2023 Honda HR-V / The Winning Strategy

[@Eldaino999]

Loved this review. I just took delivery of a 2024 sport and have really enjoyed it thus far. Has actually exceeded my expectations and I'm glad that I wasn't too concerned with most folks. Thoughts on the powertrain being inadequate, because in day-to-day usage it's totally fine, even when ferrying around a couple of kids. One clarification however; this is not a direct injected engine, this is important injected engine. It's absolutely bulletproof, which is one of the reasons why I was happy I wasn't tempted by the availability of the turbo. This thing will literally go for 400k, with no carbon build up.

[@AbandoneD-b8m]

So glad you cleared that up about the injection👍🏻

[@rexonpadre864]

I agree. Got the 2025 model. Very satisfied. Even in highways. People should have realistic expectations. This is high value car for the money. Only rival is the corolla cross

[@reginabryce9452]

How does this compare to kia seltos

[@rexonpadre864]

@@reginabryce9452 a lot better. I have HR-V LX 2025. I test drove both

[@deweesegilyard2998]

Great honest review. I switched from a 2015 Civic to the 2023 HR-V which is just right for me. Thank you.

[@Realistick]

Congratulations! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@dreadsupreme]

Best review ive seen of this vehicle. So many biased reviews led me to test driving this car recently and I loved it so much I put down a deposit. Went with the EXL model AND this exact color way :) super excited to get my HRV next month

[@Realistick]

Thank you and congrats!

[@fausto412]

how are you liking the HRV now?

[@santan546]

Have to say- love your video - totally spot on.. Always had cars that were maxed out in the past. I have to say-- recently purchased this HRV - in the *Sport Trim *--- and it gives me all I need 👍🏼(minus the sunroof , slightly bigger audio display (sound system) and leather seating) I honestly feel that none of these are dealbreakers. > A PLUS- -I Love the bigger wheels- which are only available on the sport. Also the color of the driver and passenger mirrors,- and the finish over the wheels, and the grill. ( all of which are only on the Sport Trim). If anyone is wondering about sound-- The sound system - I thought I would be disappointed because I always had cars with Bose or top of the line - for it’s class --but - I did notice if I went into the audio settings and adjusted them to my liking---- I’ve had friends comment on how awesome the sound is. Overall - I feel the sport is the way to go - (which I already said really made no difference, because I test drove - the top of the line, and it sounded pretty much the same, you may miss a few apps on the screen, but no biggie because with CarPlay whatever you need, you can push from your phone to the screen ). The second - is the sunroof - and living on the East Coast, it’s pretty cold half of the year, so it’s not a big loss. I’ve usually always had leather seats, but the seats in this sport mode - are super comfortable, and the heated seats get so warm so fast it blows my mind, I don’t miss leather seats at all. . But it was a no brainer-- to get a sportier trim with the mirrors / grill/ and wheels and the tires did it for me. I did go back-and-forth between the top-of-the-line model and the sport model, but at the end of the day, I like the bigger tires, and you get almost , the same exact thing while saving some cash, and looking sportier. Just my opinion, I hope it helped.

[@ryster2220]

Thanks for your insight. I’m on the fence between this & the civic hatch. But I’m more inclined to get this as it seems to resemble my recently totaled fit most closely. All the spoiled journalist scoff at anything that isn’t a rocket ship, so I rely on normal people for the best perspective

[@santan546]

@@ryster2220 glad I could help. If u think of any other questions I’ll be glad to do my best to answer 👍🏼

[@shawnwinget2337]

This is a vastly better vehicle than the old one. We traded a 2020 EX-L for a 2023 EX-L. It is so much smoother and quieter. The old one is the noisiest vehicle I have ever driven. The whine from the tires on the highway is off the charts. It is still slow but one thing I noticed is that once it gets a little warmed up, the acceleration at least 'feels' a little faster. It is really the lack of low end torque with the CVT that makes it so slow off the line.

[@scottking4931]

Hey Tyler, I have been watching your reviews for a while. Excellent perspective on this Honda HR-V. Each reviewer brings something different to their reviews. Your channel is just honest and direct. I didn’t realize that I hadn’t subscribed to your channel yet………So I Subscribed this morning. Just keep the reviews coming and your channel grow.

[@dorothyann100]

Love my HRV 2023 base model. Perfect and affordable for me. Ease of access and egress and cloth seats are very comfortable. Great handling and visibility and just the right amount of power for me. I have a heavy foot, so a bit of a slower car is safer for someone like me. LoL

[@hjer731]

How's it holding up?

[@hiyahandsome]

My cousin just traded in his 2020 CR-V for a 2023 HR-V, and I will be interested to hear what he has to say about it, but even more interested to hear your assessment of the new CR-V. I simply cannot believe that Honda traded in their distinctive front-end look for that of an effing Ford Fusion, with no fog lights. I drive a lot in the hills of CT at night and fog lights are essential. The previous gen of HR-V looked so great, why did they have to mess it up? Anyway, great analysis and interesting comparisons to others in the class. Cheers, Tyler~

[@Realistick]

I'll definitely jump on the crv the moment I can!

