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The EU HRV is built on a different Honda platform than the North America version. Hence they are actually two different unique releases by Honda. Confusing, and atypical for Honda, but likely this is because the EU version is EV ready and the NA version is not.
There are a number of brands using that form of grill work, not just Ford, and not just Honda.
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LOL, dont say that...After examining these photos closely, I’ve concluded it is pretty hideous, especially the exterior.
View Photos of the 2023 Honda HR-V
Starting at $24,895, the new subcompact SUV is significantly larger than before and offers the same 158-hp 2.0-liter engine as the Civic.
Not hideous, per se, just average, made for a more conservative buyer.
Anything specific, you care to share?
The front view look like an animated cartoon character, the wheel gap makes the wheels look grossly undersized, the stuck on iPad screen looks like an afterthought, the grill type dash screen looks like chicken wire, and the fabric seats just look cheap. Other than that, it’s OK.Anything specific, you care to share?
Is it that it just looks like a ho-hum entry level compact SUV? Because that is exactly what it is.
I think the interior and exterior styling are consistent with the new generation styling from Honda on it's new models AND a huge improvement from the prior generation HRV. The power train though... meh... not so sure Honda went far enough on the power train. It is interesting to note that the 2.0 engine in the new HRV is only nominally more power and torque than the older 1.8. It is also interesting that it is not a DI engine but as multiport injection engine. The CVT paired with it, so far no test drive info that I have seen. Hopefully this engine and CVT are better matched and electronically tuned and controlled so that it is not constantly racing the engine to find the torgue the CVT seeks (which was an issue on the last generation HRV).
What is interesting is every time a new SUV rolls out from Honda (this is not just Honda) internet pundits tend to compare and complain that SUV-X looks a lot like SUV-Y form a different brand. Clearly, computer design capabilities and focus on fuel economy dictates that most modern SUVs can and will look very similar, for the size class they reside in.
With Honda consolidating features and trim levels and looking for other opportunities to control cost and remain very competitive in the market vs competitors, I suspect we are going to see the entire Honda SUV lineup looking essentially like size based clones of each other on exterior design, and it will be power train and cabin interior features that vary the most as you move across the lineup.
All the modern SUVs on the road looking similar says the industry has reached diminishing returns on exterior design now for fuel economy and handling. So that leaves brands with challenges to make small changes to body styling to try to differentiate (seems to be the in thing to put sharp styling lines on the quarter panels for example right now). Sharp edges though have the benefit of looking aerodynamic to some buyers but they also provide better structural integrity while using thinner and lighter quarter panels too... so I bet this remains a trend to some degree.
I think it would be a great choice for your son. In fact, it looks very much like Honda has designed the new North America version to specifically appeal to your son's generation.
I've driven the new HRV. Its roomy and honestly feels like a budget version of my old 16 CRV. With updates like a better console and stuff like carplay (WOW Honda has made it into this century). There is a rough section of road right by the dealer and the road noise (and old Honda failing) was terrible. HRV lacks the CRV's get up and go, but that's to be expected with a 2.0 driving the CVT rather than the 2.4.
It is very disappointing that Honda did not notably improve the new HRV for noise. THAT is a mistake in my view and will hurt sales in the long run when competing products offer quieter interior and driving.
The tire noise will be more audible once ICE is gone.
I really like the wheels on that HRV in the video.
