In this age of $6.00 a gallon gasoline, driving a 2023 Honda HR-V last week delivered some mixed feelings about where automakers think priority is for shoppers. The masses have limited budgets.
As I report today in a full review of HR-V ended at car connection, Honda has a very good car – just one, with 27 mpg combined with all-wheel drive, isn’t very fuel efficient for its size, by today’s standards.
Whether compared to the larger Honda CR-V 2022 or the upcoming Honda HR-V 2022, the HR-V 2023 excels in fuel economy — 2 mpg across the lineup, compared to either model. car. And that’s if you try to skip the awesome 38-mpg CR-V Hybrid.
There is so much to love. It’s decently sized, refined, and well-equipped inside with best-in-class seating. It’s available with all-wheel drive, and it drives and handles better than most models you can compare. It just has the wrong powertrain.
2023 Honda HR-DRAW
First, it hits the spot in today’s market, falling into the “lost segment” that was occupied by compact SUVs like the CR-V (before 2017) before the “segment escalation.” The latest starts and all are bigger. .
That means the HR-V has grown too – about 9 inches longer than the previous subcompact model. The Magic Seat configuration offered by the HR-V, which allows you to easily fit your large dog or tall potted plant, is gone, replaced by a cabin that epitomizes why people move to use crossover vehicles in recent years.
With the upcoming Honda CR-V 2023 due to its half-step increase in size, the HR-V’s dimensions are perfectly adequate — and not also big. The seat creates its own magic. With smart door trims and high rooflines, cars taller than 6 meters can sit behind each other; Four adults will fit comfortably. Even the driving position works: You sit a little higher than the car, but you don’t sit ridiculously high—In the car, not above it’s like some SUV. And I appreciate the subtle styling nod to the Honda E, built into the hatchback’s lap.
2023 Honda HR-DRAW
Its price is stealing. In a time of rising inflation and supply chain surcharges, prices start at under $25,000, just over $30,000 for the fully equipped EX-L version including moonroof, automatic climate control, and seats. leather upholstery, a larger infotainment screen, and wireless smartphone compatibility.
However, it’s not so great on gas terms — that’s why it’s not a model that we can objectively evaluate here at Green Car Report. All-wheel drive versions of the Honda HR-V are rated at 27 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 30 highway), while front-wheel drive versions hit 28 mpg combined (26/32).
From what I saw in an all-wheel drive example, the HR-V surpassed its EPA rating in the real world by a bit. On a 200-mile touring route in a variety of terrain, mostly at 45-65 mph but with a short pass of 70 mph, I’ve seen very close to 30 mpg.
It could have been easier to forgive if the HR-V offered strong, inspired performance with that, but it doesn’t. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque and sings sweetly, but it struggles with the CVT continuously variable transmission. Sport mode is useful, but as they say, your mileage may vary.
2023 Honda HR-DRAW
2023 Honda HR-DRAW
2023 Honda HR-DRAW
All of this gets a lot better with Honda’s hybrid system – both in terms of drivability and efficiency. The HR-V sounds more like an urban car. For a vehicle intended to stop and go more, especially one this heavy, not taking advantage of power would be a lost opportunity.
It looks like Honda might be teasing the rest of the world with this idea much sooner. While the rest of the world has another HR-V, which is a hybrid, the new US HR-V is known as the ZR-V globally. And confusingly, Honda has revealed a ZR-V for Europe, confirming that in that market it will be a hybrid-only model.
As Honda explained, they needed to give the HR-V a more premium look while at the same time being pocket-friendly, noting that the upcoming HR-V spans quite a bit of the spectrum and has been “recognised” Mature buyers looking for something reasonable” fancy. With Europeans willing to pay more for items like high-tech and premium powertrain options, Honda suggests that we may not see this in the US — at least not immediately. ie.
The brand has big plans for its hybrid system; It plans to increase hybrid vehicle sales to more than 50% of total sales with both the next-generation CR-V and Accord models.
2023 Honda HR-DRAW
2023 Honda HR-DRAW
2023 Honda HR-DRAW
Honda declined to comment on whether there’s an HR-V Hybrid in the works in the US, but that’s where all the product magic I’ve driven comes into play. If the front-wheel drive version gets 40 mpg instead of 27 or 28, it will not only drive better, but it will save hundreds of dollars a year on gas — several thousand dollars more on that hybrid, it seems. like, will return very quickly to the customer.
According to the EPA’s annual assessment, Honda has been producing a range of vehicles with the highest fuel economy and lowest CO2 emissions of any complete car manufacturer, according to the assessment. EPA annual. But in this class, it is considered one of the worst factors in terms of efficiency.
The Toyota Corolla Cross HybridThere’s a taller, more SUV-like silhouette, Toyota says, due to the 37 mpg combined, and it’ll be a bulk model, capable of landing around $30,000.
2023 Honda HR-DRAW
If Honda offers the HR-V Hybrid, even better — and possibly one of the best models on the market for small families who need the versatility of a crossover, want to see a budget. its fuel and can’t plug in.
Until then, look at the numbers on the window stickers.