[@tails300]

The overseas Honda HRV looks much better than this thing, and they also get the turbo and the hybrid! I don’t know wtf they were thinking releasing this abomination 🤦🏽‍♂️.

[@davidlabarge9645]

I just traded in my 2020 HR-V for a 2023 HR-V. I was concerned about no fog lights as well but these new LED headlights are extremely bright. I was pleasantly surprised about that

[@tyft1467]

I traded my 2019 hrv and got for 2023 hrv

[@tyft1467]

I traded my 2019 hrv and got for 2023 hrv

[@joonster025]

New fit needs 1.5 turbo and the magic seat. The turbo engine option is needed as it is offered in Civic. Other competitors offer engine options. The magic seat was really what made it stand out.

[@Realistick]

The magic seat was sick, truly missed, but I don't think this platform would allow that to work well here.

[@toronado455]

Another top-notch review from Realistick! 🏆

[@Realistick]

Thank you

[@kenhoward3512]

I've been interested in a comparison between this new HR-V and the Crosstrek, so thanks for providing that. 'Seems that better handling and ride comfort goes to the Subaru (usually one is sacrificed for the other). The HR-V, on the other hand, looks to have much more space under-hood for maintenance and repairs (and that really nice interior). But what's with that last comment in the video about "odd seats"?

[@Realistick]

Theyre firm with an interesting shape imo, I had it for a week and was happy to be back in my Tacoma after. Seats are half about preference but my production assistant thought the same.

[@Lebowski5000]

That rim design is horrendous lol. Thanks for the awesome review and laughs!

[@stereo8893]

The only correction i would make is that is does not have direct injection. It's a K20C2 engine with port injection.

[@monicahavechristjesus5455]

Great review

[@KUKI_de]

nice video!!🔥 Thumbs up and much support from my side

[@Maplecook]

I don't know about the American cars, but the ones here in Canada are listed as port injection, and not direct injection.

[@hukmai]

Yet I'm curious how the subaru forestor wilderness is with in spitting distance of the HRVs efficiency with much better performance and awd

[@henryd1981]

I think you made a slip of the tongue there when you described the engine. The K20 in this one is actually port injected, not direct injected, which would please people that don't want the headaches associated with carbon buildup on the intake valves. There are only two concerns I have with buying this: it appears to be slower than average, and I'm not sold on the exterior looks.

[@adamesd3699]

I test drove this. It really depends on what you are used to. If you’re used to sports sedans with V6s or turbo engines, this will feel slow. If you mostly do point A to point B driving, this is fine. At urban and suburban speeds, this actually feels fine, almost peppy. The engine feels weaker at highway speeds. Aside from speed and acceleration, the chassis and steering/handling is quite good. It’s an agile vehicle. Just not fast. Hope that helps a bit.

[@Realistick]

The reports seem misleading, it seems like every where I was reading said Gasoline Direct Injection but I also hear some using multi port fuel injection. I made another video with it and will reach out to honda themselves to clear this up.

[@henryd1981]

@@adamesd3699 Judging from the video, it's acceleration seems similar to the 2.0 Crosstrek I briefly owned. I wanted to love the Crosstrek as it was a good car, but I just didn't fall in love with it. I ended up trading it for a 21 Buick Encore GX.

[@toronado455]

​@@henryd1981 Buick Encore GX is nice. Did you consider a Crosstrek Sport with the 2.5?

[@henryd1981]

@@toronado455 the 2.5 was a little out of my price range

[@alengreen589]

nearly perfect for a compact SUV.

[@kimcheng5210]

You are tall and 💪 🔥 great review as usual. Also I still find you a bit awkward but it’s charming

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from southern Ontario Canada this crossover starts @$28,000 and im sad there's no phev or hybrid option

[@dreadsupreme]

Hybrid option could be coming next year! Out of the US this model is the ZRX which has been talked about having a hybrid option. Just need to wait due to chip shortages

[@rileyjones750]

Hopefully Honda comes with with a touring trim and 1.5 Turbo

[@toronado455]

Hopefully Honda comes with a hybrid.

[@Realistick]

That or the hybrid would be greatly appreciated from me too.

[@aldrinflores7292]

This looks much better than the version that's sold in asian countries

[@krapeevids6992]

Passenger rear view mirror camera ?? Assisted cruise control?? My 22 hrv has these features which I really like

[@toronado455]

I'm curious about the seat comfort. I would have to try it out for myself. How would you rank seat comfort compared with the Toyota Corolla Cross?

[@Realistick]

I can't remember if the corolla cross had phenomenal seats or not, but they were certainly more agreeable than these.

[@toronado455]

@@Realistick Thanks. I wonder if the seats in the 2023 HR-V are any better than in the 2022 CR-V. Because the CR-V seats were a deal breaker for me when I was considering the CR-V. Absolute worst seats I've ever tried. Maybe the 2023 CR-V will have better seats.

