2023 Honda HR-V Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V is an affordably priced, high-quality SUV. It’s a less expensive alternative to Honda’s popular CR-V. Despite being a subcompact model, this vehicle has no problem satisfying the needs of most families. Not only does the HR-V provide a sufficient amount of legroom, but it also comes loaded with accident-preventing safety technologies. Although the HR-V may not be suitable for towing, it serves as an efficient vehicle for daily commuting and weekend traveling.

Some noteworthy improvements were made to the all-new 2023 model. Enhanced ride comfort and handling help promote a more pleasing commute. A revamped infotainment unit makes the latest HR-V more appealing. There are now three trim grades: LX, Sport, and EX-L. Here’s an overview of how these trims compare.

 

Compare the HR-V LX vs Sport Trims. What is the difference?

While the HR-V’s base LX trim has a higher starting MSRP than before, it’s still genuinely affordable. Prices start at just less than $24,000. Furthermore, upgraded features make the new HR-V LX well worth the extra cash.

The HR-V returns for 2023 with a slightly larger, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This is the same engine that rests under the hood of the current Honda Civic. To ensure maximum fuel economy, Honda equips the HR-V with an automatic continuously variable transmission. Expect a 0-60 mph time of around 9.4 seconds, which is about average for the class. Unfortunately, Honda does not advise drivers to use the HR-V for towing cargo.

Like every other HR-V trim, the base LX model comes standard with a front-wheel-drive layout. For an extra cost, buyers can outfit the SUV with Honda’s Real Time AWD system. Drivers will be able to approach inclement weather and tough terrain with greater confidence. When slippery conditions are sensed, the system automatically intervenes to boost traction.

There are some standard features that help the HR-V to perform better when traveling off the beaten path. By regulating speed, hill descent control enables the SUV to safely crawl down steep slopes. A dedicated Snow mode further aids the HR-V’s ability to overcome wintry conditions.

The federal government lists the front-wheel-drive HR-V with a fuel economy rating of 26 mpg town/32 mpg freeway. Selecting all-wheel drive lowers this rating to 25 mpg town/30 mpg freeway. Regular gasoline is the engine’s preferred fuel. An Eco driving mode helps further reduce annual fuel costs.

A big change for the new HR-V is its new suspension setup. An independent rear suspension helps soften the SUV’s ride. It also enables the crossover to offer more confident road handling. The previous torsion-beam suspension wasn’t as modern.

Most people agree that the new 2023 HR-V’s exterior design is noticeably more striking. Even the base LX trim has some eye-catching styling cues. Thinner LED headlights and more modern LED tail lamps come standard. A color-matching rear spoiler boosts the SUV’s curb appeal. Instead of a bland-looking set of steel wheels, this trim receives 17-inch silver wheels.

Exterior color options for the LX trim include Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and Nordic Forest Pearl. When driving in rainy weather, the standard rear wiper with washer will help improve visibility. Power side mirrors also come equipped on the HR-V LX.

The CR-V’s revamped cabin features two rows of seats, thus enabling up to five people to travel together. Cloth upholstery and manual-adjustable front seats come standard. A tilt/telescoping steering wheel helps the HR-V’s cockpit to satisfy different-sized drivers. Other CR-V LX conveniences include automatic climate control, push-button start, steering wheel controls.

To improve passenger room, Honda no longer equips the HR-V with its versatile rear Magic Seat. This feature enabled drivers to easily accommodate long and tall items. Buyers must settle for a traditional 60/40-split-folding rear seat.

Mounted atop the center dash is a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are included, thus making this unit compatible with smartphones. Text messages, music libraries, and driving directions will all be accessible. HondaLink apps are built into the interface. Other parts of the infotainment system consist of a single USB smartphone/audio interface port and Bluetooth technology.

Commuters can use the HR-V’s four-speaker stereo system to listen to music and podcasts. The unit’s activation noise cancellation technology helps quiet the cabin. To enable families to power up their electronic devices, Honda equips the SUV with console-integrated USB charging ports and a 12-volt outlet in the rear cargo area. Another useful feature is the LX trim’s 7.0-inch digital driving display. It shows speed, traffic-sign alerts, adaptive cruise control settings, and more info.

Quite a few beneficial safety features are found on the new 2023 Honda CR-V LX. In contrast to some of the other SUVs in this price range, it provides rear side-impact airbags as standard equipment. Families will appreciate the extra layer of impact protection. When reversing, an updated backup camera with an enhanced field of view helps guide drivers.

