Does 2023 Honda HRV have power liftgate?

The 2023 Honda HR-V has been fully unveiled, and you can read full information on it here. Below is our original reporting about the small SUV in the run-up to its debut.

While the new HR-V will most likely be a bit longer than the current model, it will continue to be Honda's entry-level SUV, meaning it'll still fit neatly in a compact CR-V's shadow. And from the teasers the automaker shared earlier this year, we can expect all-wheel drive will once again be offered—the feature isn't a given amongst the tiniest crossovers, many of which are front-wheel-drive only, so this is significant.

2023 Honda HR-V: Sleeker Than Before

We've known for a while that a new HR-V is coming. The current model has been on the road for more than seven years, and although it got a mid-cycle refresh and updated technology, it lags against the competition dynamically, in onboard features, and its overall design.

That will change with the 2023 HR-V. From the latest teaser Honda shared this morning (at top), the taillights appear to be darker, and its shape and LEDs look more elegant and modern. We also expect to see LED daytime running lights and a sleeker grille flanked by big air vents and a more pronounced lower fascia. Also, say goodbye to the outgoing HR-V's hidden rear door handles—the new model will have regular door handles right there on the rear doors' sheetmetal.

We haven't seen any teasers of the interior, though we expect the cloth on the door panels to be replaced by soft touch plastics and anticipate better technology than the current model. The newest Honda Civic brought upscale changes to its cabin, including a new infotainment system and an overall more mature design. Expect that theme to carry over into the HR-V.

It's important to remember that the HR-V was one of the first subcompact crossovers in the market. Since its debut we've seen new nameplates like the Toyota C-HR and Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona and Venue, Nissan Kicks and Rogue Sport, Kia Seltos, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen Taos, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, and others arrive. For the HR-V to stand out, must be as competitive as Honda is with the CR-V.

2023 Honda HR-V: What Will be Under the Hood?

Europe's HR-V/Vezel is a hybrid-only SUV, but we don't expect that for North America. Rather, we could see the HR-V getting the same engines as the Civic, which include a 158-hp naturally aspirated 2.0-liter base engine, or an optional 1.5-liter turbo I-4 with 180 hp. We wouldn't rule out the possibility of seeing a Honda HR-V Hybrid, but it might not arrive until later.

Unlike the first-gen model, which offered a manual transmission at first, the 2023 model will most likely only be offered with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive will be standard, with all-wheel drive showing up as an option on some models and possibly standard on other, higher-level versions.

2023 Honda HR-V: How Much?

The 2022 Honda HR-V starts at $23,095 and we don't expect that price to go up by much. While the new HR-V will be completely redesigned, Honda has a history of maintaining low prices even when the lineup changes drastically (look no further than the latest Civic, which saw only minor price increases for 2022, and only on some trim levels).

We also expect to see four different trims—LX, Sport, EX and Touring. Sport models will likely see a black-theme exterior, while Touring models will bring nicer amenities to the cabin.

Make sure you visit us on April 4 to get all the information on the 2023 Honda HR-V.