Is the 2023 Honda HR-V Worth Buying?
Even if you are not particularly interested in a compact SUV, this extra-small option from Honda might be worth a look. The 2023 Honda HR-V has many features and awards that more expensive vehicles charge extra for. Here are a few reasons this small SUV is a good option for those who want an affordable, safe, and versatile vehicle.
What does a 2023 Honda HR-V cost?
The 2023 Honda HR-V comes in three trim levels, priced from $23,800 for the base to $27,900 for a fully loaded HR-V. Even the LX trim comes well-equipped from the factory and is a good option for an affordable small SUV. Honda included a seven-inch touch screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a bunch of USB ports.
| 2023 Honda HR-V Trims | MSRP | Horsepower |
| LX | $23,800 | 158 hp |
| Sport | $25,900 | 158 hp |
| EX-L | $27,900 | 158 hp |
All trim levels of the 2023 HR-V receive the Honda Sensing package, which includes many systems. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Front-wheel drive is standard, but that can be upgraded to all-wheel drive for $1,500.
Going up in the trim levels adds creature comforts and some additional systems that can be helpful but are not totally necessary. For the budget-conscious shopper, the base LX trim is a great pick.
Is the 2023 Honda HR-V safe?
The 2023 Honda HR-V is actually one of the safest SUVs in its class. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks on the frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. Honda’s small SUV also earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award.
The HR-V earned the highest ” good ” score on all seven main crashworthiness tests. It protected the driver and passengers in small overlap, side, and roof strength tests. Honda’s front crash prevention systems earned scores of “superior.” These tests check the vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention systems. The LED reflector headlights earned an average “acceptable” score, but that was one of the only deviations.
Overall, the Honda HR-V is a safe option, especially for its affordability. It also gets 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Is the 2023 Honda HR-V bigger than a CR-V?
The 2023 Honda HR-V is much smaller than the CR-V, even though they are on a similar platform. However, Honda’s HR-V has other thoughtful standard features that make it a good alternative. On top of the five comfortable seats, the HR-V has a 60/40 split-second row, adding more versatile cabin space. The latest version of Honda’s infotainment system is easy to use and doesn’t require too much attention to change a simple setting.
Honda uses a new 2.0L four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). With front-wheel drive, the Honda CR-V gets 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive makes those numbers slightly worse, but it might be worth it for those in snowy weather.
Overall, the Honda HR-V is a well-rounded option that remains under $30,000 for all trim levels. As new car costs continue to rise, a sub-$25k starting price is a welcome change.
