 Honda HR-V
0:35 Exterior
1:20 Pricing
1:40 Engine
2:58 Driving Impressions
5:27 Interior
6:42 Competitors
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Комментарии
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Said “Blazer”, meant “Trailblazer”. 🤦‍♂️

MicahMuzio
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I just bought one. I drove for an hour so far back home. Though it is only 158hp, I had no power issues passing on freeway. Semi truck started crossing the line into my lane - I was next to truck. Had no problem picking up speed and getting past truck

augsburgbiblechannel
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Such a difference this model year is. Glad to see Honda updated the tech and styling for this car since the last model looked really old and tired. I also appreciate Honda sticking with a traditional gear selector where you go up to park, and down to drive. So much nicer and more reliable than those stupid button gear selectors

colechapman
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Micah always has the best reviews. Love the personality and humor ❤️

kimcheng
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I've been watching Micah's reviews for like...10 years? Still love them all on here lol

aznandyroo
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Saw one today in real life and it looks great! A cross between an Acura and a Macan. So give it some Civic various levels of performance and that could be a category killer.

mikeburton
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This thing is an inch shorter than the current-gen CR-V. It’s a few inches longer than a 2019 Ford Escape. This isn’t a subcompact crossover anymore.

mattjones
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Interesting. So I like the styling, and the price. Other than that it seems like cars like this are plateauing a bit. I don’t like car payments so I drive older cars. I have a 13 Avalon, and a 10 Fusion Hybrid. The Fusion is a top trim model, and has just about everything this car offers on its top trim other than apple car play of course. I’m also surprised with the efficiency aspect of the new HR-V. Even my V6 Avalon gets close to those MPG figures. I just did a road trip from CA to AZ and I averaged 32 MPH there, and 30 mpg on the way back. I get roughly 22-24 in town as well. Being a car guy I’m always looking for a reason to upgrade, but it’s just hard to justify.

HDmanzano
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The Asian/European design looks much better.

Gaga
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There is an option for a grill upgrade via the builder and makes it look really good.

JaaSon
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Great video Micah. I appreciate the “tutorial” on how to make a YouTube car review video. It is awesome. I learned a lot. Is it possible to request that you have a portion of your video maybe 5-10 seconds focus on headlights and taillights with difference between DRL’s and headlights? Please and thank you. Of course, don’t go out of your way to honor my request, stick to whatever works for you. Miss the elbow comfort index (ECE) test, some other reviewers measure extending Sun visors, the elbow comfort index should be trademarked with or without the squirrel.

robertkamanzi
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I learned a lot about making videos in this video. The car parts were also informative

KeyBored
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This a beautiful model, I don’t get why Honda gets so much hate .

XxOBYxX
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That was great review, thank you. Boo for the lack of the rear air vents, Corolla Cross has it even in the lowest trim.

maciejszumny
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Disappointed that the magic seat was discontinued

stephenwinter
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Styling is Porsche Macan. At $30k for a loaded one it’s half the price! Seems like a great ride, nice review!

mitch
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Holy Double Vision, Batman!! This HRV looks like a Ford Escape.

davestadt
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Sure wish the fit were still offered. I really like the magic seats and tons of cupholders of my fit.

bobdegutis
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Why is there no dual climate controls for the backseat like come on Honda.

frederickcharley
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Problem is, when will they be plentiful? I see maybe 3 on a lot and marked up 5-6 K. Those dealers must get their share!

djo