Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a 2023 Honda HR-V? You've come to the right place. We're diving deep into whether this compact SUV is worth your hard-earned cash. Let's break it down, Edmunds style, but with a more human touch.

Overview of the 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V marks the beginning of its second generation, bringing a fresh design, updated features, and a more refined driving experience. It's Honda's entry-level SUV, slotting below the CR-V in their lineup. This makes it an appealing option for first-time car buyers, city dwellers needing something compact, or anyone looking to downsize without sacrificing too much versatility. The HR-V aims to blend practicality, fuel efficiency, and Honda's reputation for reliability into a stylish package.

One of the most noticeable changes is the HR-V's exterior styling. It sports a more mature and sophisticated look compared to the outgoing model, with a longer hood, a cleaner front grille, and sleeker headlights. The overall silhouette is more streamlined, giving it a modern and upscale appearance. Inside, the cabin has been redesigned with a minimalist aesthetic, featuring a honeycomb mesh accent across the dashboard and a user-friendly infotainment system. Honda has also improved the quality of materials used throughout the interior, giving it a more premium feel.

Under the hood, the 2023 HR-V is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sends power to either the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the trim level. While the horsepower isn't a huge bump from the previous generation, Honda has tweaked the engine and transmission to provide better responsiveness and smoother acceleration. The HR-V also benefits from a revised suspension system that improves ride comfort and handling. It's designed to be more composed and stable on the road, making it a more enjoyable daily driver.

In terms of technology, the 2023 HR-V comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trim levels get a larger 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless charging pad. Honda has also equipped the HR-V with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

What Edmunds Says (and What We Think)

Edmunds provides comprehensive reviews, and their take on the 2023 Honda HR-V is generally positive, but with a few caveats. Let's dive into what they highlight and add our own insights to give you a well-rounded perspective.

Edmunds' Pros:

• Improved Ride Quality: Edmunds notes that the new HR-V offers a more comfortable and refined ride compared to the previous generation. The suspension absorbs bumps and road imperfections more effectively, providing a smoother experience for both the driver and passengers.
• Stylish Interior: The interior design and material quality have been significantly improved, giving the HR-V a more upscale and modern feel. The minimalist dashboard layout and honeycomb mesh accent add a touch of sophistication.
• Standard Safety Features: Honda has equipped the HR-V with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features enhance safety and provide added peace of mind.
• User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use, with intuitive menus and responsive touch controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, making it easy to integrate your smartphone.

Edmunds' Cons:

• Underpowered Engine: One of the main criticisms is the HR-V's engine performance. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for city driving, but it can feel strained when accelerating on the highway or climbing hills. Edmunds notes that the HR-V is slower than many of its competitors in acceleration tests.
• CVT Transmission: The continuously variable transmission (CVT) can also be a source of frustration for some drivers. While it helps to maximize fuel efficiency, it can sometimes feel unresponsive or produce a droning sound under hard acceleration.
• Limited Cargo Space: Although the HR-V offers decent cargo space for its size, it's not the most spacious in its class. Competitors like the Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30 offer more cargo room behind the rear seats.

Our Take:

We agree with Edmunds' assessment. The 2023 Honda HR-V is a solid choice in the subcompact SUV segment, especially if you prioritize comfort, safety, and a stylish interior. However, if you're looking for a more engaging driving experience or need maximum cargo capacity, you might want to consider other options. The engine performance is adequate for most daily driving situations, but it's not going to win any races. The CVT transmission is smooth and efficient, but it lacks the sporty feel of a traditional automatic transmission. Overall, the HR-V is a well-rounded SUV that offers a good balance of features and value.

Performance and Handling: How Does It Drive?

The 2023 Honda HR-V is designed for comfortable and easy driving, prioritizing a smooth ride over sporty handling. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 158 horsepower, which is sufficient for most daily driving situations. However, it can feel a bit underpowered when accelerating on the highway or climbing hills. The CVT transmission is smooth and efficient, but it can sometimes feel unresponsive under hard acceleration. Honda has made some improvements to the suspension system, which helps to improve ride quality and handling. The HR-V feels more stable and composed on the road compared to the previous generation.

In terms of handling, the HR-V is not as sporty as some of its competitors, such as the Mazda CX-30 or the Hyundai Kona. The steering is light and accurate, but it doesn't provide a lot of feedback. The HR-V is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, making it a good choice for city driving. The brakes are responsive and provide good stopping power. Overall, the HR-V is a comfortable and easy-to-drive SUV that is well-suited for daily commuting and errands.

Interior and Comfort: A Nice Place to Be?

Stepping inside the 2023 Honda HR-V, you'll immediately notice the improved interior design and material quality. Honda has given the HR-V a more modern and upscale feel, with a minimalist dashboard layout and a honeycomb mesh accent that stretches across the dashboard. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing good cushioning for long drives. The HR-V offers plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats can also be folded down to create more cargo space.

The infotainment system is user-friendly, with intuitive menus and responsive touch controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, making it easy to integrate your smartphone. Higher trim levels get a larger 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless charging pad. The HR-V also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind.

Technology and Features: What Do You Get?

The 2023 Honda HR-V comes packed with a decent array of technology and features, even in its base trim. Let's break down what you can expect:

Standard Features:

• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Honda Sensing suite of safety features (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking)
• Automatic climate control
• LED headlights
• Rearview camera

Available Features (depending on trim level):

• 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless charging pad
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Sunroof
• Premium audio system

Fuel Economy: How Thirsty Is It?

Fuel efficiency is a strong point for the 2023 Honda HR-V. The EPA estimates are quite respectable for a subcompact SUV:

• FWD: 26 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined
• AWD: 25 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined

These numbers are competitive within its class, making the HR-V a good choice for those who want to save money at the pump. Keep in mind that real-world fuel economy can vary depending on your driving habits and conditions.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Finding the Right Fit

The 2023 Honda HR-V is available in three trim levels:

• LX: The base model, offering essential features and a good value proposition.
• Sport: Adds sporty styling elements and some additional features.
• EX-L: The top-of-the-line trim, with premium features and a more luxurious feel.

Pricing starts at around $24,000 for the LX trim and can go up to around $29,000 for the EX-L trim with all-wheel drive. It's always a good idea to check with your local dealer for the most up-to-date pricing and availability.

The Competition: Who Else Is Playing?

The subcompact SUV segment is crowded with competitors. Here are some of the HR-V's main rivals:

• Kia Seltos: Offers more cargo space and a more powerful engine.
• Mazda CX-30: Provides a more engaging driving experience and a stylish interior.
• Hyundai Kona: Offers a bold design and a variety of engine options.
• Toyota Corolla Cross: A practical and fuel-efficient option with Toyota's reputation for reliability.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, is the 2023 Honda HR-V worth buying? It depends on your priorities. If you value a comfortable ride, a stylish interior, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, the HR-V is a solid choice. However, if you're looking for a more powerful engine or maximum cargo space, you might want to consider other options. Overall, the HR-V is a well-rounded SUV that offers a good balance of features and value. Just remember to take it for a test drive and see if it fits your needs and preferences.

Happy car shopping, and I hope this review helps you make an informed decision!