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Ask Nathan: 2022 Easter Jeep Safari Questions, Next Generation Jeep Gladiator and Fake it Until They Make it?

By
Nathan Adlen
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In this week’s Ask Nathan:

  • Lots of 2022 Easter Jeep Safari questions.
  • What’s going on with the next generation Jeep Gladiator?
  • Fake it until you make it!

The first few questions come from fans who want information on the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari.

Q: (Via: Twitter@NathanAdlen) 2022 Easter Jeep Safari?

Hi Nathan, it’s Evan from Delaware. We don’t Jeep much here and I want to know what is the Easter Jeep Safari? I like watching all of your off road videos. In three years I will have my license and I want to buy a Jeep so bad!

If it’s meant for “Jeeps” why are Broncos gathering there this week?

Just found out that Ford is having a Bronco gathering at a swanky resort on the Colorado river. Why not have their own event? Maybe wait a week after EJ Safari before bouncing in overpriced Rangers?

Chip

A: Here’s what the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) is, who attends, and what we’re doing:

The Jeep Safari started in 1967 by the Moab chamber of commerce, simply as a one-day trail ride, At the time, Jeep was one of the few brands that was synonymous with off-roading. Sure, others existed, but Jeep’s stable was known for off-road capability. It’s true that some take issue with Ford for not only basing an off-road event in Moab, but also reserving trail locations too. Last year, Jeep and Ford official events overlapped, and neither was pleased.

The reality is, the EJS is meant for off-road enthusiasts. That’s ALL off-road enthusiasts.

Seeing this event grow from a minor event, to a off-road-palooza it’s become has been stunning. This event provides a lot of local funding, which has made the community of Moab grow into a town with every amenity. That’s a long way from a few diners and a cheap motel.

Every year, I see a ton of impressive vehicles that are not Jeeps. Toyota, Nissan and even Isuzu clubs meet in Moab to have some fun, and it’s a hoot to see. Still, when you look at the sheer number of Jeep fans in attendance, it’s obvious that they rule the roost.

Check out (this) update on Jeep prototypes attending the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari!

p.s. Evan, I hope you get that Jeep you want!

  • N

The next question comes from a fan who wants info on the next Jeep Gladiator

Q: I was wondering what will happen with the next gen Jeep Gladiator.

It’s way to inefficient. I know you like them but they are kind of useless as a pick up and a off roader. Do you think it will change?

Always a fan, Denish

A: The Jeep Gladiator has only been on the scene for a few years, so it’s not up for a major upgrade anytime soon; however…

There are a lot of rumors going around regarding its powertrain, and we know a few things will change.

We’re expecting to see a Jeep Gladiator 4xe with a similar powertrain used on the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe. That’s not to say it will be identical, the Gladiator is a lot heavier than the other two. It may have some derivation of the 4xe system, with a few additions.

Recently, Stellantis introduced the Hurricane engine, which appears to be slated to replace the 5.7-liter Hemi, and possibly the Pentastar V6. This 3.0-liter I6 is turbocharged, and was meant to have various versions available – including a high output, and a hybrid too. If that’s the case, we may see the Hurricane work its way into the Gladiator in some fashion.

As for the rest of the truck? Well, we’ve seen a few cladded test mules running around here and there. They may be hiding Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) upgrades, but we doubt they will mess with the foundation any time soon.

I get your perspective, but I still feel the Gladiator has utility and fun baked into its DNA. That’s why I like it.

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The last question comes from a viewer who has issues with some upstart journalists who cover vehicles.

Image: Ford

Q: (From YouTube) Saw this “journalist” who had no clue what they were covering.

When you can’t give me the who what where when and why about a car without making it all about you, that’s no good. I’m seeing a ton of guys with pumped up numbers trying to compete against legit reviewers. It’s stupid and insults the car makers and the audience. Can we just call them out and kick them out?

Bronze American76

A: I hear you, and some of these guys are having teething problems.

