Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Honda HR-V, checking out what Edmunds and other experts are saying. If you're thinking about snagging this subcompact SUV, you’re in the right spot. We’ll break down everything from its performance and interior to its tech and overall value, so you can make a super informed decision. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2023 Honda HR-V

So, what's the buzz about the 2023 Honda HR-V? This subcompact SUV is Honda's entry-level SUV, designed to offer a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and modern features. It's aimed at folks who want a smaller, more manageable SUV that’s still versatile enough for city driving and weekend adventures. The HR-V got a complete redesign for the 2023 model year, bringing significant changes to its styling, interior, and technology. This redesign aimed to make it more competitive in a crowded segment that includes rivals like the Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Kia Seltos. The HR-V comes in three trim levels: LX, Sport, and EX-L. Each trim offers a different set of features and styling elements to cater to various preferences and budgets. The LX is the base model, providing essential features at an affordable price. The Sport trim adds sporty styling cues and some additional amenities, while the EX-L tops the range with premium features like leather upholstery and advanced technology. Under the hood, the 2023 HR-V features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which provides adequate power for most driving situations. While it's not the quickest SUV in its class, it offers a smooth and efficient driving experience. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel economy. All-wheel drive is available on all trims, providing added traction and stability in challenging weather conditions. Inside, the HR-V boasts a modern and well-designed cabin with comfortable seating and user-friendly technology. The interior has been upgraded with better materials and a more refined look compared to previous models. The HR-V also offers a decent amount of cargo space for its size, making it practical for carrying groceries, luggage, or other gear. Overall, the 2023 Honda HR-V aims to provide a well-rounded package that combines affordability, practicality, and modern features in a stylish subcompact SUV. But does it live up to the hype? Let's dive deeper into the specifics to find out.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2023 Honda HR-V sports a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower. Now, let’s be real, this isn't a powerhouse, but it’s adequate for daily driving. You'll find it sufficient for navigating city streets and merging onto highways, but don't expect to win any races. Edmunds notes that the acceleration is decent but not particularly exciting, which is a fair assessment. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is designed to maximize fuel efficiency, and it does a pretty good job. However, some drivers might find the CVT a bit droning during hard acceleration. The HR-V offers available all-wheel drive (AWD), which is a nice feature for those living in areas with inclement weather. The AWD system provides added traction and stability, making it easier to handle slippery roads. In terms of handling, the HR-V is generally easy to maneuver. The steering is light and responsive, making it well-suited for urban environments. The suspension is tuned for comfort, so it absorbs bumps and road imperfections reasonably well. However, it's not the most engaging SUV to drive. If you're looking for something with a sporty feel, you might want to consider alternatives like the Mazda CX-30. One of the main advantages of the HR-V is its fuel efficiency. It gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model. The AWD version gets slightly lower ratings, but it’s still quite economical. This makes it a great choice for commuters and anyone looking to save money on gas. However, it's worth noting that some reviewers have pointed out that the HR-V can feel underpowered when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. If you frequently carry a lot of stuff or people, you might want to consider a larger SUV with a more powerful engine. Overall, the 2023 Honda HR-V offers a balanced but not particularly thrilling driving experience. It prioritizes fuel efficiency and ease of use over outright performance, making it a practical choice for many buyers. However, if you're looking for a more engaging and powerful SUV, you might want to explore other options in the subcompact segment.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2023 Honda HR-V, you'll notice that Honda has put in some serious effort to improve the interior. The design is modern and clean, with a minimalist dashboard and user-friendly controls. The materials used are of decent quality, especially in the higher trim levels like the EX-L, which features leather upholstery. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. The HR-V offers ample headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers. However, rear-seat space can be a bit tight for taller adults, especially on longer journeys. If you frequently carry passengers in the back, you might want to check out the rear-seat space before making a decision. One of the standout features of the HR-V's interior is its intuitive technology. The infotainment system is easy to use, with a clear and responsive touchscreen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. Higher trims offer additional features like a larger touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a premium audio system. The HR-V also offers a decent amount of cargo space for its size. With the rear seats up, it provides around 24.4 cubic feet of cargo volume. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area to 55.1 cubic feet, which is enough for carrying larger items like luggage or sports equipment. However, some competitors offer more cargo space, so it's worth comparing if cargo capacity is a priority for you. In terms of comfort, the HR-V does a good job of providing a smooth and quiet ride. The suspension absorbs bumps well, and the cabin is relatively well-insulated from road noise. However, some reviewers have noted that the engine can be a bit noisy during acceleration. The HR-V also comes with a range of convenience features, such as automatic climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start. Higher trims offer additional features like heated front seats, a sunroof, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Overall, the 2023 Honda HR-V offers a comfortable and well-designed interior with user-friendly technology. While rear-seat space might be a bit tight for some, the HR-V provides a pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers. The improved materials and modern design make it a competitive option in the subcompact SUV segment. Edmunds also appreciates the improved interior, noting that it feels more upscale compared to previous models.

