The Honda HR-V VTi-S 2023, the third iteration of its kind, exudes a formidable and striking presence that enraptures even the most discerning of automobile connoisseurs. The novel contours and the car’s evocative coupé-like structure undoubtedly establish its supremacy amidst a landscape inundated with ostensibly trendy subcompact sports utility vehicles.
Undeniably, Honda’s designers have impeccably executed their craft on this one. However, upon experiencing the Honda HR-V VTi-S 2023 Vi X for a week, accompanied by my family and two road excursions, regrettably, the car’s overall performance failed to measure up to its impeccable aesthetics.
The unparalleled prosperity of the subcompact crossover has spawned a proliferation of automobile manufacturers designing idiosyncratic renditions of vehicles possessing similar dimensions and configurations, exclusively tailored for the North American market.
The antecedent generation HR-V was, essentially, a modified iteration of the Honda Vezel; an SUV predicated on the Honda Fit, which had been available in Japan for a span of one or two years prior to its advent here. Presently, nearly a decade after the inception of the Vezel (HR-V) in Japan, a fresh model is due. Honda has bifurcated the HR-V line, endowing the United States with its individual, more voluminous model.
The 2023 Honda HR-V VTi-S ostensibly vies for supremacy with the likes of the Jeep Renegade, Toyota Corolla Cross, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. However, in actuality, its price point, unassuming character, and appropriately proportioned stature could serve as a catalyst to lure sedan aficionados into the crossover fray, or perhaps even persuade those who typically opt for larger, more extravagant sport utility vehicles to downsize into a smaller, more economical alternative. It is plausible that a prospective HR-V purchaser may also be contemplating sedan models akin to the Nissan Sentra or Honda Civic.
The Honda HR-V VTi-S of the year 2023 presently occupies the nadir of Honda’s crossover hierarchy, with a pricing structure that is marginally lower than that of the compact CR-V. It flaunts a brand new architecture, departing from the Fit-based chassis and transitioning to Honda’s state-of-the-art global platform, as employed in the Civic. Consequently, the HR-V has undergone a substantial augmentation, with its length increasing by over eight inches. However, the wheelbase has only been elongated by a mere 1.7 inches, leaving the rest of the augmentative proclivity for the automobile’s prodigiously elongated hood.
I have a deep-seated vendetta against designers who insist on endowing small automobiles with petite engines with elongated, prodigious hoods (ahem, Mazda). Alas, the HR-V does not elude such disdain. Nonetheless, the HR-V exhibits a far more appealing appearance when seen in the flesh than in still photographs.
The increased length in comparison to its predecessor lends the vehicle a more substantial and somewhat station-wagon-like silhouette, diverging from the rollerskate-from-Target-look of its antecedent. The styling is less intricate, with fewer arbitrary lines and surfaces on the side, and more prominent windows that enhance visibility in comparison to the previous model.
Despite these attributes, the HR-V’s front fascia did not resonate with all, as some opined that it appeared akin to a bizarro-world Ford Escape. Personally, I hold no strong opinions on this matter; I consider the car’s most pleasing angles to be its rear three-quarter view, and under certain conditions, I believe the front of the vehicle can be flattering as well. If it suits your fancy, then it suits mine as well.
The 2023 Honda HR-V VTi-S boasts of an opulent Civic-like dashboard that is immaculate in its presentation. The effulgent dashboard is bedecked with an infotainment screen that is perched atop it. The lavishness of the dashboard is further accentuated by the liberal usage of soft-touch plastic that is adorned with intricate stitching. The honeycomb detail, though not real metal, is still an impeccable touch that oozes sophistication.
The traditional PRNDSL shifter is ensconced within the luxurious soft-touch plastic that cascades towards your hip, and it ingeniously conceals the USB-A charging ports on either side of the center console. Alas, the dearth of a single USB-C port in the HR-V leaves much to be desired. Nevertheless, the test vehicle, a top-of-the-line EX-L variant, leaves no stone unturned in offering the latest technological advances. The vehicle features wireless Apple CarPlay that functions seamlessly and is perhaps the most responsive wireless CarPlay that I have ever had the pleasure of using.
