2023 Honda WR-V Debuts As A Competitor To Toyota’s Raize

The 2023 Honda WR-V (which stands for Winsome Recreational Vehicle) has just been unveiled in Indonesia, and it’s their entry into the subcompact entry-level crossover SUV segment. Recognizing the rise in demand for vehicles such as the Toyota Raize, Hyundai Creta, and a host of Chinese small SUVs, the WR-V offers class-leading metrics in almost every aspect.

For starters, there’s the exterior. While styling is subjective, Honda is proud to highlight that its handsome small SUV has a class-leading ground clearance of 220 mm, which is almost as high as pickup-based SUVs such as the Toyota Fortuner. Honda’s Southeast Asian-only offering also comes with modern touches such as full LED lighting with sequential LED turn signals, a black contrasting roof, full LED taillights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. All of these features are for the top trim RS variant, with entry-level models expectedly having fewer design flourishes.

Inside, the 2023 Honda WR-V comes with class-leading interior space–or so they claim. Nevertheless, its BR-V roots are evident here, especially with its dashboard design. A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is offered as standard on all variants in Indonesia, while a 4.2-inch multi-information display is sandwiched by the analog gauges. RS variants (as shown) gets black leather upholstery with red accents, smart entry (though push-button start is standard on all variants), a six-speaker sound system, and auto climate control.

Under the hood of the WR-V is a familiar 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 121 hp and 145 Nm of torque. The only transmission option available is a CVT that drives the front wheels. Interestingly, it also rides on a shortened platform of the BR-V, which is expected to debut in the Philippines on November 21.

Surprisingly, the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance tech is also offered in the top trim RS variant for an added cost. The monocular camera-based system bundles Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Auto High Beam, and Lead Car Departure Notification into one system.

The 2023 Honda WR-V is now on sale in Indonesia. The rest of the Southeast Asian region will also get this WR-V, and that should also include the Philippines where this segment is also gaining popularity.