Honda Malaysia has launched the updated Honda WR-V for the 2026 model year, with revisions to its exterior and interior.

The updates come more than three years after the 'Winsome Runabout Vehicle' first went on sale in Malaysia in July 2023. The WR-V is now offered in three variants, one fewer than previously.

The base S variant has been discontinued, making the E the entry-level offering. The E is priced at MYR 94,900 (US$ 23,500) on the road without insurance, which is MYR 1,000 lower than its original launch price of MYR 95,900. The V is priced at MYR 98,900, which is MYR 1,000 lower than its pre-update launch price, while the RS is priced at MYR 104,900, MYR 3,000 lower than its original launch price.

All three variants continue to use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four petrol engine producing 121 PS (119 hp or 89 kW) at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. The DOHC i-VTEC engine is paired with a CVT driving the front wheels, enabling a top speed of 160 km/h. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time ranges from 11 to 11.2 seconds, depending on the variant.

The exterior design remains largely unchanged. The main update is a new two-tone paint scheme exclusive to the RS, combining Blazing Red Pearl with a black roof.

Blazing Red Pearl is also available without the black roof across all WR-V variants. Other colour options are Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Stellar Diamond Pearl. Compared with the pre-update model, Blazing Red Pearl replaces Ignite Red Metallic, while Crystal Black Pearl has been discontinued.

The previous RS' chrome chequered grille has been replaced by an all-black unit. All variants now receive 17-inch black alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tyres, an upgrade for the E, which previously came with 16-inch wheels.

Inside, the RS gains red ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger and a 360-degree camera. The V and RS now feature leather upholstery, replacing the combination of leather and fabric used in certain areas of the pre-update models. The V seats retain blue contrast stitching, while the RS has red stitching.

The dashboard now features Dark Steel accents, while the seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen has been replaced by a 10-inch system across all variants. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.

The remainder of the equipment list is largely unchanged. The E features automatic halogen headlamps, remote engine start, keyless entry and start, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, manual air-conditioning, fabric upholstery, four speakers, four airbags, and safety systems including Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and hill start assist. It also comes with two reverse sensors and a multi-angle reverse camera.

The Honda LaneWatch passenger-side blind-spot camera returns, as does the Honda Sensing suite, which has been available from the E variant onwards. The system includes forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam and lead car departure notification.

The V adds LED exterior lighting, a leather steering wheel in place of the E's urethane unit, a leather centre-console armrest instead of the E's fabric item, single-zone automatic air-conditioning and two additional speakers, bringing the total to six.

The RS adds sequential front turn signals, black door handles, paddle shifters, two additional curtain airbags for a total of six airbags and Honda Connect telematics, in addition to the previously mentioned updates.

All WR-V variants come with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and free labour servicing for up to five visits within 100,000 km or five years.

Honda Malaysia also offers Modulo accessories for all WR-V variants. The catalogue includes under spoilers, door visors, C-pillar decals, rear door-sill garnish, boot-lip lining protector, a cargo tray, a trunk organiser, front and rear dashcams, body coating, window coating, lock nuts and authorised window-tint film.

"We are confident that the new WR-V will further strengthen our market presence, building on the strong momentum achieved since its Malaysian debut in 2023. The WR-V has received positive market acceptance, with more than 24,000 units on the road to date. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers for their continued trust, and we remain committed to delivering products that elevate their everyday mobility experiences," said Narushi Yazaki, managing director and CEO of Honda Malaysia.