On Thursday, Honda confirmed a new version of its HR-V subcompact SUV would debut soon, though the automaker released few details other than a pair of sketches.
The renderings reveal an HR-V looking more SUV-like than the current model, which is more like a tall hatchback. Up front is a broad octagonal grille flanked by big side intakes. Impossibly large wheels fill arches with subtle flares. The side mirrors have moved down into the door sheet metal, a location that generally opens up better outward visibility.
It’s hard to tell exactly what form the new HR-V will take from the side, but the model appears to adopt a more formal, conventional roofline than the sloping profile of the current version. Such a move would make the HR-V more like a downsized CR-V than, say, a Mazda CX-30.
A rear-end shot reveals a chunky D-pillar and high-mounted taillights.
The current HR-V has been around since the 2016 model year, making it an ancient design for a subcompact SUV. An update for the 2019 model year brought active safety tech and freshened styling. Honda dropped the manual transmission option at that time. The HR-V eventually replaced the Fit hatchback in the Honda lineup.
Although a hybrid HR-V is sold in select global markets, Honda hasn’t said anything about electrification. See Honda HR-V models for sale