Some automakers are fully aware of journalists and influencers who have pumped up their numbers. In some cases, they work hard to prove their worth, in other cases, they want to play with cars and have a brief vacation at press events. Many of us know who these cheats are, but we (usually) ignore them.

The simplest way to rid yourself of them is to ignore their broadcasts. Seriously, if they are legitimate, they will find a way to earn your patronage. If they are faking it until they make it, many viewers and readers will figure it out.

  • N

(Video) I Didn’t Expect This -Toyota GR86 vs Mazda Miata vs THE Underdog Drag Race Quarter Mile Drag Race!

By
Nathan Adlen
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The Toyota GR86 vs Mazda Miata on its own is a hell of a comparison. Now, with a third vehicle (the “Underdog”) – we have a fun, three-way race!

We already pitted the Toyota GR86 vs Mazda Miata against each other on our hot lap with former Stig, Paul Gerrard. That video proved that they are both awesome on tight, twisty corners. They both are remarkably well balanced, and have decent power.

We decided to drag race the two at our new 1/4-mile track, which is an actual runway.

As “The Underdog” video series is new, we wanted to start with a bang, and with an interesting Underdog.

2022 Toyota GR86

The 2022 Toyota GR86 has been significantly updated, and (according to our pro-driver Paul) a much better track machine. The exterior and interior have been updated as well. Part of that comes from a revised powertrain, courtesy of Subaru, which makes 228 horsepower and 184 lbs feet of torque. That’s up quite a bit from the previous model’s 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Out tester came with a six-speed manual transmission.

It’s total curb weight comes in at about 2,850 lbs.

Altogether, the 2022 Toyota 86 shows a major step up in building a proper sports car for the everyman. Still, the Mazda MX5 Miata RF is the proper grand touring car for the everyman. They are both exceptional cars to drive, and they return a pretty good bang-for-the-buck. The 2022 Toyota GR86 starts at $30,300 and the 2022 Mazda Miata RF has a base price of $35,350.

2022 Mazda MX5 Miata RF

The 2022 Mazda MX5 Miata RF is the absolute top of the line – and it’s a hardtop convertible. 181 and 151 lb-ft or torque. Because it has the hardtop, it weighs a few hundred pounds more than the regular MX5 Miata. Total curb weight is about 2,500 lbs. The Miata has one of the most rewarding six-speed manual transmissions in its class, and the steering feel is top-notch.

2022 Mini Cooper SE

The Underdog 2022 Mini SE (EV)

While the base price of the 2022 Mini SE starts at about $30,000, our long-term Mini’s price hovers around $37,000. It comes with a permanent-magnet synchronous AC, that makes 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. It has a 28.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and a curb weight of about 3,100-lbs.

The outcome of the Toyota GR86 vs Mazda Miata may be obvious based on power and torque, but the underdog adds a completely new dimension. Remember, we shoot our videos at a mile above sea level. Naturally aspirated engines don’t like high elevations.

Official Photos! Check Out the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari Prototypes

By
Nathan Adlen
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Images: Stellantis

The 56th annual Easter Jeep Safari will be loaded with a ton of one-off Jeep concepts – and we will be driving every single one!

For well over a decade, TFL Studios has attended the Easter Jeep Safari, and this year looks mighty exciting. We finally get to display photos of many of the concepts that will be on hand. The Jeep Safari started in 1967 as a one-day trail ride. Since then, it’s exploded into a multi-day Jeep-o-Palooza event. For many years, Jeep has brought concepts to the event for the press to play with.

One of the best ways to connect with Jeep designers is to actually have access to them, and their creations. Sometimes, it’s just folly with vehicles that are just built for a laugh. Still, many of these creations point to potential future product, parts and/or themes. On top of that, we to see a ton of upcoming “official” parts and accessories deployed on these concepts. At times, the Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) and Mopar folks will listen to our thoughts about these components for (possible) production.

For us, the most exciting part is driving the concepts.

