2023 Honda HR-V

Information

The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured and marketed by Honda over three generations.

The first generation HR-V was based on the Honda Logo. It was marketed from 1999 to 2006 in Europe, Japan and select Asia-Pacific markets – and featured three doors (1999–2003) or five doors (1999–2006). The two configurations were internally designated GH2 and GH4 respectively.

After a seven-year hiatus, Honda reintroduced the nameplate for the second generation HR-V, based on the third-generation Honda Fit. Production began in late 2013 for the Japanese domestic market as the Honda Vezel (Japanese: ホンダ・ヴェゼル, Hepburn: Honda Vezeru), while production started in 2015 for North America, Australia, Brazil and select Asian markets as the HR-V. Apart from Japan, the model is also sold as the Vezel in China.

For the third-generation model, the nameplate is split between two different vehicles, one for the global market (sold as the Vezel in Japan), and a larger model based on the eleventh-generation Civic destined for North America and China. The latter model is sold outside those markets as the Honda ZR-V.

According to Honda, the name “HR-V” stands for “Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle”, while the name “Vezel” is coined from “bezel”, the oblique faces of a cut gem, with the “V” for “vehicle”.

Third generation (RV; 2021)
The third-generation HR-V is split into two different models for different markets. The global model (with “RV” model code) was first introduced in 2021 and has been produced in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Taiwan, China, and Pakistan while also marketed in Europe. The North American market received a different and larger model (with “RZ” model code) which is claimed to “meet the distinct needs of U.S. customers”, and is sold outside North America as the Honda ZR-V.

Global version (RV; 2021)

Overview

Model code: RV3RV4RV5RV6
Also called: Honda Vezel | Honda XR-V (China) | Honda e:NS1/e:NP1 (China, electric) | Honda e:Ny1 (Europe, electric) | Honda e:N1 (Thailand, electric)
Production: April 2021 – present
Assembly: Japan: Yorii, Saitama | China: Guangzhou (GAC Honda); Wuhan (Dongfeng Honda) | Taiwan: Pingtung | Thailand: Ayutthaya / Prachinburi (e:N1) | Indonesia: Karawang (HPM) | Malaysia: Alor Gajah, Malacca | Brazil: Sumaré | Pakistan: Lahore (Honda Atlas) | Ghana: Tema (Honda Ghana)
Designer: Daisuke Akojima

Body and chassis

Class: Subcompact crossover SUV (B)
Body style: 5-door SUV
Platform: Honda Global Small Car | Honda e:N Architecture F (e:NS1/e:NP1/e:Ny1)
Related: Honda Fit/Jazz/Life (fourth generation) | Honda City/Ballade (seventh generation) | Honda Elevate

Powertrain

Engine: Petrol:1.5 L L15B I4 (RV3/4) | 1.5 L L15ZF I4 | 1.5 L L15C1 I4 turbo | Petrol HEV: 1.5 L LEB-MMD/LEC-H5/LEC6 Atkinson cycle DOHC i-MMD I4 (RV5/6)
Electric motor: 2x AC PMSM (e:HEV) | TZ190HSBMCF61 and TZ190HSAMCF61 permanent magnet synchronous motor (electric versions)
Power output: 87 kW (118 PS; 117 hp) (L15B) | 89 kW (121 PS; 119 hp) (L15ZF) | 130 kW (177 PS; 174 hp) (L15C1) | 78 kW (106 PS; 105 hp) + 96 kW (131 PS; 129 hp) (LEB-MMD/LEC-H5/LEC6) | 134–150 kW (182–204 PS; 180–201 hp) (electric versions)
Transmission: CVT | e-CVT i-MMD (e:HEV)
Hybrid drivetrain: Sport Hybrid i-MMD (e:HEV)
Battery: 53.6–68.8 kWh ternary lithium battery (electric versions)
Electric range: 420–510 km (261–317 mi) (CLTC, electric versions)

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2,610 mm (102.8 in)
Length: 4,330–4,385 mm (170.5–172.6 in)
Width: 1,790 mm (70.5 in)
Height: 1,580–1,590 mm (62.2–62.6 in)
Curb weight: 1,250–1,450 kg (2,755.8–3,196.7 lb)

The second-generation Vezel/third-generation HR-V for markets outside of North America was unveiled in Japan on 18 February 2021. Sales began in Japan on 22 April 2021, with the European-spec HR-V being detailed in the same day. The Japanese market Vezel e:HEV model receives a 78 kW (106 PS; 105 hp) 1.5-litre petrol engine coupled to an electric motor for a combined output of 96 kW (131 PS; 129 hp) from 4,000 to 8,000 rpm. The basic Vezel G receives a regular 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 87 kW (118 PS; 117 hp) at 6,600 rpm. The European market HR-V is only available with a hybrid powertrain.

According to specifications issued for the Australian market, the boot capacity is smaller than its predecessor, measuring 304 litres (10.7 cu ft) with the rear seats in place and 1,274 litres (45.0 cu ft) with the back seats folded using the VDA measurement, down from 437 litres (15.4 cu ft) and 1,462 litres (51.6 cu ft) respectively.

The facelifted model was unveiled on 14 March 2024.