Everything Wrong With the Cheapest Honda SUV for 2023
Honda makes some of the best SUVs in the game. Its cheapest SUV, the 2023 Honda HR-V, is finally competitive after a major redesign. Here’s what you need to know about the cheapest Honda SUV and everything that’s wrong with the subcompact SUV.
Everything wrong with the 2023 Honda HR-V
- Seats aren’t as comfy as rivals
- Acceleration is still slow following the redesign
- Less cargo space following the redesign
- Needs more powertrain options
The cheapest Honda SUV nameplate benefits greatly from its recent redesign but is far from perfect. Overall the main complaint about the HR-V is still its lack of power. Its starting price and fuel economy are both decent for its segment.
2023 Honda HR-V Specs
| Starting MSRP | $23,800 |
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder |
| Horsepower/Torque | 158 HP/138 LB-FT of Torque |
| MPG | 26 Miles Per Gallon in the City/ 23 Miles Per Gallon on the Highway |
| Trims | LX, Sport, EX-L |
2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2022 Honda HR-V
The 2022 Honda HR-V was much less competitive than the 2023 model year. It was slower and less refined. The new HR-V’s bold redesign has reinvigorated the nameplate. Furthermore, it makes 14 more horses and 11 more lb-ft of torque. Cabin quality and exterior design have improved with the 2023 model year as well.
What’s the best 2023 Honda HR-V trim?
2023 Honda HR-V trims
- LX
- Sport
- EX-L
The Honda HR-V Sport is the trim to get because of its balance of affordability and great standard features. It has a standard blind-spot information system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It also includes heated front seats, smart entry with walk-away auto lock, and cruise control.
The HR-V Sport’s starting price of $25,900 makes it slightly more expensive than the LX base model but still more affordable than the average small SUV. Furthermore, it has great creature comforts for the money and decent tech features as well. The 2023 Honda HR-V Sport is the most competitive iteration of the cheapest Honda SUV the industry has seen in quite some time.
The best subcompact SUVs of 2023
Despite its major redesign, the HR-V still isn’t a leader in its segment. It’s in a better position to rival other subcompact SUVs, but two models still overshadow it.
The Mazda CX-30 is easily one of the most refined models in its segment. It offers a premium ownership experience for an affordable price. Additionally, upper trim levels offer quality reminiscent of luxury SUVs. The 2023 Mazda CX-30 starts at $22,950. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The CX-30 achieves 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.
Another notable subcompact SUV for 2023 is the Hyundai Kona. The 2023 Hyundai Kona starts at $22,140. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The subcompact SUV gets 30 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. It’s a quirky, fun SUV that’s slightly more affordable and efficient than the Mazda CX-30. The Honda HR-V is gaining on competitors, but it still has a ways to go before rivaling the top dogs in its segment.
