2022 Honda HR-V e:HEV hybrid launched, U.S. awaits a modified spec

The highly anticipated 2022 Honda HR-V (2021 Honda Vezel) debuted in Japan on 18 February. The new small SUV comes fitted with an e:HEV hybrid system almost across the entire range in its first market, where it went on sale this month.

2022 Honda HR-V design

Video Courtesy: Moter World

Inspired by the Honda SUV e:concept, the global 2022 Honda HR-V (codename: Honda NX) flaunts a bold styling with the notably steeper back glass that makes it seem sportier, with visibly slimmer tail lamps further differentiating the posterior. The all-new model looks sportier thanks to the heightened coupe-esque styling at the rear and SUV-like from its upright front-end and straight character lines. It’s impressive that the designers managed to balance the solid SUV stance with a coupe-like hunchback appearance.

The 2022 Honda HR-V sports a distinctive design mash-up of traditional SUVs and modern crossovers. It has a tougher front-end featuring a noticeably larger, hexagonal radiator grille, an inverted V-shape flattish hood set higher, and sharper headlamps.

On the sides, the 2022 Honda HR-V has a bigger greenhouse and a straighter roofline that generally improve outside visibility and headroom, respectively, for the rear passengers. The rear-end look is the opposite of the front and sides, featuring an extremely rakish windscreen for that sporty look typical of SUV coupes. Like the headlamps, the rear combination clusters are sleek and connected, giving the vehicle a bolder styling.

As for the interior, the Honda HR-V has gone on a diet to free up more space and look poised. The sleeker dashboard has a major contribution to this, and the freestanding central display being the immediate next in the list. Repeating customers will appreciate the new dual-zone climate control panel with physical controls with rotating dials. The side AC vent controls come with similar but smaller knobs that contribute to the minimalist theme while providing more convenience. The steering wheel and instrument panel look smaller than those of the old Honda HR-V.

2022 Honda HR-V features

The 2022 Honda HR-V is equipped with a plethora of new features to attract young and tech-savvy customers. On the outside, it has LED headlights with LED DRL that double as LED sequential turn indicators, LED active cornering lights, hidden rear door handles, and full-width LED rear lights.

Main interior equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, 9-inch Honda Connect touchscreen infotainment system and Honda digital key support, and wireless charger. Unlike many other small SUVs, the 2022 Honda HR-V does not have a configurable virtual instrument panel or a head-up display. Depending on the trim, the traditional instrument panel comprises either a 4.2- or 7-inch driver information display.

The global 2022 HR-V is sold in Japan in four trims, one gasoline (G FWD/AWD) and three gasoline-electric hybrid (X FWD/AWD, Z FWD/AWD, and Play FWD).

2022 Honda HR-V colors

2022 Honda HR-V specification

The gas-powered 2022 Honda HR-V G makes use of a newly developed ‘L15Z’ 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 87 kW (117 hp) and 142 Nm (105 Lb.-Ft.). The engine is mated to a CVT as standard, and it’s the same unit employed in the fourth-gen Honda Fit but with a lower gear ratio.

The 2022 Honda HR-V Hybrid X/Z/Play features a hybrid powertrain that combines the ‘LEC’ 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine and two electric motors. The engine produces 78 kW (105 hp) and 127 Nm (94 Lb.-Ft.), while the propulsion motor, internally called ‘H5,’ generates 96 kW (129 hp) and 253 Nm (187 Lb.-Ft.).

Honda says that it has moved the power control unit of the HR-V from under the trunk to the engine compartment and increased the number of Lithium-ion battery cells from 48 to 60. Sport, Normal, Econ, and B (stronger regeneration) are the available drive modes. The all-new model drives on electric power from the start, and when the engine is under high-torque demand, it switches to hybrid power. At “higher, more constant speeds,” the gasoline engine is responsible for the drive.

Both gasoline and hybrid variants can be purchased in FWD or AWD.

USA & Canada to get a version of the 2022 Honda HR-V

With the previous generation Honda Fit exiting the U.S. market without replacement, the next-gen Honda HR-V is a crucial launch for the Japanese brand. The version of the HR-V covered in this story is what markets worldwide get this year, but not the U.S. or Canada. Honda’s spokespersons have told carscoops.com that a different next-gen HR-V is heading to the North American markets.

According to Honda’s American press office, the HR-V’s successor “will be designed to meet the distinct needs of U.S. customers.” Honda’s Canadian press office said the same about their next-gen HR-V, replacing “U.S. customers” with “Canadians.” Expect details to follow mid-year on the adaptations in store, particularly the cabin.

The North American 2022 Honda HR-V could be space-focused compared to the global model. Honda could rework it for additional cargo volume and seating space as customers in the U.S. and Canada seek a practical car in this segment, preferring it over style. With the Fit discontinued in this region, there is pressure on Honda to renew the surviving subcompact model right.

2022 Honda HR-V FAQs

Featured Image Source: Honda