Here’s an overview of many of the concepts that will be on hand at the 2022 56th Annual Easter Jeep Safari:

Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Concept

Last year, we got to drive the first Magneto concept and the Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Concept improves upon the original. This new concept is more powerful and capable than the previous concept. The Magneto 2.0 has a 3-inch lift, 40-inch tires and a wheelbase that’s been stretched 12-inches. Custom components like a unique drive shaft, and carbon-fiber body components are augmented with JPP off-road components.

According to Jeep, the Magneto 2.0’s powertrain is a beast:

  • Propulsion: Peak amperage has more than doubled to 600 amps. The Magneto 2.0 makes 625 horsepower and 850 lb.-ft., which is more than three-times the torque output of last year’s concept. With new calibration, 0 to 60 mph can happen in as little as two (2) seconds.
  • Custom-built axial flux electric motor that operates up to 5,250 rpm
  • Six-speed manual transmission returns, yet you can get true “one pedal” EV driving feedback. First gear ratio in the manual transmission has changed from 5.13 to 3.36.
  • The Jeep Magneto 2.0 concept has four lithium-ion battery packs distributed throughout the chassis. Combined power of the 70 kWh power, runs an 800-volt system,
  • Developed for race cars, the inverter converts DC power to AC for the electric motor.

Loaded with new graphics and an updated exterior look, the Jeep Magneto 2.0 concept gives us a little hint as to what might be possible with an all-electric Wrangler. Remember: Jeep promised an all-electric Wrangler in the near future!

This is the Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept from last year!

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV Concept

What you are looking at is a very-close-to-production Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe. Sure, it’s not official – hence the “concept” part of the name, but we are pretty sure it’s coming. That’s a good thing, because it looks phenomenal. At least I feel it’s much better looking than the matured design initially struck me.

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV concept has two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack. On top of that, it has a 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine. An eight-speed, TorqueFlite automatic transmission is the only option, and it feeds all-four 20-inch wheels, covered in 33-inch BFG Mud Terrain tires. It’s equipped with Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension that has a sway-bar disconnect.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, which this concept is based on delivers up to 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). It can go up to 25 miles on electricity alone.

The concept boasts a custom Industrial Blue exterior, along with signature 4xe Lagoon Blue tow hooks and glare-proof black-and-blue matte Trailhawk hood decal. Adding to its adventuresome appearance is a custom roof rack with integrated tie downs, black painted Rhino Liner roof for added durability, custom fog light bezels with quad LED projector fog lamps and custom vinyl side graphics for protection against debris. Mopar rock rails add further protection against nature’s less forgiving elements. The interior incorporates custom saddle-colored upholstered seats with “Rodney” houndstooth inserts. The seats also feature the signature 4xe Trailhawk badge and Surf Blue stitching.

Stellantis

Jeep ’41 Concept

Almost every year, the eggheads at Jeep design pay homage to WW2 Willys Jeeps, and the Jeep ’41 Concept is a slick interpretation. The designers opted to use a Wrangler 4xe as the basis, and built something special. The concept sits on a JPP two-inch lift kit, 35-inch mud-terrain tires and 17-inch (Fifteen52) wheels painted in D.R.A.B. ‘41 matte green.

The concept’s exterior color, including wheel flares and mirror caps, is decorated in an olive D.R.A.B. ‘41 matte green finish, with black powder-coated steel bumpers, Warn winch and JPP bumper hoop. The retro trim cap accentuates a tan soft-top, while JPP half doors offer an enhanced open-air experience to let even more of the outside in. A custom stenciled graphics package from the Jeep Graphic Studio and accent-colored tow hooks are the finishing touches fit for a five-star general.

Stellantis

Inside the ’41 concept is a retro shifter with a customized shifter cap from the Jeep Graphic Studio, along with canvas-covered seats that feature digital camo inserts and Serafil 1043 stitching. A Rhino-lined heavy texture floor in D.R.A.B. ‘41 matte green adds durability. ‘41 matte green and the cluster features a custom Willys retro graphic.

