The 2023 Honda HR-V is very different from previous model years. The new model is easily the best version of the subcompact SUV that Honda has produced thus far. Here are four fast facts about the 2023 Honda HR-V that’ll make you want one.

1. The 2023 Honda HR-V is more powerful than ever

The new 2023 Honda HR-V is more powerful than previous model years because it produces more horsepower and torque thanks to an engine upgrade. The 2022 Honda HR-V uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to make 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque.

The new HR-V uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. That’s a power increase of 17 horsepower and 11 lb-ft of torque. This may not seem like a significant power boost, but it’s enough to refresh the HR-V’s stale driving dynamics and give it some driving verve.

Honda made the right decision by making the subcompact SUV more powerful following its redesign. The HR-V desperately needed more oomph to improve its driving dynamics.

2. The Honda HR-V has a sporty new exterior

The HR-V benefits from a complete redesign, so its exterior is very different from previous model years. The highlight of the new 2023 HR-V’s exterior design are its slim front headlights and distinct front grille trim. While looks are subjective, the new front end certainly gives the HR-V some character that previous model years lacked.

The 2022 Honda HR-V’s exterior design was bland, to say the least. The 2023 Honda HR-V’s design language is clearly related to the design language of the 2023 Honda CR-V and 2023 Honda Pilot. Honda’s lineup is bold and cohesively aggressive. The new front grilles give the Japanese SUVs a fierce look.

3. The Honda HR-V got a major infotainment upgrade

The infotainment system is the focal point of any vehicle’s cabin. A large, responsive infotainment system can make or break a vehicle’s ownership experience for many drivers. The HR-V’s infotainment system may not be huge, but it’s certainly an upgrade from previous years.

The 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L comes standard with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The 2022 HR-V’s largest infotainment system is just 7.0 inches. An increase of 2.0 inches doesn’t seem huge, but that’s a lot more real estate to deal with compared to previous HR-V model years. The new infotainment system is also more advanced than previous model years.

4. The 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L is more luxurious than any other HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L comes with more advanced tech and creature comforts than any other HR-V model year. The Honda HR-V EX-L comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats, and heated front seats. It also includes parking sensors, a one-touch power moonroof, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.

The 2023 HR-V EX-L features heated side mirrors, a wireless phone charger, and smart entry with walk-away auto-lock. Car and Driver gave the 2023 Honda HR-V the highest overall rating of any HR-V model thus far. The latest HR-V brings new hope to a nameplate that many consumers dismissed since it debuted.