Honda Confirms Arrival of US-Spec HR-V

Honda Europe welcomed a new HR-V and the automaker confirmed that another version of the vehicle is heading to the United States. It will mark the next-generation of the subcompact SUV.

“The development of a successor to the Honda HR-V for the US market is underway. This new HR-V will be designed to meet the distinct needs of US customers, and will differ from the Honda Vezel/HR-V,” Honda shared in a statement.

The Europe-spec HR-V features a more modern approach in styling compared to the current model. It includes a unique front grille and a sloped rear hatch. Honda also kept the old central fuel tank layout for this version, which means it retains the spacious rear seat and cargo area with its foldable “magic seats.” For the dashboard design, Honda opted for a clean and simple look with a tablet-style infotainment screen in the center and three climate control knobs below.

Honda has not released much information about the SUV, especially with regard to the powertrain setup. The only thing it has so far shared is that the new HR-V will be equipped with a hybrid drivetrain with a similar two-motor setup as the other hybrid models in the lineup such as the CR-V, Accord, and Insight.

Moreover, it’s possible for the US lineup to get a hybrid version of the HR-V, although the standard will likely be a conventional gasoline engine. A turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine is expected to come to the model, the same engine that powers the CR-V, Civic, and Accord. Front-wheel-drive is also likely going to be standard, while an all-wheel-drive will be offered as an option.

Honda has not detailed the timeline of the redesigned HR-V for the US, but the company is expected to release more updates in the fall. When it arrives, the model could possibly go on sale either by the end of 2021 or early 2022.