Stellantis

2021 SEMA Concepts will be there too!

Three concepts that popped up at the 2021 SEMA show will make an appearance as well! The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Concept, Jeep Wrangler Overlook concept and the Kaiser Jeep M725 concept will be on hand. Check out (this) article to get the technical information about those vehicles.

More Supply Chain Issues: Toyota is Cutting 2022 U.S. New Car Sales Industry Outlook

By
Nathan Adlen
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Images via: Toyota

Supply chain issues plague every automaker, and with the announcement that Toyota is cutting their 2022 new car sales outlook, things look bleak.

Bob Carter, executive vice president of sales for Toyota Motor North America, said the new outlook of 15.5 million vehicles was down from its previous forecast of 16.5 million. It’s not that demand is dropping, it’s simply that the constraints of supply issues continue to upset the apple cart. Reuters reported that, in a conference call with Carter, he stated that “The supply-chain challenges that we’re seeing … will remain with us for a while.”

Toyota already cut global sales by 150,000 in April.

Raw material shortages, semiconductor chips, pandemic and now the logistical nightmare of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine all contributed to the supply conundrum. According to Carter, Toyota expects U.S. sales to finish at about 2.35 million vehicles for 2022 – that’s both Toyota and Lexus.

2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid Nightshade

“That is an adjustment that quite frankly is not based on consumer demand. It’s based solely on what our projections of the supply environment is going to be.”

Bob Carter, Executive Vice President of Sales for Toyota Motor North America

You can read about Toyota’s sales success with the new Tundra pickup truck (here).

Many consumers are concerned that the additional costs of materials will be passed on to the buyer. Carter does not think that the affordability of Toyota products will jump significantly this year. He predicts that it may take around six months for inventory rates to calm as the supply chain normalizes.

Carter expects some of the higher raw material costs to be passed on to consumers; he doesn’t see vehicle affordability being an issue this year. He said it will take six months for inventory rates to normalize after the supply chain recovers.

According to Carter, as of right now: “The vehicles are being sold literally before they are built.”

All-New 2023 Honda Civic Type R Sets New Suzuka Circuit Lap Record: We Have Photos AND Video!

By
Nathan Adlen
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Images and video: Honda

Hot on the heels of the debut of the monster Toyota Corolla GR, here’s the first real look at the 2023 Honda Civic Type R.

I can’t wait to see the 2023 Honda Civic Type R in person! Just a short time ago (truly, a few days) we got to experience the reveal of the 300 horsepower Toyota Corolla GR. Not to be outdone, here’s the all-new Honda Civic Type R. Information is limited right now, but we finally get to see the Type R without a ton of camouflage. Still, it would be nice to just see the damn thing in its proper sheet metal.

On paper, the previous Honda Civic Type R was a beast. It made 306 horsepower and 295 lb-feet of torque. It was front-wheel drive, but it obliterated many AWD and RWD cars at the track. Still, the previous generation Type R is a different vehicle than this 2023 Honda Civic Type R.

I would like to on record and say that the Type R’s little brother, the Si, is a fantastic ride. Unfortunately, it looks a bit boring to some. On top of that, the amenities are not what I would call “class-leading.” Some fans were disappointed. Hopefully, the new Honda Civic Type R will please fans to the core. If you’re not into the design, you have to be interested in its blistering performance.

It just broke a track record.

“The all-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R has set a new track record for a front-wheel drive car at the legendary Suzuka Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix. During final performance testing and evaluation, the new Civic Type R lapped the Suzuka’s 3.6-mile figure-8 configuration in 2 minutes 23.120 seconds.”

Honda

The images you are seeing, and the video posted below are from the Suzuka race track in Japan. Honda has a close connection to this track. This famous race circuit just had its lap record smashed, by the 2023 Civic Type R. Something tells me that this thing is stinkin’ fast!

Check out this in-car view!

