A new, larger Honda HR-V is now heading to dealerships. There wasn’t much wrong with the previous version of the HR-V, but the new one is bigger, more powerful and a lot more refined. Crucially, it maintains its low price and user-friendly features. However, the all-new 2023 Honda HRV offers three trim levels, from the basic LX to the fully featured EX-L. So what’s the best?
Is the Honda HR-V worth buying?
The second generation HR-V SUV is 100% new while retaining its value and updating its design. All HR-Vs get new body-stabilizing seats designed to hold passengers more firmly, as well as higher-quality materials and updated technology. Honda designed the large cargo area with a low lift height of just 27 inches to make it easier to get heavy stuff in the back. All HR-Vs get a 7-inch digital color display for the driver and a 7-inch center touchscreen linked to the Honda Sensing system.
The new HR-V is based on the Honda Civic platform, giving it a 1.7-inch longer wheelbase than the previous version built on the Fit platform. Each new HR-V is powered by an efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder developing 158 horsepower. While not everyone is a fan of CVT automatic transmissions, the new CVT features Honda’s Step Shift programming, which simulates gear changes and feels more natural. It also adds a hill-decent control knob that controls the HRV’s speed going downhill.
How much does a new Honda HR-V cost?
The HR-V starts at $23,650 and goes up to $28,950. All-wheel drive is a $1,500 option on any HR-V, before destination fees. All versions can be ordered with a variety of packages such as the protection packages, the HPD package or the rugged package, all of which have a variety of fender flares, mudguards and door panels.
| 2023 HR-V Prices and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings – City/Highway/Comb.1 | |||
| Trim | RRP | MSRP plus $1,245 destination fee | EPA mileage city/highway/combination |
| LX (front wheel drive) | $23,650 | $24,895 | 26/32/28 |
| LX (AWD) | $25,150 | $26,395 | 25/30/27 |
| Sports (FWD) | $25,650 | $26,895 | 26/32/28 |
| Sports (AWD) | $27,150 | $28,395 | 25/30/27 |
| EX-L (FWD) | $27,450 | $28,695 | 26/32/28 |
The LX base version is the value leader
The big thing missing from the LX version, which is standard on the other versions of the HR-V, is the blind spot information system. It features a single-zone HVAC system and plain 17-inch gray wheels. IT comes standard with Honda Sensing driver aids, cloth seats, heated mirrors, Bluetooth audio and a four-speaker stereo. However, it offers a lot for less than $24,000. Reviewers like that of The Drive said it’s better than the 2022 HR-V even in the base trim.
The HR-V in Sport trim is perhaps the best
The 2023 Honda HR-V Sport’s bodywork receives several exterior updates that allow it to make the most of the styling updates. It gets a mesh grille, a gloss black rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tip, and 18-inch wheels. Crucially, it gets one of our must-have options, heated seats as well as remote engine start, a leather steering wheel and rear privacy glass.
In Sport trim you get the new tech, engine and styling (and heated seats), but not the superfluous stuff like the EX-L’s leather-trimmed seats.
The EX-L makes the larger CR-V look seductive
The EX-L comes with performance leather-trimmed seats, a 9-inch center screen, front wireless charging, a sunroof and dual-zone climate control. On the styling front, it gets gloss black door pillars and gloss black trim strips on the front and rear bumpers. The Sport and LX trim levels come with Honda Sensing, but the EX-L has parking sensors, low-speed brake control, a multi-angle rear-view camera and a lane-keeping assist system. But at around $28,000, it might make more sense to step up to the new 2023 Honda CR-V, which is a lot roomier and more powerful than the HR-V.
