The Honda WR-V is a compact SUV that combines stylish looks, practicality, and efficient performance, making it a popular choice in India’s competitive compact SUV market.
Launched in 2017, the WR-V quickly established itself as an appealing option for urban buyers seeking the benefits of an SUV with the convenience and space of a hatchback.
In 2022, Honda introduced the second-generation WR-V, which brought several updates in terms of design, features, and overall performance.
This new generation of the WR-V provides a more modern and attractive package for those looking for a compact SUV that’s both stylish and functional.
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Launch History and Evolution
Honda first introduced the WR-V in India in 2017, aiming to create a compact SUV that offered practicality without compromising on style.
The WR-V was designed to be a step up from Honda’s hatchback offerings, providing a higher ground clearance and a more rugged appearance, while still maintaining the car-like feel that urban drivers seek.
The vehicle’s combination of spacious interiors, modern technology, and fuel-efficient engines helped it become a solid competitor in the Indian market, competing against other popular compact SUVs.
In 2022, Honda introduced the second generation of the WR-V, initially launched in Indonesia. This new generation featured a refreshed design, both inside and out, and more advanced features. The changes include a more aggressive front design with a bolder grille, updated headlights, and sleeker side and rear profiles.
The second-generation WR-V was developed on the same platform as the second-generation Honda Amaze and Honda BR-V, offering improved comfort, better safety features, and a more modern driving experience.
Pricing and Variants
The pricing of the Honda WR-V is competitive in the compact SUV segment, starting at around ₹9 lakh for the base model in India (as of 2025). The WR-V is available in multiple variants, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets.
The base model comes with essential features like power windows, air conditioning, and a basic infotainment system.
As you move up the variants, the features become more premium, with options like a larger touchscreen infotainment system, better audio systems, leather upholstery, and additional safety features. The WR-V provides great value for money, especially when compared to other compact SUVs in the same price range.
Engine Specifications
Under the hood, the Honda WR-V offers a choice of engines, including a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is the most common option in India.
This petrol engine delivers 121 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 RPM. This power output ensures a smooth and responsive driving experience, whether you’re navigating through city traffic or cruising on highways.
The engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which offers a seamless and smooth driving experience, ensuring better fuel efficiency and quieter performance when compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
The WR-V’s engine is designed to offer a balance between power and fuel efficiency. It’s tuned to provide enough torque for city driving, while also offering decent power for highway driving.
The car’s petrol engine is ideal for most urban commuters, providing a comfortable driving experience while also being relatively light on fuel consumption.
The WR-V’s diesel variant, although less common, offers a more fuel-efficient option for those who regularly drive long distances, although this engine is not available in all markets.
Design and Exterior Features
The Honda WR-V has a sleek and modern exterior design, which gives it an athletic yet approachable look. The front features a bold chrome grille and sharp headlights, which are complemented by LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that add a touch of sophistication.
The side profile of the WR-V is well-defined, with sculpted body lines that enhance its sporty look. The rear design features distinctive tail lamps and a subtle raised bumper that contributes to the SUV’s overall robust appearance.
One of the standout features of the WR-V is its ground clearance. At around 188mm, the WR-V has one of the highest clearances in its segment, allowing it to handle rough roads and light off-road conditions with ease.
This makes it a versatile vehicle, ideal for both city driving and weekend trips to the countryside. The increased ground clearance also provides better visibility from the driver’s seat, which is a big plus for many drivers.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Honda WR-V offers a spacious and comfortable cabin. The cabin layout is well thought out, with high-quality materials used throughout.
The front seats are designed for comfort and offer ample support, while the rear seats provide enough legroom and headroom for adults.
The car is spacious enough to accommodate five passengers comfortably, making it a great option for families.
The WR-V comes equipped with a range of features that enhance both convenience and comfort. The infotainment system, which includes a touchscreen display, supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls.
Higher variants of the WR-V come with additional features such as automatic climate control, a better sound system, steering-mounted controls, and keyless entry.
The cabin also features a flat-folding rear seat setup, which can significantly increase the boot space, making the WR-V practical for trips requiring extra luggage.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority in the Honda WR-V. The vehicle comes equipped with a variety of safety features, including dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and Hill Start Assist.
These features work together to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers in various driving conditions.
The WR-V has earned a five-star safety rating in global crash tests, reflecting its solid build quality and the attention Honda has given to occupant protection.
In addition to the standard safety features, higher variants also come with a rearview camera and parking sensors to help with parking and prevent accidents while reversing.
These safety features contribute to making the WR-V a reliable vehicle for everyday use, especially for families and city dwellers.
Driving Experience
The Honda WR-V offers a pleasant and comfortable driving experience. The suspension setup is designed to offer a good balance of comfort and handling, ensuring that the vehicle can handle both city roads and highways with ease.
The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and during parking. The higher ground clearance also ensures that the vehicle can easily handle uneven roads without any issues.
The petrol engine provides adequate power for city driving, and the CVT transmission contributes to a smooth driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
The car’s handling is stable, and its performance on highways is equally commendable, making the WR-V a versatile option for both daily commutes and longer trips.
Competitors
In India, the Honda WR-V faces stiff competition from other compact SUVs like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV300.
Each of these vehicles has its own set of advantages, whether it’s advanced features, design, or price. However, the Honda WR-V stands out with its spacious interior, smooth driving experience, and Honda’s reputation for reliability and quality.
The WR-V provides a well-rounded package that competes well in a crowded market.
Conclusion
The Honda WR-V is a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, offering a great mix of style, performance, and practicality. It is well-suited for urban environments, with a comfortable cabin, modern features, and efficient engines.
The vehicle’s design and build quality make it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and safe compact SUV. With its competitive pricing, efficient fuel economy, and strong list of features, the Honda WR-V is definitely a vehicle worth considering for anyone looking to buy a versatile, family-friendly compact SUV.
Whether you’re driving through the city or heading out on a road trip, the WR-V offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
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