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In this new vs. used Honda HR-V comparison, we look at the all-new 2023 model and a lightly used 2019 version to determine which one is a better value.
Honda HR-V: Buy New or Save With Used?
2019 and 2023 Honda HR-V – netcarshow.com | Shop Honda HR-V on Carsforsale.com
With a well-earned reputation for quality and reliability, Honda is a perennial contender for consumer attention when it comes time to buy a new vehicle. Of course, sometimes that new Honda has an equally good used counterpart that is worth considering. Such is the case with the compact HR-V crossover, Honda’s smallest SUV offering.
There is a shiny new 2023 model currently for sale, with all the upgrades you would expect, so is it worth considering a used Honda HR-V to save some money? After all, the used car market looks to be calming somewhat as we discuss here. That’s what we’re here to find out in this 2023 vs. 2019 Honda HR-V comparison.
New vs Used Honda HR-V Specs
Back in 2019, the Honda HR-V was still in its first generation and riding on the old Fit platform. With that came a naturally aspirated 1.8L inline-four making 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque that paired with a CVT to drive the front wheels, with the option for AWD. That model year was also the beneficiary of a mid-cycle refresh with fresh fascias front and rear, more refined transmission action, and a retuned electrically-assisted steering system.
The 2023 Honda HR-V shares a platform, and 2.0L four-cylinder engine, with the 11th-generation Civic. A CVT and standard FWD, or optional AWD, remain but engine output is punched up to 158 horses and 138 torques. The second-gen HR-V is also 8.7-inches longer and 2.6-inches wider than the outgoing model with fresh sheet metal, standard LED lighting all around, upgraded suspension, and revised steering. All that newness adds weight, nearly 200 pounds, over the used Honda HR-V, some of which is attributed to more sound-deadening insulation throughout.
Driving and Performance
Power has only gone up slightly in the new Honda HR-V the 2023 model brings a host of other updates that promise better ride and handling characteristics. It still rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension setup but the old torsion beam or DeDion rear suspension layout is gone, replaced by a multi-link fully independent configuration. Additionally, the brake rotors grow nearly one inch in diameter at all four corners and drivers can now select from Normal, Snow, or ECON driving modes.
A used 2019 Honda HR-V still represents a solid value on the advanced driver-assistance systems front with its Honda Sensing suite of aids that includes forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, a lane keeping system, and adaptive cruise control. However, to access these systems requires EX trim or higher. For 2023, every HR-V comes with these systems, all of which have improved software, and are bolstered by automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.
An important consideration in any vehicle purchase is fuel economy and in this department, the used Honda HR-V shines. Front-wheel-drive models are rated for 28 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway, with AWD dropping those figures to 27 and 31, respectively. For 2023, fuel efficiency drops with the FWD models estimated to achieve 26/32 mpg in city/highway driving and AWD models down to 25 and 30 mpg in their respective categories.
Comfort and Interior
The first-generation HR-V earned accolades for both its interior space and clever Magic Seat second row that could fold flat or flip up to maximize the cargo area space. It is one of the reasons that a used Honda HR-V is on this list of Best Subcompact Crossovers and wins this comparison with Toyota’s C-HR.
You might expect the longer and wider 2023 model to trounce the 2019 model here however, that is confoundingly not the case. In fact, a 2023 HR-V has a maximum cargo volume of 55.1 cubic feet to 58.8 on the used model and less rear legroom, 1 ½-inches less. Plus, the trick Magic Seat is no longer.
Of course, Honda makes up for this to some degree by adding newly available amenities like dual-zone automatic climate control and ambient LED lighting that were unavailable in 2019. They also make the Active Noise Cancellation tech standard across the board. Not to mention the overall more upscale cabin design that mimics the latest Civic. In both cases, there is room for five and the option for leather upholstery with heated front seats, but the new larger model doesn’t bring any more space to the conversation.
Trims and Features
In 2019, the Honda HR-V could be had in five different trimlines. Base LX models come with 17-inch alloy wheels and power accessories but no touchscreen infotainment system. To access that, a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requires at least a Sport version.
A midpack used Honda HR-V EX adds automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a moonroof, while the EX-L tacks on leather upholstery. Top-spec Touring trim is notable for the integrated navigation system, LED headlights, and power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Honda really stepped up the features game on the 2023 HR-V as all models, including the base LX, come with a 7-inch touchscreen display and smartphone integration software. Other standard fare includes HondaLink connectivity, automatic climate control, and full LED exterior lighting. The EX and Touring trim tiers are gone on the new HR-V, leaving the midpack Sport and top-spec EX-L.
Sport models still have 18-inch wheels, but add heated front seats and side mirrors. The 2023 HR-V EX-L loves hyphens and also features you won’t find on a used Honda HR-V including a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a wireless phone charging pad. To go deeper on everything the new Honda HR-V offers, be sure to check out this review.
Conclusions
2023 Honda HR-V – hondanews.com | Shop Honda HR-V on Carsforsale.com
Without doubt, the 2023 Honda HR-V is an all-around better crossover than its used counterpart, in this case a 2019 model. More power, more amenities, and a whole host of modern technologies – including on the safety front – more than make up for the dip in fuel efficiency and strangely smaller interior. Typically, all this newness would be balanced by the cost factor when comparing it to the used Honda HR-V. However, I can’t really say that is the case here as the pricing for a lightly used HR-V doesn’t differ dramatically from the new model.
Honda’s certainly hold their resale value, which is one reason the CR-V and Ridgeline stablemates make our list of Best Used Vehicles. This is borne out by looking through the listings on CarForSale.com, specifically a 2019 HR-V with between 30,000 and 40,000 miles. Base LX models range from $20,000 to $27,000, while a new one starts at $25,000. For 2023, the top-spec EX-L runs between $28,700 and $30,200, which is very similar to the price range you’ll find on a used Honda HR-V in the upper EX-L and Touring trim lines. So, since cost is about the same, it’s worth putting yourself in the all-new HR-V.