Regrettably, or perhaps felicitously, contingent upon one’s proclivity for driving, the ergonomics of the Honda HR-V VTi-S 2023 have undergone a metamorphosis consequent to its transmigration to a new platform. In a discourse with Honda’s Head of Product Planning, Quincy Tam expounded that Honda’s ingenious engineers were able to replicate the interior dimensions of its erstwhile predecessor.
The antecedent HR-V’s pièce de résistance was its unparalleled packaging, enshrining a capacious rear seating, copious trunk space, an elevated driving stance, and an astute folding back seat harboring multifarious modes to accommodate irregularly shaped articles.
The 2023 iteration of the Honda HR-V VTi-S has eschewed its previously captivating Magic Seat arrangement, and all existing seats appear to have been lowered to a more automobile-esque driving position. While some may find this to be a boon, others may covet a more erect and elevated driving position, such as those afforded by the Chevrolet Trailblazer or Jeep Renegade. The HR-V’s posterior seating area has experienced a marginal reduction in legroom, amounting to scarcely two inches, but the available space remains commendable, and the seating surfaces have been imbued with a plusher and more congenial feel than its predecessor.
The 2023 Honda HR-V VTi-S exhibits a more substantial and robust chassis, which is immediately noticeable while cruising on the road. The erstwhile iteration of HR-V wasn’t subpar in this regard, precisely speaking. However, it was a low-cost vehicle lurking beneath the surface, replete with a somewhat fragile ride and a clamorous interior.
This novel HR-V dispels all such deficiencies with its serene interior and a ride that adeptly traverses both rugged terrain and winding curves with effortless poise. Honda has jettisoned the previous model’s semi-autonomous torsion beam rear axle in favor of a more sophisticated multi-link configuration.
Granted, most HR-V patrons won’t be persnickety about corner-carving track excursions, but the new HR-V offers enthralling performance on twisted roads, a feat the old version could merely contemplate. The steering is precise, user-friendly, and communicative, keeping in mind the vehicle’s classification. The HR-V exhibits decent deportment on the freeway, with lane-keeping assistance that doesn’t bounce back and forth between lines and an imperious ride quality that engulfs the Portland, Oregon, freeway system without even flinching.
The Honda HR-V VTi-S of 2023 is propelled by a mighty 2.0 liter, four-cylinder powerhouse, seamlessly linked to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic gearbox that can be directed towards either the front wheels or all four wheels via an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) mechanism. The entire setup boasts an awe-inspiring 158 horses of power, regardless of the chosen wheel drive configuration.
Whilst the system itself functions admirably, I must confess that I did not find the HR-V to be strikingly swift. However, the CVT transmission performs exceedingly well in selecting the most appropriate gear ratio, without causing the engine to overwork or emit excessive noise. It even emulates the mechanics of a conventional automatic transmission, through simulated gear shifting, during forceful acceleration.
The Honda HR-V VTi-S 2023 boasts of a powertrain that is, in essence, akin to that which is found in the Honda Civic LX or Sport sedan. However, the esteemed head of product planning, Tam, has explicated that there have been certain adjustments, particularly in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) tuning, which is exclusively customized for the HR-V.
In brief, it is ostensibly sufficient for most potential buyers. Unfortunately, the fuel economy of this vehicle leaves much to be desired. The EX-L all-wheel drive (AWD) test vehicle was granted a rating of 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. During a 30-mile expedition at a velocity of 65 miles per hour, the HR-V’s fuel economy calculator indicated an average of 32 mpg, which is middling.
Honda HR-V VTi-S 2023: Where This Vehicle Ranks
The Honda HR-V VTi-S of 2023, is an automotive masterpiece that stands tall and proud amongst its competitors. Let us delve into the realm of automobile hierarchy and examine where this vehicle truly ranks.
