US-spec Honda HR-V teased and it looks eerily familiar 

Updated Jan 14, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It looks more aggressive than the one sold in Asia. 

Last year, we talked about the all-new Honda Vezel that was launched in Japan, and eventually in Thailand. In other markets like the Philippines, the said model is also known as the HR-V. Looks-wise, this next-gen HR-V received a sleek new exterior with a subtle-looking grille. It also received more on-board tech, as well as a better-arranged interior layout. 

A picture of the US-spec Honda HR-V

A teaser sketch of the upcoming US-spec Honda HR-V

However, it seems that the U.S. is receiving an entirely different version of the HR-V. It is, after all, designed to meet the needs of customers in that market, according to American Honda Motor Company. The upcoming U.S.-spec HR-V will also come in a different size from its ASEAN and Japanese counterparts. 

With regards to how it looks, Honda USA released several sketches of the aforementioned model, which leans more on the macho side than the Asian HR-V. It also somewhat gives off the same design vibes as the Honda Passport and Honda Ridgeline – two models sold in the North American market. 

The teaser showing the rear of the US-spec HR-V

This is what the HR-V's rear end might look like for North America

This is due to the fact that the upcoming Honda HR-V will indeed follow the same design language as other high-riding models in the US. Car buyers over there are seemingly partial to macho designs, after all. 

Other design details we’ve noticed on this version of the HR-V include a set of larger inlets, a sportier and more open grille, a more expansive black cladding piece for the rear. It also gets a pair of angrier-looking LED headlamps.  

As for on-board tech and mechanicals, nothing was provided by the teaser. But then again, we won’t be surprised if it gets the same 1.5-liter inline-4 engine options as its ASEAN counterpart. We’ll know more about this model on its expected release sometime this year. 

A picture of the Honda HR-V for thailand.

The Thai-spec Honda HR-V Hybrid

As a side note, Honda Philippines has yet to bring in the new Honda HR-V that’s already being made in Thailand. Its local release is highly likely to happen this year, and all we need to do now is wait. 

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Know more about Honda HR-V 2024

Honda HR-V

The 2024 Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover. In the Philippine market, it has two variants. The top-spec RS Turbo CVT is priced at Php 1,759,000. The mid-spec trim meanwhile, is the HR-V V Turbo CVT and it is priced at Php 1,649,000. The entry-level HR-V S CVT meanwhile is priced at Php 1,389,000.

For engines, the HR-V V Turbo and the RS Turbo use a 1.5-liter engine capable of making 174 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. The HR-V S also uses a 1.5-liter mill, but it is naturally aspirated. In turn, its output is rated at 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. All three trims use a continuously variable transmission sending power to its front wheels. 

Size-wise, the HR-V V and RS are 4,385mm long, while the HR-V S is 4,330mm long. All three come with a width of 1,790mm, and a height of 1,590mm. Both also have a wheelbase length of 2,610mm. The top-spec V gets a ground clearance of 181mm, whereas the HR-V S has more at 196mm. 

Locally, the HR-V competes against the likes of the Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona, Subaru XV, Toyota Corolla Cross, Ford Territory, among others.  

 

Honda HR-V Launch

Back in June 2015, the Honda HR-V was launched in the Philippines. To complement Honda's compact crossover - the CR-V, they introduced the Honda HR-V, their company's subcompact crossover to the country's market. On August 23, 2018, the facelifted crossover was launched that includes an updated lighting system up front and rear part, a new RS trim level that brings a blacked-out grille together with new 2-tone wheels.

In 2022, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. brought in the third generation model for the local market. It is offered in two different variants. There's the top-spec HR-V V Turbo, and the entry-level HR-V S. Later at the 2022 PIMS in September, the RS Turbo was unveiled.

Honda HR-V Exterior

On the outside, the top-spec HR-V RS, HR-V V, and the entry-level HR-V S are all equipped with LED headlamps, LED taillights, and LED fog lamps. The HR-V V and RS variant then gets auto-folding side mirrors, a sportier bumper set, and a sportier-looking spoiler. The RS is the only variant that comes with sequential turn signal indicators.

Both the V and the S ride on a set of 17-inch wheels, while the RS gets a larger 18-inch set.

Honda HR-V exterior

Honda HR-V side end

Honda HR-V rear end

Honda HR-V headlight

Honda HR-V wheel

Honda HR-V taillight

Honda HR-V Interior

The 2024 HR-V can seat up to five. Its occupants are then kept comfortable with an automatic air-conditioning system with rear vents. The top-spec trim in particular ups the premium feel of the model with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. 

Rearwards, both trims get a 60:40 split-type ULT seat. It shares this feature with the City Hatchback, so it also gets long-mode and tall-mode seat configurations. 

Honda HR-V dashboard

Honda HR-V interior

Technology & Safety Features

All HR-V trims for the Philippines come standard with the Honda Sensing Safety suite. This means that all are kitted out with adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, road departure assist, auto high beams, and lead car departure notification. 

The HR-V RS, HR-V V, and HR-V S also get anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution, hill-descent, and hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, stability control, speed sensing door locks, a reverse camera, among other features. 

Entertainment is then handled by an eight-inch touchscreen, which for both trims gets a six-piece speaker system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and audio streaming. The top-spec HR-V RS and the V do get a wireless smartphone charger which isn’t present on the HR-V S. 

Platform & Chassis

The all-new 2024 Honda HR-V uses the Honda Global Small Car platform. Like its predecessor though, the Philippine-spec version retains a front-engine/front-wheel-drive layout. 

For suspensions, it uses a MacPherson strut for the front and an axle-type suspension for the rear. Braking for this model is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels, and it also uses an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function. 

Engine & Drivetrain

Powering the top-spec HR-V RS and the mid-spec V is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can output 174 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the entry-level HR-V S uses a naturally aspirated inline-4 that is good for 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. 

Regardless of configuration, the HR-V comes standard with a continuously variable transmission with a paddle shifter manual mode. 

Only the top-spec RS and the V get a sports driving mode, though all HR-V trims have access to a normal mode and economy mode. 

For the Philippines, the all-new 2024 Honda HR-V can come in six different colors. These are Red Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Ignite Red, Premium Opal White Silver Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Grey. 

In terms of on-board features and safety features, the new 2024 HR-V is now on-par with most of its competitors. The turbocharged variant in particular also ranks as among the most powerful models within its segment and price range. 

Honda HR-V Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
 
  • Lively engine

  • Plenty of features

  • Practical

  •  Rear seat headroom is not the best

 

Honda HR-V Q&A

1. Which one is cheaper: the Honda HR-V or the Honda CR-V?

Honda HR-V is. The highest price of HR-V is Php1,759,000 meanwhile CR-V price is Php 2,100,000 - 2,610,000.

2. Is the Honda HR-V a reliable car?

Yes, it is. The Reliability Rating of this car is 5/5 and the HR-V also ranks 1st out of 7 for subcompact SUVs.

3. What does the HR-V stand for on Honda?

HR-V means High-Rider Revolutionary Vehicle.

4. How many variants of the Honda HR-V are sold in the Philippines?

The HR-V Philippines has 3 variants: The HR-V RS (Php 1,759,000), HR-V V Turbo CVT (Php 1,649,000), and HR-V S CVT (Php 1,389,000).

 

₱ 1,389,000 - ₱ 1,739,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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