In this period of $6.00-a-gallon gasoline, driving the 2023 Honda HR-V final week introduced some conflicting emotions about the place automakers suppose the priorities are for budget-strapped mass-market customers.
As I report right this moment in a full assessment of the HR-V over at The Car Connection, Honda has an excellent automobile—only one that, at 27 mpg mixed with all-wheel drive, is not fuel-efficient for its dimension, by right this moment’s requirements.
Whether versus the larger 2022 Honda CR-V or the outgoing 2022 Honda HR-V, the 2023 HR-V backslides in gas economic system—by 2 mpg throughout the lineup, versus both mannequin. And that is if you happen to attempt to ignore the wonderful 38-mpg CR-V Hybrid.
There’s a lot to like. It’s right-sized, refined, and well-equipped inside, with the most effective seating consolation in its class. It has accessible all-wheel drive, and it rides and handles higher than most fashions you would possibly probably evaluate it to. It simply has the mistaken powertrain.
2023 Honda HR-V
First off, it hits the spot in right this moment’s market, slipping right into a “lost segment” that was occupied by compact SUVs just like the CR-V (pre-2017) earlier than the newest spherical of “segment creep” set in they usually all grew bigger.
That means the HR-V grows, too—by about 9 inches in size versus the earlier subcompact mannequin. The Magic Seat configuration provided by the outgoing HR-V, which allowed you to simply suit your large canine or tall potted plant, is gone, in favor of a cabin that epitomizes why folks have been shifting to crossovers in recent times.
With the forthcoming 2023 Honda CR-V because of dimension up a half step once more, the dimensions of the HR-V is completely satisfactory—and never too large. Seating pulls off its personal magic. With sensible door cuts and a tall roofline, these effectively over six ft tall can seat behind one another; 4 adults will match comfortably. Even the driving place will get it proper: You sit just a little greater than a automobile, however you do not sit ridiculously excessive—in the automobile, not on it like some SUVs. And I respect the delicate styling nods to the Honda E, constructed into the spherical of the hatchback.
2023 Honda HR-V
Its worth is a steal. In this time of inflationary worth will increase and supply-chain surcharges, it begins at lower than $25,000, ranging to only over $30,000 for the totally geared up EX-L model that features a moonroof, computerized local weather management, leather-based upholstery, a bigger infotainment display, and wi-fi smartphone compatibility.
And but it’s not so nice on gasoline—which is why it’s simply not a mannequin that we will objectively assessment right here at Green Car Reports. All-wheel-drive variations of the Honda HR-V are rated at 27 mpg mixed (25 mpg metropolis, 30 freeway), whereas front-wheel-drive variations obtain 28 mpg mixed (26/32).
From what I noticed in an all-wheel-drive instance, the HR-V beats its EPA rankings in the true world by just a little bit. On a 200-mile touring route in assorted terrain, largely at 45-65 mph however with a quick run previous 70 mph, I noticed very near 30 mpg.
It may be extra forgivable if the HR-V have been offering frisky, inspiring efficiency with that, however it’s not. The 2.0-liter inline-4 makes 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, and sings sweetly, however it struggles forwards and backwards with the CVT. A Sport mode helps, however as they are saying, your mileage could fluctuate.
2023 Honda HR-V
2023 Honda HR-V
2023 Honda HR-V
This would all be so a lot better with Honda’s hybrid system—each in drivability and in effectivity. The HR-V appears extra of an city automobile. For one meant for extra stop-and-go, particularly one this heavy, not benefiting from electrification can be a misplaced alternative.
It appears Honda could also be teasing the remainder of the world with this concept a lot sooner. While the remainder of the world will get a distinct HR-V, which is a hybrid, America’s new HR-V is known as the ZR-V globally. And perplexingly, Honda has revealed a ZR-V for Europe, confirming that in that market it is going to be a hybrid-only mannequin.
As Honda defined it, they wanted to present the HR-V a extra upscale look, whereas additionally conserving to a finances, noting that the outgoing HR-V spans fairly a spread and has been well-liked with “mature buyers looking for something sensible.” With Europeans prepared to pay extra for gadgets like tech and premium powertrain choices, Honda hinted that we’d not see this for the U.S.—at the very least not straight away.
The model does have large plans for its hybrid system; it plans to extend hybrid gross sales to greater than 50% of the gross sales quantity with each the next-generation CR-V and Accord fashions.
2023 Honda HR-V
2023 Honda HR-V
2023 Honda HR-V
Honda declined to remark as as to if there’s an HR-V Hybrid within the works for the U.S., however it could be the place all of the product magic I drove would all click on. If a front-wheel-drive model have been to attain 40 mpg as a substitute of 27 or 28, it could not simply be higher driving however it could save many tons of of {dollars} a yr in gasoline receipts—just a few thousand {dollars} of upsell for the hybrid that, it appears, would pay again in a short time to prospects.
On a fleet foundation, Honda has been producing a set of autos with the very best gas economic system and lowest CO2 emissions, collectively, of any full-line automaker, in line with the EPA’s annual assessments. But on this class, it is shaping as much as be among the many worst for effectivity.
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, which follows a taller, extra SUV-like form, is because of obtain 37 mpg mixed, Toyota says, and that is going to be a quantity mannequin, more likely to land round $30,000.
2023 Honda HR-V
If Honda did supply an HR-V Hybrid, it could be higher than that—and may be among the best fashions available on the market for small households who want the flexibility of a crossover, wish to watch their gas finances, and might’t plug in.
Until then, take an extended have a look at the numbers on the window sticker.
Source: www.greencarreports.com
