2023 Honda HR-V for North America to get sportier look

When the all-new Honda HR-V made its ASEAN debut in Thailand last November, it meant it would be just a matter of time before it makes its way to other Southeast Asian markets. While Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) has yet to officially announce its plans to launch the new HR-V, we won’t be surprised if it will have the same exterior design, as well as similar levels of equipment.

Over in North America, however, the HR-V will look vastly different compared to the model being offered globally. This is based on new design sketches of the North American 2023 HR-V just released by Honda USA.

Unlike the global model’s design, the HR-V meant for the North American market gets a bolder-looking front end. It comes with a larger hexagonal grille, restyled LED headlights, and a sportier front bumper. It’s also set to receive new LED taillights, a unique tailgate, as well as a different rear bumper.

But the most obvious change present on the North American HR-V is its traditional rear door handles. If you take a look at the global version, the rear door handles are placed near the windows, much like the outgoing model.

Specifics about its powertrain are not yet available. More than likely, it could come with several engine options. These include a 1.5-liter turbocharged VTEC engine derived from the Civic, a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter VTEC inline-four, or maybe a 1.5-liter twin-motor hybrid setup that’s found in other global models.

With the North American HR-V set to be revealed as a 2023 model year, we can expect Honda to reveal it later this year.