These significant improvements position the HR-V well against the latest competition, which includes models that didn’t exist when it was first introduced, like the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Gaining 11 inches in length, this new HR-V is longer than most subcompact SUVs. Those expanded dimensions put it quite close to the current CR-V in length and width. And no surprise: The 2023 Honda CR-V will grow in size to make room.
Along with the numerous upgrades comes a base price that’s almost $2,000 more than the 2022 model. But that money looks to be well spent based on our time with an HR-V Sport purchased for our test program and an HR-V EX-L rented from Honda.
The all-wheel-drive mid-trim Sport ($28,395) is nicely equipped and visually distinguished by 18-inch wheels and black trim. The more upscale all-wheel-drive EX-L ($30,195) has a bit more flash, convenience, leather upholstery, and a powered moonroof.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Honda HR-V is available to you below. We since put the Honda HR-V through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members have access to the full road-test results.
If you haven’t signed up to be a member yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.
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What we bought: 2023 Honda HR-V Sport AWD
Powertrain: 158-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable transmission, AWD
MSRP: $27,150
Options: Nordic Forest paint, $395
Destination fee: $1,245
Total cost: $28,790
