Which 2023 Honda BR-V variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

With the second-generation 2023 Honda BR-V now out in the Philippine market, many of you who are looking for a family friendly ride might be considering it. The latest version of Honda’s well-known MPV has a total of four variants available.

Honda BR-V: All-New 2023 Model Year Now in the Philippines - Philkotse Quick Look

There’s the top-spec BR-V VX Honda Sensing CVT, the mid-spec BR-V V CVT, the BR-V S CVT, and the BR-V S MT. So, how do these four differ from each other, and which one is the right one for you? Let’s find out with this variant guide.

Honda BR-V Variants: Exterior

In terms of looks, the BR-V VX Honda Sensing stands out from the pack. It is the only trim that gets a glossy black front grille. It then shares the same silver bumper skid garnish, chrome plated door handles, and silver side sill garnish with mid-spec V trim.

The S trims, in turn, gets mostly black trim pieces, though the mid-spec V likewise comes with a black front grille.

The BR-V V

For equipment, all four come standard with full LED headlamps. All three also get LED daytime running lamps, though only the VX, V, and S CVT comes with LED front fog lamps. Only the top-spec VX has an auto on/off function for its headlamps.

Also standard for all four Honda BR-V trims is a pair of power-adjustable side mirrors. Only the VX and the V come with a power folding function, but present on all four is a rear wiper and rear windshield defogger. The S MT, however, lacks a shark fin antenna that’s placed on the roof of the other three.

The BR-V V's rear end

The S MT also deviates from the rest with its set of 16-inch steel wheels. The rest then rides on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

Going over their sizes, all BR-V variants are 4,490mm long and 1,780mm wide. All four also have a wheelbase length of 2,700mm, and a ground clearance of 207mm. The S trimstands the lowest at 1,651mm, whereas the other three are a bit taller at 1,685mm.

When curb weights are concerned, the VX is the heaviest as expected. It tips the scales at 1,298 kg. The lightest meanwhile is the S MT at 1,241 kg.

Honda BR-V Variants: Interior

Step inside the 2032 Honda BR-V MPV and you’ll find a cabin that can comfortably seat up to seven. All four variants also get a 60:40 split folding second row and a 50:50 split folding third row.

The seats on the S CVT and S MT are then clad in fabric, while the V and VX trims get leather. The S trims don't get leather trim pieces for their door panel armrests. The steering wheels and gear shift levers on the S trims are then covered in urethane, while the V and VX get leather.

The BR-V V's second row

On top of that, the top-spec VX’s interior also stands out thanks to the addition of a 2-tone panel garnish. The V and S CVT in turn get a silver panel garnish, while the S MT comes with black. Speaking of which, the S MT is the only trim that gets black-colored interior door handles. The others. meanwhile, come with metallic interior door handles.

Only the VX and V are kitted out with a coat hanger, a map light, and a back seat pocket (driver’s seat.) They are also the only two variants that are equipped with a smart entry feature. A push-to-start button however, is present on the VX, V, and S CVT.

BR-V V's third row

For driver amenities, standard on the BR-V's four trims is a tilt-only steering column, a multi-function steering wheel, and a TFT gauge cluster that’s paired with a digital trip meter.

Honda BR-V Variants: Tech & Safety

Handling on-board entertainment for all four BR-V variants is a seven-inch touchscreen that comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. On the VX and V trims, their head units are linked to six speakers. The S trims, meanwhile, come with just four.

For safety, the higher spec trims also get most of the tech. For instance, the VX is the only variant that is equipped with Honda Sensing. This kit includes adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning.

The cockpit of the Honda BR-V V

The VX is also the only variant that is equipped with the Honda LaneWatch blind-spot camera monitoring system. It is also the only variant that gets side airbags, and side curtain airbags.

The rest of the trims do come with dual front airbags and a reverse camera. Parking sensors are limited to the VX and V. The VX, V, and S CVT are also provided with a remote engine starting system, though only the top two trims come with a walk-away auto lock function.

Available as standard to the BR-V are speed sensing auto door locks, vehicle stability assist, hill-start assist, a security alarm, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, and an engine immobilizer.

Honda BR-V Variants: Engine

Mechanically speaking, all four trims of the 2023 Honda BR-V are similar. Under the hood of all the trims is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that’s capable of producing up to 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. All are also front-wheel-drive.

The BR-V's 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine

The only variant which stands out mechanically is the BR-V S MT, which uses a five-speed manual gearbox. The rest, meanwhile, gets a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Handling braking for all BR-V trims is a front disc and a rear drum. All trims also come with a hand-operated manual parking brake.

The BR-V trims also get the same suspension setup. To be more specific, all four use a MacPherson strut for the front, and a torsion beam for the rear.

Honda BR-V Variants: Price

Honda BR-V Variants: Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the BR-V variant for you, it's pretty straightforward. If you want the most in terms of safety, you’d gravitate towards the top-spec VX Honda Sensing model. As per its name, it is the only trim that gets Honda Sensing, plus it gets the Honda LaneWatch camera blind-spot monitor as well.

For those who just want a comfy ride that won’t break the bank, then the BR-V S might be the one to consider. Then sitting between the S CVT and the top-spec trim is the V, which gets a bit more than the S CVT in terms of features.

The BR-V's side profile

Those gunning for a basic but still comfortable riding and driving experience would likely consider the S MT. It lacks many of what is available to the higher end trims, but it makes the same power, and it gets the same seating configurations and space as well.

So there you have it folks, the differences between the 2023 Honda BR-V's four different variants. Hopefully this can help you pick out the right BR-V for you. But like we always say though, do give each of them a good old test drive.

For more variant comparisons and car buying guides, keep it here on Philippines largest automotive portal.