2023 USDM Honda HR-V debuts with 2.0L VTEC, Civic's dashboard

When Honda released the first images of the USDM HR-V, we weren't expecting it to be very different from the global version that we get. Not only does it sit on the Civic's platform, but the HR-V across the Pacific also comes with its own exterior design that is 'unique' to say the least.

We also weren't expecting to see it being offered in China as the Honda ZR-V. Also surprising is the fact that the ZR-V shares the all-new Civic's dashboard albeit with some minor changes. Clearly, the ZR-V and the USDM HR-V are perhaps one of Honda's most quirky crossovers yet.

And now, Honda USA has released the official specs and features of the 2023 HR-V. Starting with the vehicle's size, it measures 4566mm long, 1839mm wide, and 1610mm tall. This means the USDM version is 181mm longer, 49mm wider, and 20mm taller than HR-V we get from Thailand. It also has a more generous wheelbase at 2654mm – making it 44mm longer than the PH-spec version.

When it comes to wheel choices, the HR-V is available with either 17-inch Shark Gray wheels or the bigger 18-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels. The former is wrapped in 215/60 series tires while the latter comes with 225/55 series rubber.

Moving to the interior, the HR-V for the US shares the same dashboard as the China-spec ZR-V. Despite the name difference, both crossovers come with the Civic-like dashboard. From the digital instrument panel, three-dial set up for the climate control, the free-standing 7-inch (or 9-inch) touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the three-spoke leather steering wheel, it looks essentially the same. But like what we mentioned before, it gets some neat changes on the center console, electronic parking brake, center cupholders, and gear selector for the CVT.

Since the HR-V for the US market is based on the Civic, it doesn't come with a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo under the hood. Instead, it's powered by a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with VTEC. It puts out 160 PS at 6500 rpm along with 187 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm. Power is then sent to the front wheels via a CVT with three drive modes; Econ, Normal, and Sport. All-wheel drive is available as an option for all variants of the HR-V.

While the differences seem to end there, we have to remember that it's sitting on the Honda Global Architecture as the 11^th generation Civic. This means the USDM HR-V has a multi-link rear suspension setup. Honda says that it will deliver better handling and improved riding comfort compared to the previous generation that came with a rear torsion beam.

The 2023 Honda HR-V will be arriving at US dealerships soon and will sit below the slightly larger CR-V. Don't expect it to be available in the Philippines since the ones we get come from Thailand. Still, we wish we could do a proper comparo between the two HR-Vs to see just how different the two are.