Observe the Mazda CX-30, with its modest starting price of $24,225, it is an admirable contender that possesses noteworthy features. However, in comparison to the Honda HR-V VTi-S, it pales in comparison.
Similarly, the Hyundai Kona presents itself as a formidable adversary with a starting price of $23,475. Nevertheless, the HR-V VTi-S of Honda boasts superior performance and advanced technology, placing it in a higher echelon.
The Kia Soul, with a modest starting price of $21,215, is a commendable automobile that may attract those seeking an affordable option. Yet, it cannot hold a candle to the exceptional quality of the Honda HR-V VTi-S.
Next on the list, we have the Volkswagen Taos, with a starting price of $25,450. While it may possess some impressive attributes, it falls short when compared to the HR-V VTi-S in terms of overall excellence.
Finally, we come to the Kia Niro, with a starting price of $27,915. While it may be a contender, it is no match for the Honda HR-V VTi-S, which reigns supreme in the realm of automobiles.
What’s New for 2023?
The minuscule yet mighty Honda HR-V VTi-S has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, replete with avant-garde upgrades, in preparation for the forthcoming model year of 2023. The motor vehicle in question is set to hit the market in the balmy season of summer.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| LX | $25,095 |
| Sport | $27,195 |
| EX-L | $29,195 |
The 2023 iteration of the Honda HR-V VTi-S has witnessed a modicum of inflation in its pricing, compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the intermediate EX variant has been deprecated from the product lineup. Among the three surviving trims, we deem the Sport edition to be the most judicious choice, owing to its marginally more dynamic outer façade, which is further accentuated by the exclusive inclusion of colossal 18-inch wheels – the biggest available on offer.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Honda HR-V VTi-S of 2023, while adopting a traditional gasoline 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in its US variant, derives its hybrid powertrain from the Insight and Accord for its European counterpart. This non-turbocharged engine yields a horsepower of 158, which is similar to that of the Civic’s base powertrain.
During our acceleration assessment, the HR-V exhibited a 9.4-second launch time of 60 mph, which is more than a full second slower than the more powerful non-turbocharged Mazda CX-30 and two-tenths of a second slower than the 147-horsepower Hyundai Kona. Regrettably, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the HR-V is lackadaisical and anemic in terms of performance. Nevertheless, since the SUV shares its platform with the Civic, we may see the addition of a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with a horsepower of 180 or a hybrid powertrain in the future.
The Honda HR-V VTi-S of 2023 presents itself as a vehicle of refined pedigree, boasting a standard front-wheel drivetrain equipped with a seamless continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and the added option of an all-wheel drive configuration across all trims.
The antecedent iteration of this esteemed marque failed to deliver the hushed nimbleness that epitomizes the Hondan heritage. Nevertheless, the present iteration of this vehicular masterpiece has redressed this foible by integrating a spry chassis bequeathed by the Civic, elevating its dynamic potential to unprecedented levels.
Honda HR-V VTi-S 2023 – Fuel Economy
The Honda HR-V VTi-S 2023, replete with a front-wheel-drive layout, boasts unparalleled supremacy in fuel efficiency, securing an exemplary rating of 26 mpg in urban settings and an astounding 32 mpg on highways. Nevertheless, electing to embrace the all-wheel drive variant would entail a minor trade-off, as the fuel economy rating of the metropolis experiences a trivial dip to 25 mpg, and the highway rating regresses to 30 mpg.
Amidst our arduous 75-mph highway fuel-economy examination, the Honda HR-V VTi-S 2023 overachieved the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approximation by a substantial margin, exhibiting an impressive 2 mpg surplus. Furthermore, the vehicle’s remarkable fuel efficiency prowess facilitated our traverse of a 440-mile distance on a single gasoline tank during our challenging highway expedition.
To garner further enlightenment on the topic of the Honda HR-V VTi-S 2023’s fuel economy, we recommend perusing the EPA’s official website, which proffers intricate details on the matter
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2023 iteration of the Honda HR-V VTi-S showcases a modern interior design that exudes contemporaneity, drawing inspiration from the reconfigured Civic. Its classic yet alluring aesthetic is a testament to Honda’s unswerving commitment to excellence. The ergonomically fashioned front seats proffer unparalleled comfort and support while affording a plethora of adjustments to cater to the unique needs of each individual.
