2023 Honda HR-V Grows in Size, Specs to Come

As if the 2023 Honda HR-V hasn’t been teased enough. The wraps are finally off, yet we still know little about the mechanicals.

Here’s what we do know from Honda’s press release today — the HR-V will be longer, with a wider stance, than the outgoing model. It will also be larger overall, and it remains based on the Honda Civic.

Honda does say the HR-V will get a “more responsive” engine and a new independent rear suspension. I’m guessing the “more responsive” wording might mean that the Civic’s available 1.5-liter turbo-four will be the mill of choice. I’d also guess the Civic’s CVT will be the sole transmission. I’d expect all-wheel drive to remain an option.

Back to aesthetics — the HR-V gets LED head- and tail lamps and a rear spoiler, and the beltline is pretty low.

It sounds like Honda is going to release info on the HR-V in dribs and drabs over the next few months. That’s the type of marketing approach that makes more sense for, say, a highly anticipated sports car like the Civic Type R, but what do I know? I’m but a lowly blogger.

Anyway, you can at least gaze upon the new HR-V in this here post while we await further details on specs.

My hot take is that from the side, the HR-V looks clean but anonymous and bland, while the low, gape-mouthed grille reminds of the S2000. It’s not ugly, exactly, but not breaking new ground in crossover-utility vehicle design.

[Images: Honda]