General Motors and Honda Will Build Several EVs Together – Covering Many Popular Segments

By
Nathan Adlen
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Expanding on their EV partnership, which was announced in 2020, General Motors and Honda will codevelop a series of “affordable” electric vehicles.

General Motors and Honda will base these vehicles on a new global architecture using next-generation Ultium battery technology. This series is expected to go on sale in North America in 2027. Both companies will work on furthering Ultium technology. They will collaborate with EV design, building more accessible vehicles, expected to sell in the millions.

Right now, the least expensive electric vehicle sold in the United States is the base model Nissan Leaf. That vehicle is limited to a 147-mile maximum range, and it starts at $27,400. There are tax incentives available, but that’s only if you are in the right tax bracket. Besides, the low mileage of the Leaf isn’t desirable for all drivers.

What’s needed is a family (or series) of vehicles that are affordable and desirable. You can read the original cooperative announcement (here).

The power electronics of GM’s Ultium-based EVs will be integrated directly into the Ultium Drive units, reducing costs, weight, and manufacturing complexity while increasing reliability. The inverter and other power electronics like the accessory power module and onboard charging module will reside within boxes such as this inside GM’s Ultium Drive units.

“GM and Honda will share our best technology, design and manufacturing strategies to deliver affordable and desirable EVs on a global scale. including our key markets in North America, South America and China. This is a key step to deliver on our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in our global products and operations by 2040. and eliminate tailpipe emissions from light duty vehicles in the U.S. by 2035. By working together, we’ll put people all over the world into EVs faster than either company could achieve on its own.” 

Mary Barra, GM chair and CEO

GM is currently working on new technologies like lithium-metal, silicon, and solid-state batteries. These technologies may make future tech much less expensive. That goes along with production methods that can be used to improve and update battery cell manufacturing processes.

Honda is making progress on its all-solid-state battery technology as well. They see sold-state as the core element of future EVs.

Honda Prologue EV

The Honda Prologue will be the first co-developed electric vehicle that is expected to go on sale in 2024.

“The progress we have made with GM since we announced the EV battery development collaboration in 2018, followed by co-development of electric vehicles including the Honda Prologue, has demonstrated the win-win relationship that can create new value for our customers.

This new series of affordable EVs will build on this relationship. (by) leveraging our strength in the development and production of high quality, compact class vehicles.”

Shinji Aoyama, Honda senior managing executive officer

By combining their resources, know-how, and worldwide capabilities, General Motors and Honda hope to accelerate tech for the masses. They stated that by combining their resources, they can outpace most automakers who go about the endeavor solo.

We should see renderings and concepts soon.

Speaking of new Honda products…

The 2022 Mazda3 Deserves More Than Word of Mouth!

By
Dan Jedlicka
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Images Via: Mazda

Many agree that the Mazda3, be it a base model sedan, or turbo AWD top-of-the-line hatch – are some of the best in their class. It certainly deserves more fanfare.

This stylish compact model comes as a sedan or hatchback, with prices ranging from $21,150 to $34,790, give or take a few hundred dollars here or there. There are a variety of trim levels with front- or all-wheel drive (AWD) and regular or turbocharged engines that have horsepower ratings from 155 to 250.

Get AWD and you also get a turbocharged engine. I tested a $34,400 “Polymetal Gray Metallic” Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD hatchback with a Premium Plus Package. It comers with several options and 18-inch black alloy wheels. It also had a distinctive black front grille, black rear hatch spoiler and black heated power side mirrors.

The extremely low front air damn looked as if it can be easily damaged by objects such as low curbs.

The tightly built Mazda3 can swallow four adults, but the
rear seat is snug and best left for two. Moreover, a
passenger behind a tall driver will find legroom to be tight.
There’s a large center fold-down armrest with twin
cupholders back there. Front seats are especially
supportive, but thick rear pillars greatly hinder a driver’s
over-the-shoulder vision.

Dan J

My test car cabin’s upscale features included leather- trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, push- button start, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual- zone automatic climate control, Bose premium sound system with 12 speakers and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There also was a power sliding glass moonroof.