[@Realistick]

@@toronado455 I'd hope they'd have learned but their track record isn't great with it, I'll try one out as soon as I can! I still find this liveable, just something that requires a compromise.

[@sgrant9814]

Traditionally honda has crappy seats...in my new civic one hour of driving and my back is hurting

[@douglasdever6134]

Probably one of the best reviewers. But.....Never having a Honda, if you do a wide open throttle with AC On, doesn't the powertrain control module shut off the AC in a tenth of a second?

[@Realistick]

Every new vehicle now SHOULD do that, I just shut it off for redundancy and a lack of variable between other cars (in the event that some cars take longer to shut it off at WOT)

[@tommyv010]

It looks wonderful, but it's slow. either down the line it get a turbo charged engine or a hybrid version.

[@Realistick]

Yeah, I think a hybrid option would be great but I appreciate that they are offering a simple, proven powertrain

[@AlmightyFO]

🐐

[@rileyjones750]

Why did Honda not include start stop on the HRV? Also why did Acura add start stop to my Integra with a 6 speed manual? :(

[@thehondaboi]

Because honda fell off hard.

[@toronado455]

@@thehondaboi 😂

[@toronado455]

it's probably a very complicated math equation having to do with how Honda can best meet their CAFE requirements.

[@Jordan-we3eu]

First!

[@toronado455]

10 seconds zero to 60, 9 on a cool day, 8 downhill 😂

[@djhrjeiwhri]

Isnt it R20 sohc engine (not k20 dohc).?

[@Realistick]

No, at least for North America it is the DOHC K20. Other markets might have something else

[@djhrjeiwhri]

Phewww... K20 (n/a) live again.. back from the dead..

[@Realistick]

@@djhrjeiwhri She never died, It's the k20C2 from the Civic!

[@motioncompensation1544]

This car looks about as exciting as a microwave oven.

[@thp2009]

2023 hrv or 2023 crosstreak?

[@Realistick]

Actually making a video comparing the two with a couple others as well. They're both great but I would say the HR-V is better for more people. I'd go Crosstrek if you prioritize on/off road capability and comfort on bad roads. Or if you want a manual trans, or if you want the power of the 2.5 in the crosstrek sport/ltd.

[@kevin28kevin28]

Is there good leg room for the driver?

[@hjer731]

Yes

[@plightn]

It has potential, the drive train is a total let down.

[@elai3147]

no fit and now a much bigger hrv, basically honda thinks there is no market for a legit subcompact

[@Realistick]

Honestly, this could be making room for a smaller subcompact.

[@jxmar_]

Too underpowered and missing too many features.

[@Realistick]

It is slow and lacks some features but for the money, it has a lot of quality and handles super well.

[@nattga]

It looks lazy… I don’t know how to explain it.

[@darrylkremer6488]

I’m not a fan of the styling. The inside is nice. A yawn fest on the outside. I find the Civic handsome…. Not this one.

[@M167A1]

I looked at one of these not so long ago and just wasn't impressed. There was nothing horribly wrong with it but it was a very generic version of the same things that so many other people make just for more money.. it's got some clever touches but the overall effect was a giant yawn.

[@Realistick]

I can see where you're coming from but after driving this back to back with a few of its competitors (my next video), it feels like a standout given the price point, the straight-line performance is laughable and there isn't much spunk but I've seen so many meh quality interiors for $30k lately and this was much improved. The steering also makes it much more fun for daily life than what I've seen with most. And it's still just as practical as any other in the segment.

[@sgrant9814]

0-60 @ 10 sec is unacceptable in any vehicle...a virtual passing and merging danger. It needs a hybrid for better mpg and more oomph...markets outside n. America get a hybrid. Why not us.?

[@Realistick]

Honestly, it's fine for passing unless you're at peak payload and high altitude, I drive a 4 cylinder Tacoma daily that is far slower (and not dangerous)! Where this struggles is off the line... I just drove a 1970 VW Beetle and it beat this to 20 mph.

[@dreadsupreme]

You have to be a totally incapable driver to not be able to merge driving this thing. I test drove it myself and its not as slow as many of these reviews make it out to be! Literally my CRV goes slower than this thing and I merge just fine, but im a very confident driver ;)

[@Realistick]

@@dreadsupreme motion of the ocean

[@thehondaboi]

I"d be embarrassed to own this, I'd rather own no car.

[@Realistick]

Is there any sub compact suv you'd actually want to own?

[@ReyRey1123]

Good

[@MrModz88]

This brand new is better than most of the used Hondas for sale that are over priced, and cost more than this lol

[@guillermosanchez9284]

🤣

[@guillermosanchez9284]

The only reason to purchase this vehicle at this particular time, is because it’s actually available and is cheaper than a used 2021-2023 model HRV! I would only buy this Ford Escape w a Honda engine if I was in desperate need of a car. No magic seats HONDA you’ve really F---d up!