FIRST-DRIVE REVIEW: 2023 Honda WR-V -- Almost perfect, but at a price

We may not have it in the Philippines yet, but the 2023 Honda WR-V always attracts attention when we write about it.

The WR-V is Honda Cars’ smallest crossover and is aimed squarely at the Toyota Raize. It also features better safety equipment and a stronger engine than its Toyota rival.

But what’s it like out on the road? Our friends at WapCar Thailand have tested the new WR-V to see if it’s a worthy adversary to the Raize.

Fun to drive

The Honda WR-V makes for a great city car because of its small dimensions, said AutoFun Thailand Content Head Pisan.

In addition, the WR-V has great suspension that soaks up bumps with ease, along with sharp steering. Combined with 220 mm of ground clearance and a tiny turning circle, it’s the sort of small car that can take on the urban jungle.

However, the little Honda feels a bit noisy and wobbly partly because of the fairly stiff tires, which are meant for fuel economy.

Over 17 km/l

Speaking of fuel economy, the Honda WR-V got 17 to 19 km/l on the expressway, with Honda Cars claiming an average fuel consumption of 16.7 km/l in mixed driving.

These stellar figures are accomplished by a relatively powerful engine that’s shared with the Honda BR-V, Honda HR-V and Honda City.

The WR-V’s 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine produces 121 PS and 142 Nm of torque. This is mated to a continuosly variable transmission (CVT).

The drivetrain provides outstanding response and good low-to-midrange acceleration. However, the CVT drags a bit when starting from a stop or pressing the accelerator hard, which can be mitigated by using the paddle shifters.

“If you don't take [high] speed seriously, driving around 100-120 kilometers per hour is considered comfortable,” Pisan said.

Great safety kit

The Honda WR-V trounces the Toyota Raize in terms of safety equipment.

In Thailand, all variants come with the Honda SENSING active-safety suite that includes features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist. 

However, these life-saving features do drive up the cost, with the WR-V nearing the price of seven-seater multi-purpose vehicles in Thailand.

“If it is a customer who wants a lot of toys in the car, it can be considered satisfactory to a certain extent,” Pisan said.

Nonetheless, Pisan found the new WR-V to be a stellar choice for those who want a small crossover that offers more than the Raize.

“If you want to have peace of mind, whether it's a gasoline engine, comfortable sitting position or Honda style, this one is interesting,” he said.

Would you pick the Honda WR-V over the Toyota Raize if Honda Cars decides to sell it in the Philippines?

Rate this story now using the five stars below! It will help us develop content that you enjoy.