If you’ve ever looked at a classic Jeep XJ Cherokee and thought, “Man, I wish there was something smaller, cheaper, and more practical that looked just like that,” then you’re going to love this story. The Honda WR-V Reverb, modified by Japanese tuning house DAMD, is essentially a tiny city SUV dressed up like a rugged icon from the '80s and '90s.
This isn’t a new Jeep model—it’s not even close. But what it lacks in off-road capability, it makes up for with bold styling and a whole lot of personality. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this cheeky little crossover.
Introduction
The Honda WR-V is a subcompact SUV built mainly for the Japanese market. It’s small, fuel-efficient, and designed for urban driving—not exactly the kind of vehicle you’d associate with trailblazing through mud or climbing rocks. Enter DAMD, a well-known Japanese tuner famous for its playful body kits and retro-inspired transformations.
With the Reverb WR-V, DAMD has taken the humble WR-V and given it the visual DNA of the iconic Jeep XJ Cherokee—that boxy, rugged look that still has fans decades after the XJ left production. It’s like Halloween for your car, except you can keep the costume on year-round.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Striking resemblance to the Jeep XJ Cherokee
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Affordable styling upgrade (around $2,000 USD)
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Available for other models like Mazda CX-3 and Subaru XV
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Includes mild lift and aggressive tire fitment
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Fun and unique customization option
Cons:
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No real off-road performance
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Cosmetic changes only—no mechanical upgrades
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Honda WR-V not available in the U.S.
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Compact size limits cargo and passenger space
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Not officially sold outside Japan
What’s New in This Version?
There’s no new generation of the WR-V here—what’s new is the transformation. DAMD’s Reverb kit includes a completely redesigned front bumper, a squared-off hood, and a grille inspired by the seven-slot design of the Jeep Cherokee (though notably missing one slot to avoid trademark issues).
It also adds flared fenders, a small 1.4-inch lift, and rugged-looking BFGoodrich T/A K03 tires wrapped around 16-inch steel wheels. While these changes don’t make the WR-V any tougher mechanically, they sure make it look the part.
Exterior Design: Retro Style Meets Modern Practicality
From the front, the Reverb WR-V looks like someone gave a time machine to a modern mini-SUV and told it to come back as a baby XJ Cherokee. The sharp lines, flat surfaces, and angular headlights scream 1980s SUV nostalgia.
The side profile keeps things simple but gains a bit of flair thanks to the flared wheel arches and lifted stance. At the rear, DAMD hasn’t gone too wild—most of the original WR-V design remains intact, keeping the transformation focused on the front end.
LED lights are retained from the stock model, which creates a slightly odd contrast between the modern lighting tech and the otherwise throwback design. Still, the overall effect works surprisingly well.
Interior Design: Simple, Functional, and Unchanged
Inside, the Honda WR-V Reverb is exactly the same as the regular WR-V. That means a compact cabin with modest materials and minimal luxury touches. Think hard plastics, basic switchgear, and a layout that prioritizes usability over style.
Seating is adequate for shorter trips and two adults, but taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space is limited, making this more of a weekend cruiser than a family hauler.
Tech-wise, the standard WR-V comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone mirroring, and some driver-assist features like lane departure warnings and automatic braking. But since DAMD focuses purely on the exterior, none of these systems are upgraded in the Reverb edition.
Performance: Cute, Comfy, and Calm
Under the hood, the WR-V Reverb sticks with the standard engine: a 1.5-liter inline-four producing around 120 horsepower. Power is sent to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), depending on the market.
Acceleration is gentle—this isn’t a speed demon by any stretch. Handling is predictable and soft, tuned more for comfort than sportiness. The added 1.4-inch lift doesn’t do much for ground clearance or handling dynamics; it’s mostly there for show.
As mentioned, there’s no four-wheel-drive option available on the WR-V, so despite looking like it could tackle trails, the Reverb is best suited for paved roads and city streets.
Fuel Efficiency: Wallet-Friendly Commuting
Thanks to its lightweight build and efficient engine, the Honda WR-V Reverb delivers excellent fuel economy. Real-world numbers hover around 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km) on average, with highway cruising pushing closer to 42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km).
That makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish daily driver that won’t drain their gas budget.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The base Honda WR-V includes essential safety features like anti-lock brakes, stability control, multiple airbags, and traction control. Higher trims may add Honda Sensing, which bundles forward-collision warning, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
Since the Reverb package doesn’t alter the car mechanically, all these systems remain unchanged. There are no additional driver-assist technologies added specifically for the Reverb edition.
In crash tests conducted by Japan NCAP, the WR-V earned solid scores, reinforcing its reputation as a safe and reliable commuter.
Pricing and Trims
The Honda WR-V Reverb isn’t a factory trim—it’s a custom body kit offered by DAMD. The base package starts at approximately ¥300,000 JPY ($2,000 USD) and includes the front bumper, grille, hood, and fender flares.
Optional extras like the steel wheels, lift kit, and additional styling bits bring the total cost higher, but it’s still a relatively affordable way to give your car a dramatic makeover.
In Japan, the standard Honda WR-V is offered in three main trims:
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G: Entry-level with essentials
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X: Mid-tier with added convenience features
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Z: Top-of-the-line with leather seats and sunroof
Adding the Reverb kit transforms any of these trims into a street-ready homage to the Jeep Cherokee.
How Does It Compare to Competitors?
Compared to mainstream crossovers like the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Venue, or Kia Stonic, the Reverb WR-V stands out for its bold aesthetic rather than its specs. These competitors often offer more power, better interiors, and more tech—but none have the charm or uniqueness of the Reverb.
Among tuners, DAMD’s Suzuki Jimny Little G offers a similar niche appeal, turning a small SUV into a miniature Mercedes G-Class. But the Reverb’s Cherokee-inspired look feels more accessible and grounded in mainstream SUV culture.
Final Thoughts: A Stylish Statement Piece
The Honda WR-V Reverb by DAMD is not for everyone. If you're looking for serious off-road ability, high-performance engines, or luxury amenities, this isn’t the SUV for you.
But if you appreciate automotive history, enjoy standing out from the crowd, or just want a fun and affordable way to express your love for classic SUVs, the Reverb is a brilliant option.
Best suited for:
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Urban commuters who want a stylish daily driver
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Car enthusiasts with a passion for retro designs
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Tuning fans looking for a unique project
In the end, the Honda WR-V Reverb proves that sometimes, the most satisfying upgrades aren’t about power or performance—they’re about personality.
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