Whatever happened to “sunroofs?”

The hatch raises smoothly on struts, and there’s decent cargo room. Rear seat backs can be flipped forward to significantly increase cargo space, but one can’t lower them from outside the rear of the car.   

The quiet cabin has upscale materials and easily read gauges. However, the infotainment system with its 8.8- inch screen is controlled by a rotary console dial and is fussy to use. On the plus side, there are small manual lower dashboard controls for such things as the heated front seats and heated adjustable steering wheel. There are just a fair amount of cabin storage areas, including door pockets and a covered console bin.   

The Mazda3 I drove had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 227 horsepower on regular-grade gas and 250 horsepower and additional torque with premium fuel. Acceleration is fast, with virtually no turbo lag. Merging, passing on freeways and making quick traffic moves with the responsive six-speed automatic transmission are easy affairs. Figure on 0-60 m.p.h. in 6.4 seconds with the 250- horsepower engine, which I felt my test car had.

You can read a detailed performance review (here).

The transmission can be manually shifted with steering wheel paddles or the transmission’s control lever. A driver can select normal or sport driving modes with the flick of a console switch. Sport mode increases engine revs for more responsive acceleration. (It also) lowers fuel economy and really isn’t needed for most normal driving.

City fuel economy is so-so at an estimated 23 miles per gallon. The highway figure is 31. The fuel tank only has a 12.7-gallon capacity. But there’s only so much room to put things in an AWD compact car.

Safety features include a rearview camera, radar cruise control, 360-degree view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert,
rear cross-traffic with braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention alert, lane departure warning system and lane- keep assist. There also are automatic on/off headlights, a tire pressure monitoring system and a bunch of air bags. That includes front and rear side air cushions, besides knee airbags.

Mazda lacks the advertising budgets of larger automakers, but cars such as the Mazda3 should help give it wider word-of-mouth advertising.

Brand New Debut! Here’s the All-New Bigger, Beefier, 2023 Honda HR-V

By
Nathan Adlen
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This is the all-new 2023 Honda HR-V (Images: Honda)

The 2023 Honda HR-V will be an altogether larger vehicle, with an all-new design and a totally different swagger.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic’s (HA) platform, the 2023 Honda HR-V has a longer wheelbase and wider stance. The debut of the 2023 Honda HR-V comes with very little technical data. Considering its larger platform is based on the Civic, the new power train(s) may be based on the Civic.

The former Honda HR-V started in our market as a 2016 model. It was based on the tiny Honda Fit’s underpinnings. The HR-V had a unique cargo area that included the magic seat. This rear seat could fold in multiple ways, giving maximum utilitarian return for such a small car. Like the Honda Fit, the HR-V had the fuel tan placed below the driver, freeing up the rear cargo area. it had a 1.8-liter, non-turbo four cylinder engine. At the time, you could get a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual transmission, but only with front-wheel drive. The CVT was required to get the all-wheel drive option.

“By gaining aspirational qualities beyond its segment, the all-new 2023 Honda HR-V will welcome a new generation of customers to Honda and grow in importance as a gateway to the Honda brand. This new HR-V will advance its position as the segment leader with young buyers, first-time buyers, and multicultural customers.”

Michael Kistemaker, assistant vice president of Automobile Sales of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

In 2019, the HR-V was refreshed with interior, exterior and some drivetrain tweaks. On top of that, they ditched the manual transmission option.

Now, Honda has completely reimagined the HR-V, and it appears that they are pushing it upmarket. Now it will have a “more responsive” powertrain, and a “new” independent rear suspension setup. We can only assume that it will have a wheelbase closer to the Civic’s 107.7-inch over the previous model’s 102.8-inch. That (potential) extra five-ish-inches could address one of the gripes about the former HR-V – cabin space.

We will be getting far more useful information over the next few months. Honda says the 2023 Honda HR-V will launch in the summer of 2022.

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