For its next version, the compact crossover will get a larger power plant.
Honda has already shown us the next HRV, but the Japanese automaker is yet to reveal any details about its powertrain. We know its appearance and how versatile it will be for cargo. We are still not sure what the engine is.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however, has other plans. It revealed some details underneath the 2023 HRV’s hood, along with its fuel economy. There is an increase in engine displacement. Fuel efficiency is affected by both front-wheel and rear-wheel drivetrains.
The EPA states that the Honda HR-V 2023 will be able to swap the 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine for a larger 2.0-liter non-turbocharged engine. It will be available in FWD and AWD. CVT will still be an option.
The fuel economy ratings have changed with the increased engine size. The 2023 HR-V in FWD guise is rated at 26/32/28 (city/highway/combined), while the AWD version is rated at 25/30/27. Comparing to the 2022 rating, there is a noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
Now, the question is about this engine’s power output. The 11th-generation Honda Civic, which is also the American base for the American HR-V, produces 158 horsepower (118 Kilowatts) as well as 138 pound feet (187 Newton-meters), from the DOHC iVTEC four-pot DOHC engine.
Note that non-American HRVs are equipped with hybrid powertrains. Those launched in Indonesia and the Philippines have a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that produces 174 horsepower (130 kW), and 177 lbft (240 Nm), respectively. This is a slightly modified version of the 2022 Honda Civic’s turbocharged 1.5L I4.
The 2023 Honda HR-V goes on sale June 7, so we should have the official numbers and details, including interior design and equipment, by that time.