This mild update to the Honda HR-V brings with it a slightly altered exterior aesthetic and a bit more kit.
Not long after opening its order books, Honda Malaysia has now officially launched the facelifted HR-V. This marks the first major update to the compact SUV since its debut in 2022, though the Japanese automaker has wisely opted not to tinker too much with its winning formula (considering it was the brand’s best-selling model in the first five months of 2025).
Much like when it first launched in 2022, the facelifted HR-V variant lineup remains unchanged. There are still four trims offered locally, three petrol-only and one self-charging hybrid:
- 1.5L S: RM115,900
- 1.5L Turbo E: RM130,900
- 1.5L Turbo V: RM137,900
- 1.5L e:HEV RS: RM143,900
Exterior changes for this update coincidentally mirror those seen on the new Proton X50 facelift, with the facelifted HR-V gaining a wider front grille and a reprofiled front bumper. A full-width LED tail light strip in turn appears around the rear, while the RS variant swaps its previous all-grey 18-inch wheels for a fresh machined two-tone finish.
Moving along inside meanwhile, the HR-V’s centre console has been reworked into a more conventional and symmetrical layout, which now incorporates an additional storage compartment beneath the air-conditioning controls. The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system has also been upgraded, and now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
Continuing on the tech front, the Honda SENSING active safety suite has been enhanced with the inclusion of Adaptive Driving Beam and Active Cornering Light functions. This facelift further introduces two new exterior colours to the lineup: Phoenix Orange Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl.
In terms of equipment, some items previously seen on higher variants have made their way down to lower trims. Honda Connect remote services for instance is now standard across the entire HR-V range, as are 18-inch alloy wheels.
Variable gear ratio (VGR) steering, which was previously offered from the V variant onwards on the pre-facelift model, now makes it onto the E. The hands-free powered tailgate, which was only available on the pre-facelift e:HEV RS, is now standard on the V. There are also auto-retractable side mirrors on the V and RS.
As for what lies under the hood of these facelifted HR-Vs, it all pretty much remains identical to what came in the pre-facelift models. The base 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder (shared with the City) still produces 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque, while the 1.5-litre turbocharged mill delivers a healthier 181 PS and 240 Nm. Both petrol-only engines continue to be paired with a CVT.
The e:HEV hybrid variant also retains its previous output, but has reportedly been tweaked for improved throttle response and a more pronounced engine note. It features a 131 PS/253 Nm electric motor paired with a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 105 PS and 127 Nm.
This facelifted HR-V will mark Honda Malaysia’s third new model launch for the year, following the introductions of the similarly refreshed Civic and the fully electric e:N1. As of May 2025, over 169,000 units of the HR-V have been sold locally across two generations. And while this facelift may not be especially groundbreaking, there’s frankly little doubt that this tally will continue to grow at an impressive pace for some time to come.
