Honda CR-V vs Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The black molding strips on the roof were removed, and the windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip. The HR-V was available in new colours, including a dusky grey-green called Nordic Forest Pearl. The EX-L model featured Shark Grey alloy wheels, while the Sport trim boasted a black rear spoiler, chrome exhaust, and a more aggressive grille. Inside, the HR-V offered a refined cabin with black cloth seats, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel in the Sport trim. The EX-L trim added perforated leather seats and a premium feel, although the eight-way power driver's seat was unavailable in Canada due to supply shortages.

The 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a cleaner and slightly more aggressive design with a blunt nose, long hood, and stretched wheelbase. While it lacked the personality of its predecessor, the conservative styling was expected to age well. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass. Inside, the leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob provided an upgrade over the standard cloth upholstery. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim and air vents. The CR-V's interior exuded quality and simplicity, with a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a power rear liftgate. Prices in Canada started at $34,240 for the CR-V LX-B with front-wheel drive, while the EX-L with all-wheel drive was priced at $43,390 before fees.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was equipped with a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by pulling the shifter back. Snow mode adjusted the transmission and throttle response for better traction, while ECON mode optimized fuel efficiency. Despite updates for a quieter cabin, the HR-V remained noisy at higher speeds. In Canada, the HR-V LX-B was available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with the latter standard on higher trims. The new suspension and widened tracks made the HR-V fun to drive on mountain roads, though it lacked power compared to competitors like the Kia Seltos and Ford Bronco Sport.

The 2023 Honda CR-V retained its turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The CVT powered the front or all four wheels, but its presence was noticeable during hard acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V offered a well-executed and dynamically satisfying driving experience, with refined suspension, steering, and brakes. The CR-V handled speed bumps and uneven pavement with ease, providing a smooth ride. The CVT contributed to impressive fuel economy, with Natural Resources Canada estimating 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. On a mountainous evaluation route, the CR-V averaged 8.1 L/100 km.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a centre console featuring a shelf for drive modes, parking brake, and hill-descent control. The HR-V sacrificed some rear-seat headroom for its fastback look, with front headroom measuring 1,002 millimetres and rear headroom at 965.3 mm. Cargo space was 691 litres with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded. The HR-V's cargo capacity was among the largest in its class, despite being slightly smaller than the previous model. The second-generation HR-V featured a 60/40 split rear seat with a higher seating position and a nearly flat floor when folded. Passenger volume varied by trim, with the EX-L interior growing slightly.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The CR-V offered excellent outward visibility and comfortable redesigned seats. Heated front seats and dual-zone climate control were standard, with heated rear seats available on higher trims. The second row felt more spacious, with ample thigh support and legroom. Taller passengers might find headroom limited, but adjustable seatback recline positions helped. The CR-V provided ample storage, with a large bin under the centre armrest and various trays and bins throughout. The EX-L's cargo area offered 1,113 litres of space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded. The Hybrid model had slightly reduced cargo space.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for the infotainment system, with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The HR-V included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch colour touchscreen display, with the EX-L offering a 9-inch infotainment display and wireless charging. The EX-L's system included programmable shortcuts and a Smart Shortcuts feature. Standard features included three USB-A ports, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry, remote start, and a four-speaker audio system. Sport trims had a six-speaker system, while EX-L trims offered an eight-speaker system, Wi-Fi capability, and SiriusXM and HD Radio.

The 2023 Honda CR-V came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with large volume and tuning knobs. The CR-V EX-L featured a larger 9-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system. The top-of-the-line CR-V Touring Hybrid offered a Bose premium sound system and navigation with real-time traffic. While the EX-L lacked a tuning knob, the technology list was considered short for its price. The new infotainment systems improved over the previous model but didn't exceed competitors in features or safety.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard on all trims. This suite featured adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. A blind-spot information system with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not yet rated it.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems with the Honda Sensing package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, though some trims omitted these features due to semiconductor shortages. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, driver monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's new camera and radar units enhanced accuracy and smooth operation. The CR-V was built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure standards, with new front airbag designs. The IIHS rated the CR-V as a Top Safety Pick+, but the NHTSA had not yet crash-tested it.