Production began in late 2013 for the Japanese domestic market as the Honda Vezel (Japanese: ホンダ・ヴェゼル, Hepburn: Honda Vezeru), while production started in 2015 for North America, Australia, Brazil and select Asian markets as the HR-V. Apart from Japan, the model is also sold as the Vezel in China.

With minimal changes from the concept, the HR-V was marketed exclusively in Japan via Honda's Verno dealership network, aimed at a young demographic.

At this time, Honda offered a 123 bhp (125 PS; 92 kW) VTEC engine option for both the three and five-door four-wheel drive models.

Equipment featured ABS brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), dual SRS (supplemental restraint system) airbags, as well as folding power mirrors, power windows, folding rear seats, power steering, heat absorbing glazing, air conditioning, front fog lights and a rear spoiler with an LED centre high-mounted brake light.

[6] The second generation HR-V was previewed as the Urban SUV Concept which was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

[13] Based on the Honda Fit platform, at the time of its introduction it was the smallest SUV from Honda, below the CR-V.[14] The exterior design of the crossover is inspired by coupés with its sloping roof, and a unique design element like hidden rear door handles.

The conventional Vezel is equipped with a 1.5-litre direct-injection DOHC i-VTEC inline-four engine coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT7), and it is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.

The Vezel hybrid version is equipped with Honda's next-generation sport hybrid i-DCD system that combines a 96 kW (131 PS), 156 N⋅m (115 lb⋅ft) 1.5-litre direct injection engine with a 22 kW (30 PS), 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) electric motor, Honda's Real Time AWD, Reactive Force Pedal.

It shares the same platform as the third-generation Fit and is largely identical to the Vezel, which went on sale in Japan in December 2013.

The HR-V is smaller than both CR-V and Pilot, again (after the demise of Element) giving Honda a model range with three crossover SUVs.

[22] The US-market HR-V is manufactured at Honda's Celaya, Mexico assembly plant alongside the related Fit and went on sale in May 2015 as a 2016 model.

It features a revised chrome bar grille being similar to Honda Civic and new headlamp design featuring a single projector lens with DRLs or full LED headlamp similar to the Civic Touring, updated bumper design and overhead roof rails.

[24] In China, the vehicle is manufactured and marketed by two separate joint ventures with different names and cosmetic changes.

Inside, the dual-tone interior features black and orange finish instead of a full grey theme.

In November 2014, Dongfeng Honda released its own version called the Honda XR-V.[26] Previewed by the XR-V Concept in September 2014, it features a redesigned front and rear fascia and door panel sheet metals as it is positioned as a more aggressive looking vehicle.

Honda revealed the facelifted XR-V in February 2020 featuring an updated front fascia and rear bumper.

[31] Another electric version released by Dongfeng Honda is the Ciimo M-NV which was revealed in November 2020 which sports a new front and rear fascia design, and a completely redesigned interior with a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster and push-button gear selector.

[36] In Singapore, the official Honda distributor sells the HR-V, while the parallel imported version retains the name Vezel.

The only trim available for 1.8-litre variant is the Prestige which is equipped with LED projector headlights with daytime running lights, two-tone alloy wheels, full leather interior and panoramic roof.

The facelifted HR-V was launched at the 26th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 2 August 2018.

The refresh also brought the CVT gearbox to the VTi-S model, as well as several other minor tweaks, like 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16-inch).

The Brazil-market HR-V, assembled locally at Honda's plant in the state of São Paulo and also imported from Argentina, went on sale in first-quarter 2015 as a 2016 model.

[47][48][49][50][51] For the first nine months of 2015, Honda's production in Brazil was reported to increase by 20 percent as a result of the launch of HR-V compared with a 20% drop for the industry.

Despite being a global model, Honda did not market the second-generation HR-V in India where it has significant operations, citing uncompetitive pricing compared to its rivals and potentially high investment for the localization of components.

[56] The company has started a project from late 2017 to produce and market the second-generation HR-V in India from December 2019, only to be shelved again due to low sales forecast.

[57][58] Vezel Hybrid produced in Japan from July 2013 through February 2014 were recalled due to a problem with the software program controlling the 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) which could cause a delay in the ability to begin driving or the inability to move at all.

The basic Vezel G receives a regular 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 87 kW (118 PS; 117 hp) at 6,600 rpm.

Changes include an updated front fascia design and new LED graphics for the rear taillights, new exterior colour, the interior received minor changes, e:HEV model received an updated energy management control and new safety features included in the Honda Sensing safety system.

[87] The HR-V RS Turbo variant was launched during the 8th Philippine International Motor Show on 15 September 2022.

In a Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2022, the HR-V e:HEV received a four-star rating.