Honda Sensing is among the industry’s most rewarding collection of active safety technologies. This year, the system has been updated with Traffic Jam Assist. When stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the system helps curb stress by preventing drivers from following too closely behind other motorists. Another newly added feature is Traffic Sign Recognition, which shows drivers the posted speed limited.

Other aspects of Honda Sensing include auto forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane assistance, smart cruise control, and road departure mitigation. Parents who routinely chauffeur around their small children and dogs will appreciate the HR-V LX’s Rear Seat Reminder feature. It can sense when there’s someone sitting in the back, thus ensuring that no one is ever forgotten.

Priced about $2,100 above the base model is the handsome-looking Sport trim. It’s a great pick for folks who’re seeking more exterior flair and a greater number of comforting amenities. From a performance standpoint, the HR-V Sport is identical to the entry-level LX trim. Honda’s Real-Time AWD remains an option.

Many people will be drawn to the HR-V Sport’s more athletic styling cues. A larger set of 18-inch alloy wheels with a gloss-black finish and a sport grille help spice up this trim’s appearance. Chrome exhaust finishes make the SUV look more powerful. Other exterior upgrades include heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and tinted rear glass. Unlike the base LX trim, the HR-V Sport offers a Milano Red color option.

A big safety feature is the Sport trim’s blind-spot information system. By alerting drivers to other vehicles, it makes the process of switching lanes safer. This system also watches for crossing traffic when backing up.

On the inside, the Sport trim receives a few premium touches. A leather-covered steering wheel and gear shifter come standard. When temperatures begin to dip, passengers can relax in the SUV’s heated front seats. Another nice asset is this trim’s remote starter, which can activate the climate control system. The interior will then already be at a comfortable temperature before heading out.

To ensure a more pleasing music-listening experience, Honda upgrades the Sport trim with a six-speaker stereo. Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock is also a great convenience.

Compare the HR-V Sport vs EX-L Trim Levels. What is the difference?

Atop the range sits the HR-V EX-L, which has a starting MSRP of nearly $28,000. The extra money enables buyers to enjoy a more luxurious drive. However, Honda equips the HR-V EX-L with the same powertrain that’s found on the other trim levels. Although the EX-L trim doesn’t look as powerful as the Sport trim, it does have an eye-catching appearance. An exclusive set of 17-inch machined alloy wheels enhance styling.

Its cabin is definitely more upscale. This is the only HR-V trim that features leather seating surfaces. Meanwhile, dual-zone auto climate control enables front passengers to personalize the temperature settings. An eight-way power driver’s seat further dials up the comfort. Ambient LED lighting and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are also added to the SUV’s list of standard equipment.

When moving up to the EX-L trim, buyers will receive an upgraded infotainment unit. It brings a larger 9.0-inch touch display with high-definition graphics. Wireless smartphone integration makes this unit even more satisfying to use. There’s no need to plug in an exterior cable.

The EX-L trim's eight-speaker, 180-watt stereo system pumps in more quality sound. HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio are part of the deal. Many drivers will also be interested in the power sunroof. A one-touch function enables it to be easily opened and closed. Other perks include a wireless phone charger and an ambient LED lighting system.

A couple of extra safety innovations come equipped on the top-of-the-line HR-V. While traveling through busy areas, drivers will appreciate the low-speed auto braking control system. It detects both forward and rearward objects. Parking sensors further aid the driver’s ability to navigate tight spaces.

 

Final Thoughts

Drivers who have a lower budget will be happy with what the base LX trim has to offer. Like the rest of the range, it benefits from a stronger four-cylinder engine than before. If you seek outdoor adventure or must contend with snowy weather, Honda’s optional Real-Time AWD system will prove to be a valuable commodity. Standard features on the LX trim include a smartphone-compatible touchscreen, automatic climate control, and a fulfilling number of accident-avoidance technologies.

The mid-level Sport trim could be the lineup’s most impressive value. It adds several nice features while still remaining under $26,000. Upgrades include front-seat heating modes, remote engine start, and a blind-spot information system. Of course, this is also the lineup’s boldest-looking trim.

For drivers who don’t mind spending a little more money, Honda offers the range-topping EX-L trim. While it loses some of the Sport trim’s exterior appearance upgrades, no other trim offers as much luxury. The EX-L trim’s leather-appointed cabin boasts a power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a powered moonroof. An upgraded infotainment unit and a beefier sound system sweeten the deal.

While the EX-L trim is quite plush, buyers must still pay extra in order to get Honda’s Real Time AWD system. There are also no performance advantages to choosing the EX-L trim.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2022 Honda HR-V Trim Levels