Technology and Features

The 2023 Honda HR-V comes packed with a range of technology and features designed to enhance the driving experience. Standard tech includes a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of Honda Sensing safety features. These features provide a solid foundation for a modern driving experience. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, making it easy to access navigation, music, and other apps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone, providing access to your favorite apps and features on the car's display. This is a huge plus for anyone who relies on their smartphone for navigation or entertainment. The Honda Sensing suite of safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. These features help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more convenient. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane-keeping assist helps to keep the car centered in its lane. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid an impact. Higher trims of the HR-V offer even more advanced technology features. The EX-L trim, for example, comes with a larger 9-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium audio system, and a wireless charging pad. The larger touchscreen provides a more immersive experience, while the wireless smartphone integration eliminates the need for cables. The premium audio system delivers high-quality sound, and the wireless charging pad keeps your phone charged on the go. The HR-V also offers a range of convenience features, such as a multi-angle rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the car. This is especially helpful when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. Other available features include a blind-spot monitoring system, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, and a rear cross-traffic alert system, which warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. Overall, the 2023 Honda HR-V offers a comprehensive suite of technology and features that enhance safety, convenience, and entertainment. Whether you're looking for basic connectivity or advanced tech, the HR-V has something to offer. Edmunds highlights the user-friendly infotainment system and the comprehensive safety features as key strengths of the HR-V.

Overall Value and Edmunds' Verdict

So, what’s the final word on the 2023 Honda HR-V? Is it worth your hard-earned cash? Let's break it down. The HR-V offers a compelling package with its redesigned interior, user-friendly technology, and standard safety features. It’s a practical and efficient subcompact SUV that’s well-suited for city driving and daily commutes. However, it's not without its drawbacks. The engine performance is adequate but not thrilling, and some competitors offer more cargo space. Edmunds' review highlights both the pros and cons of the HR-V. They appreciate the improved interior and the comprehensive suite of safety features. However, they also note that the HR-V can feel underpowered and that some rivals offer a more engaging driving experience. In terms of value, the HR-V is competitively priced in the subcompact SUV segment. The base LX trim offers a lot of features for the money, while the higher trims add more luxury and convenience. However, it's worth comparing prices with competitors like the Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Kia Seltos to see which SUV offers the best value for your specific needs. One of the main selling points of the HR-V is its reliability and reputation for dependability. Honda has a long track record of building reliable vehicles, and the HR-V is no exception. This can give buyers peace of mind, knowing that they're investing in a vehicle that's likely to last for many years. Another factor to consider is the HR-V's fuel efficiency. With an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, it’s one of the more fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. This can save you money on gas in the long run, especially if you do a lot of driving. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the 2023 Honda HR-V depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a practical, efficient, and reliable subcompact SUV with a comfortable interior and modern technology, the HR-V is definitely worth considering. However, if you prioritize performance and cargo space, you might want to explore other options in the segment. Edmunds' verdict is that the HR-V is a solid choice, but it’s important to weigh its strengths and weaknesses against your own priorities. So, there you have it! A comprehensive review of the 2023 Honda HR-V. Hopefully, this has given you a clearer picture of what the HR-V has to offer and whether it's the right SUV for you. Happy car shopping, guys!