In its antecedent iteration, the HR-V boasted Honda’s ingenious second-row Magic Seat, which facilitated the flipping and folding of the rear bench to create an astonishingly low and flat floor. This distinct feature propelled the HR-V to the forefront of its segment in terms of cargo capacity, despite its apparently diminutive size. Alas, the new HR-V has forsaken this exceptional feature.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2023 iteration of the Honda HR-V VTi-S is equipped with either a 7.0- or 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The aforementioned larger display offers the convenience of wireless connectivity for these features, although it is confined to the top-tier EX-L trim. Furthermore, a wireless smartphone charging pad is standard on the EX-L, elevating the model’s functional utility.
In addition, we anticipate an array of premium features, including but not limited to SiriusXM satellite radio, in-dash navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, to be available as optional extras for discerning customers.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Honda HR-V VTi-S of the year 2023 proffers a plenitude of driver-assistance technologies, encompassing an adaptive cruise control system and a lane-keeping feature that serves as a shield against potential road hazards.
To access further details concerning the HR-V’s crash test results, kindly peruse the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The HR-V comes fortified with an array of essential safety features, such as the standard automated emergency braking, standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and standard adaptive cruise control, to mention but a few.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The standard warranty package provided by Honda for its 2023 HR-V VTi-S model is rather rudimentary in comparison to its competitors, particularly the Kona and Seltos SUVs, which boast markedly lengthier coverage plans. Nonetheless, purchasers of the HR-V VTi-S will be pleased to know that they will receive a complimentary maintenance plan for two years, which regrettably, is an amenity that the Kia fails to provide.
The limited warranty is valid for a period of three years or 36,000 miles, whereas the powertrain warranty extends to five years or 60,000 miles. Moreover, scheduled maintenance services that are offered free of charge are available for two years or 24,000 miles.
Honda HR-V VTi-S 2023 Specification
The Honda HR-V VTi-S of the upcoming 2023 model year boasts an impressive repertoire of specifications that are sure to captivate the most discerning of auto enthusiasts. This front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon is a sight to behold.
The base price for this vehicular marvel stands at an eye-watering $30,195, while the as-tested price comes in at an even more bombastic $30,590. With the Nordic Forest paint option, which adds a touch of class to an already sleek exterior, costing an additional $395, the HR-V is undoubtedly a high-end machine.
Under the hood of this magnificent machine is a DOHC 16-valve inline-4 engine with an aluminum block and head, which facilitates port fuel injection. With a displacement of 122 in3 or 1996 cm3, this powerplant pumps out an impressive 158 horsepower at 6500 rpm. The engine’s torque output is equally impressive, measuring 138 lb-ft at 4200 rpm.
The Honda HR-V VTi-S of the upcoming year 2023 boasts a transmission of continuously variable automatic, an intricate feature that elevates the vehicle’s performance to unprecedented heights. The chassis, which forms the framework of the car, exhibits a suspension system consisting of struts in the front and multilink in the rear.
The braking system, comprising a 12.3-inch vented disc in the front and a 12.2-inch disc in the rear enhances the stopping power of the car. The tires, Hankook Kinergy GT 215/60R-17 96H M+S, provide excellent traction on any terrain, delivering an unrivaled driving experience.
In terms of dimensions, the Honda HR-V VTi-S 2023 showcases a wheelbase of 104.5 inches, a length of 179.8 inches, a width of 72.4 inches, and a height of 63.4 inches. The passenger volume of 97 cubic feet and the cargo volume of 24 cubic feet offer ample space for passengers and luggage, making the car an ideal choice for long journeys. The curb weight of 3293 pounds speaks volumes about the robustness of the vehicle, which can withstand the test of time with ease.
