Old vs. New: What did Honda change on 2022 BR-V?

Take a closer look as to what Honda did for the all-new BR-V

After a long wait, the second-generation Honda BR-V is finally here. It features a radical redesign both in and out and looks nothing like its predecessor. But we weren't too surprised about the styling changes.

Honda already gave us an early preview of the 2022 BR-V with the N7X Concept earlier this year. We even did a style check between the now-old BR-V and the N7X Concept to see the changes. 

But just how different is the all-new BR-V from the outgoing generation?

Let's start with the exterior. Whereas the outgoing model looks like a more rugged version of its MPV sibling (the Mobilio), the new BR-V now looks like a proper crossover. It has shorter overhangs and appears to be slightly taller than before. The designers also borrowed some styling cues from the all-new Accord and Civic with a new large grille, sweeping LED headlights with new LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and inverted L-shaped foglight bezels.

If you thought only the front fascia received a drastic change, Honda also redesigned the BR-V's rear end, and it now comes with new wraparound LED taillights and a redesigned tailgate complete with a larger back window. We also noticed that the rear quarter panels have been smoothed out and no longer have vertical reflectors. Instead, Honda moved the reflectors to the bumper itself, near the faux rear skid plate.

While not immediately noticeable, the character lines on the doors and front/rear fenders now adopt a horizontal design. This is a stark difference compared to the current model which comes with sloping lines that resemble the ones seen on the Mobilio. This is another indication that the BR-V is moving away from its MPV origins and is now embracing its new crossover identity.

Despite the many changes, Honda did retain some features from the outgoing model. These include the black body cladding, the roof rails, and the upward kink on the rear quarter windows which have become a signature look for the BR-V.

We have yet to see the entire cabin of the new BR-V. But Honda did release a picture of the crossover's new dashboard. But instead of basing it on the City/City Hatchback, it looks like the BR-V's dashboard will have its own unique look. It gets a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a revised center stack, and a digital automatic climate control panel on higher-grade models.

Under the hood, the 2022 BR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC inline-four that produces 121 PS with 145 Nm of torque. If those figures sound familiar, that's because it's the same engine that currently powers the all-new City and City Hatchback. Available transmissions for the BR-V include a manual and a CVT.

But what ultimately surprised us in the new BR-V is the availability of Honda Sensing. For the first time, the BR-V has been fitted with the brand's intelligent safety system. Some of the safety features present include lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

Indonesia will be the first market to receive the all-new BR-V; it did debut there after all. However, it might not take long before Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) brings in the new 7-seat model. The BR-V is one of HCPI's best-selling models, so expect the automaker to offer it here as soon as possible. 

The only question now is: Will the PH-spec 2022 BR-V be as loaded and stylish as the ones sold in Indonesia? Let's hope so.