Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Honda HR-V Sport. If you're in the market for a subcompact SUV that's stylish, practical, and a little bit sporty, the HR-V might be on your radar. But is the Sport trim really worth the extra cash? Let's break it down.

Overview of the 2023 Honda HR-V Sport

The 2023 Honda HR-V represents the start of its second generation, bringing with it a fresh design, updated features, and a more refined driving experience. Honda aimed to elevate the HR-V from a basic entry-level SUV to a more competitive and appealing option in the crowded subcompact segment. The Sport trim, in particular, is designed to add a touch of flair and excitement to the HR-V lineup. From the outside, the Sport model distinguishes itself with unique styling elements such as a black mesh grille, gloss black accents, and distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels. These visual enhancements give the HR-V Sport a more aggressive and athletic stance compared to the other trims. Stepping inside, you'll find a cabin that blends practicality with sporty design cues. The seats are often upholstered with a combination of cloth and synthetic leather, featuring orange stitching that adds a pop of color and visual interest. The Sport trim also includes features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, enhancing the tactile feel and overall sense of quality. Beyond aesthetics, the 2023 HR-V Sport offers a range of standard features designed to improve comfort, convenience, and connectivity. An infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display serves as the centerpiece of the dashboard, providing access to navigation, audio controls, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and other vehicle settings. The system is generally user-friendly, with clear graphics and responsive touch inputs. Additional tech features include a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies work together to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind during daily commutes and long road trips. The HR-V Sport also offers practical features like a spacious cargo area, versatile seating configurations, and ample storage compartments throughout the cabin. These elements make it well-suited for hauling groceries, luggage, or sports equipment, catering to the needs of active lifestyles. Overall, the 2023 Honda HR-V Sport aims to strike a balance between style, performance, and practicality, making it an appealing choice for buyers seeking a versatile and engaging subcompact SUV.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about performance. Under the hood, the 2023 HR-V Sport packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. Now, I know what you're thinking: is that enough? Honestly, it's adequate, but not exactly thrilling. Around town, the HR-V Sport feels peppy enough for everyday driving. The engine provides sufficient power for merging onto highways and navigating city streets. However, when you demand more from it, like when passing on the highway or climbing steep hills, the engine can feel a bit strained. You'll need to plan your overtakes carefully and be prepared to put your foot down. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is programmed to maximize fuel efficiency, which it does quite well. However, CVTs are not known for their sporty feel. During hard acceleration, the CVT can cause the engine to drone, which can be a bit annoying. Some drivers might find themselves wishing for a traditional automatic transmission for a more engaging driving experience. Handling, on the other hand, is where the HR-V Sport shines a bit brighter. Honda has tweaked the suspension to provide a slightly firmer ride compared to the other HR-V trims. This results in improved body control and reduced roll in corners. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you a good sense of connection to the road. The HR-V Sport feels planted and confident in the turns, making it more enjoyable to drive on twisty roads. The available all-wheel-drive system further enhances traction and stability, especially in wet or slippery conditions. This makes the HR-V Sport a capable and confidence-inspiring vehicle for all-weather driving. Overall, the HR-V Sport delivers a balanced driving experience. While the engine performance may not set your pulse racing, the improved handling and responsive steering make it a fun-to-drive subcompact SUV. It's a great choice for those who prioritize practicality and fuel efficiency without sacrificing driving enjoyment.

Interior and Technology

Alright, let's step inside. The interior of the 2023 HR-V Sport is a nice place to be, with a modern and well-designed layout. The materials are decent for the class, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on longer drives. The Sport trim adds some visual flair with orange stitching and unique trim accents. The layout of the dashboard is clean and intuitive. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use, with clear graphics and responsive touch inputs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is a must-have for most buyers these days. The HR-V Sport also comes with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to make driving safer and more relaxed, especially on long trips. One of the standout features of the HR-V is its spaciousness. Despite being a subcompact SUV, the HR-V offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The rear seats are surprisingly roomy, with enough legroom for adults to sit comfortably. The cargo area is also generous, with ample space for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The HR-V also has Honda's magic seat system, which allows you to fold the rear seats flat or flip them up to create even more cargo space. This is a really useful feature that makes the HR-V incredibly versatile. However, there are a few downsides to the interior. Some of the materials feel a bit cheap, especially in the lower parts of the cabin. The infotainment system, while easy to use, can be a bit slow to respond at times. And the lack of a digital instrument cluster is a bit disappointing, considering that many competitors offer this feature. Overall, the interior of the 2023 HR-V Sport is a comfortable and functional space. It's not the most luxurious interior in the class, but it's well-designed and offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The standard tech features are a nice bonus, making the HR-V a good value for the money.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is definitely a strong suit for the 2023 Honda HR-V Sport. With its 2.0-liter engine and CVT, the HR-V manages to achieve impressive fuel efficiency figures. According to the EPA, the HR-V Sport with front-wheel drive gets an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive version is slightly less efficient, with ratings of 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. In real-world driving, I found these numbers to be pretty accurate. During a mix of city and highway driving, I was able to average around 29 mpg in the front-wheel-drive HR-V Sport. This is excellent fuel economy for a subcompact SUV, and it can save you a significant amount of money at the pump over time. One of the reasons for the HR-V's impressive fuel economy is its continuously variable transmission (CVT). CVTs are designed to keep the engine operating at its most efficient speed, which helps to maximize fuel economy. However, as I mentioned earlier, CVTs can sometimes feel a bit unresponsive and can cause the engine to drone during hard acceleration. But if fuel economy is a top priority for you, the CVT is a worthwhile trade-off. The HR-V also has an Eco mode that further optimizes fuel efficiency. When engaged, Eco mode reduces throttle response and adjusts the climate control settings to conserve energy. This can help you to squeeze out a few extra miles per gallon, but it also makes the HR-V feel a bit sluggish. Overall, the 2023 Honda HR-V Sport is a fuel-efficient subcompact SUV that can save you money on gas. Its impressive fuel economy, combined with its spacious interior and standard tech features, make it a great value for the money.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2023 Honda HR-V Sport:

Pros:

• Stylish design: The HR-V Sport looks great, with its blacked-out trim and sporty wheels.
• Spacious interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
• Standard tech features: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of safety features are all standard.
• Good fuel economy: Excellent gas mileage for the class.
• Improved handling: The Sport trim has a slightly firmer suspension for better handling.

Cons:

• Engine performance: The engine can feel a bit underpowered, especially when passing or climbing hills.
• CVT transmission: The CVT can be noisy and unresponsive at times.
• Some cheap materials: Some of the interior materials feel a bit low-rent.

The Verdict: Is the HR-V Sport Worth It?

So, is the 2023 Honda HR-V Sport worth it? It really depends on your priorities. If you're looking for a stylish, fuel-efficient, and practical subcompact SUV with a few sporty touches, the HR-V Sport is definitely worth considering. The Sport trim adds some visual flair and improves the handling, making it a more enjoyable car to drive. However, if you're looking for a powerful and engaging driving experience, you might be disappointed by the HR-V's engine performance and CVT transmission. There are other subcompact SUVs on the market that offer more power and a more traditional driving experience. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the HR-V Sport is right for you is to take it for a test drive and see how it feels. Consider what features are most important to you and compare the HR-V Sport to other vehicles in its class. If you value style, practicality, and fuel economy, the HR-V Sport is definitely worth a look. But if you prioritize performance above all else, you might want to consider other options. No matter what you decide, I hope this review has been helpful in your car-buying journey. Good luck, and happy driving!