How to Spec the Cheapest Honda SUV to Get the Most Value
Honda produces several competitive SUV nameplates. Models like the CR-V have made a huge impact on the SUV vehicle segment. Honda’s most affordable SUV just got a much-needed upgrade following its recent redesign. Here’s how to spec the 2023 Honda HR-V to get the most value from the subcompact SUV.
What is the best Honda HR-V configuration?
The Honda HR-V comes in three configurations: the LX, Sport, and EX-L. The 2023 Honda HR-V starts at $23,800 with the LX trim. The Sport starts at $25,900.
The 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L final configuration starts at $27,900. The 2023 Honda HR-V Sport is a great option for drivers that want a balance of affordability and great standard features. You can add all-wheel drive to the HR-V for increased capability for an additional $1,500.
The Honda HR-V EX-L with all-wheel drive starts at $27,400. It comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and remote engine start. The HR-V EX-L also includes adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, smart entry with walk-away auto-lock, and a lane-keeping assist system.
The HR-V EX-L features hill descent control, a collision mitigation braking system, and Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto. Honda’s subcompact SUV may seem pricey compared to some of its rivals, but its features justify its price for many drivers.
The 2023 Honda HR-V is a huge improvement
The Honda HR-V could win some sort of most improved award from automotive publications. Honda’s subcompact SUV struggled to compete against rivals in the past because of its exterior design and value proposition.
The HR-V was criticized for its lack of power and rough ride quality. Honda has addressed most of the major issues that consumers had with older Honda HR-V model years. The subcompact SUV is much more competitive thanks to a power boost and serious style upgrade.
The 2022 Honda HR-V uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder to make 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 Honda HR-V uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. So, the current model year is the most powerful HR-V that Honda has ever produced.
The subcompact SUV is finally beginning to fit in with family members like the Honda Civic and Honda CR-V. Car and Driver gave the 2023 HR-V a higher overall score than any other HR-V model.
What are the best subcompact SUVs?
The 2023 Honda HR-V is better than ever, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the best option in its segment. Some of the best subcompact SUVs on the market include the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-5.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona is a fun and quirky option. It starts at $22,140. The subcompact SUV uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Kona gets 30 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is great for drivers with a taste for the finer things. It starts at $22,950. The CX-30 uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It achieves 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. Honda’s most affordable SUV is moving up in the world, but it still has a ways to go before rivaling the best subcompact SUVs.