The 2023 Honda HR-V VTi-S has undergone rigorous testing by the esteemed publication, C/D, and the results have been published for the motoring world to scrutinize. The HR-V’s acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour took a seemingly interminable 9.4 seconds while completing the quarter-mile in 17.3 seconds at a top speed of 85 miles per hour. Reaching the lofty speed of 100 miles per hour took a not-insignificant 26.0 seconds.
It’s worth noting that the aforementioned results do not include the 1-ft rollout of 0.3 seconds. When considering the rolling start, the HR-V took a somewhat faster 9.6 seconds to go from 5 to 60 miles per hour. In terms of gear changes, the HR-V delivered admirable performance, achieving 30 to 50 miles per hour in a snappy 4.7 seconds and 50 to 70 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds. The car’s top speed, according to C/D’s estimations, is a respectable 115 miles per hour.
When it comes to braking performance, the HR-V requires a lengthy 172 feet to come to a complete stop from a speed of 70 miles per hour. In terms of road-holding, the HR-V managed to achieve a commendable 0.80 g on the 300-ft skidpad.
Moving onto the HR-V’s fuel economy, C/D’s observations reveal that it achieved a not-so-impressive 25 miles per gallon. Meanwhile, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the HR-V is expected to deliver a combined fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon, with 25 miles per gallon for city driving and 30 miles per gallon for highway driving. The HR-V’s fuel economy was more impressive on long drives, achieving a fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon at a speed of 75 miles per hour, and delivering a range of 440 miles on a 75-mph highway drive.
Full specifications
| Model Number | HR-V VTi-S 2023 |
|---|---|
| Made In | Japan |
| Warranty | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles Basic, 5 Years / Unlimited Miles Corrosion, 5 Years / 60,000 Miles Drivetrain, 3 Years / 36,000 Miles Roadside Assistance warranty |
| Available Colors | Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Milano Red, Modern Steel Metallic, Nordic Forest Pearl, and Platinum White Pearl. |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Engine | 2.0L Inline-4 Gas |
| Engine Power | 119 HP @ 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 4300 RPM |
| No. Of Cylinders | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Maximum Speed | 200 KM/H |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Steering Type | Power |
| Steering Gear Type | Rack & Pinion |
| Minimum Turning Radius | 35.1 ft |
| Front Suspension | Strut |
| Back Suspension | Multi-Link |
| Length | 4346 mm |
| Width | 1790 mm |
| Height | 1590 mm |
| Boot Space | 335 L |
| Wheel Base | 2610 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 196 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1267 KG |
| Tyre Size | P215/60HR17 |
| Wheel Size | 17 in x 7.5 in Aluminum Wheels |
| Front Brake | Discs |
| Rear Brake | Discs |
| Mileage In City | 13 City |
| Mileage On Highway | 15 Hwy |
| Seating Capacity | 5 seater |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres) | 40 L |
| No. Of Doors | 4 doors |
| Air Conditioner | Yes |
| Heater | Yes |
| AntiLock Braking System | Yes |
| Central Locking | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Fog Lights Front & Back | Yes |
| Anti-Lock Braking | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Child Safety Locks | Yes |
| Rear Seat Belts | Yes |
| Seat Belt Warning | Yes |
| Door Ajar Warning | Yes |
| Adjustable Seats | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes |
| Vehicle Stability Control System | Yes |
| Crash Sensor | Yes |
| Centrally Mounted Fuel Tank | Yes |
| Rear Camera | Yes |
| Anti-Theft Device | Yes |
| Touch Screen | Yes |
| Audio System Remote Control | Yes |
| Speakers Front & Back | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
| USB & Auxiliary Input | Yes |
| Adjustable Steering Column | Yes |
| Height Adjustable Driving Seat | Yes |
| Electric Adjustable Seats | Yes |
| Digital Clock | Yes |
| Smoke Headlamps | Yes |
| Automatic Climate Control | Yes |
| Low Fuel Warning Light | Yes |
| Rear Reading Lamp | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Yes |
| Bottle Holder | Yes |
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