2023 Honda CR-V Review: Specs and Pricing

2023 Honda CR-V

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OVERVIEW

Inside and exterior, the 2023 Honda CR-V is completely redesigned to compete in the fiercely competitive compact-SUV market. The new CR-V promises to offer even more of its renowned practicality with bigger proportions and additional passenger room. Its appealing cabin, which draws inspiration from the Civic compact car, is complemented by contemporary technology, such as an entertainment system with a wireless 9.0-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Naturally, every CR-V also comes equipped with a variety of standard driver aids, like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The basic engine is a 190-hp turbo-four; a 204-hp hybrid powertrain is an option. No matter which engine you select, the CR-V provides a pleasant ride and confidence—if not very exciting—road characteristics. Both may be paired with front- or all-wheel drive.

What has Changed for 2023?

The sixth generation of the small SUV begins with the 2023 CR-V. It brings a plethora of changes, including increased size overall, a new exterior appearance, and a roomier interior with more upscale features. Honda claims to have updated the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), all-wheel-drive system, and standard turbo-four engine to make them faster and more efficient when compared to the outgoing model.

2023 CR-V: Engine and Performance

A basic 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower is located behind the CR-vertical V's grille. It partners with either front- or all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The EX and EX-L models come standard with this configuration.

The hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors to produce 204 horses, is the only one available for the Sport and Sport Touring. While the Sport Touring comes standard with all-wheel drive, the Sport is available with either. The Sport Touring Hybrid reached 60 mph on our test track in a respectable 7.9 seconds.

Every CR-V has hill-descent control, which helps regulate the small SUV's speed when moving at moderate speeds down steep or slick inclines. Most models come with a pair of 18-inch wheels, with the Sport getting black ones.

Exclusive 19-inch wheels that are likewise painted black are provided for the Sport Touring. For the first time, hybrid cars are rated to tow 1,000 pounds. Although the new CR-V lacks the handling thrills we love in the Mazda CX-50 and the Volkswagen Tiguan, it offers a comfortable ride and enough guts to keep things interesting.

2023 CR-V: Interior and Comfort

The honeycomb-textured insert that covers the majority of the dash and subtly conceals the air vents is a feature of the CR-elegant V's interior design. With an analog speedometer and a 7.0-inch display that enables the driver to switch between several informational menus, the gauge cluster is partially digital and is framed by the steering wheel. According to Honda, the new CR-V's improved driving position and front seats are intended to reduce driver fatigue on long trips.

There is a sizable center console storage compartment between the front-seat occupants, and behind them are reclining back seats with an increase in rear legroom of 0.6 inches over the previous CR-V. Behind the second row, there are 36 cubic feet of cargo space; on gas-only models, there are 39 cubic feet with the adjustable load floor in the lowest position.

2023 CR-V: Connectivity

The EX and Sport trim levels of the CR-V have 7.0-inch touchscreens that control the infotainment system. Physical volume and tuning knobs, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all included in the arrangement. The 9.0-inch touchscreen on the EX-L and Sport Touring models has cordless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The larger display lacks a tuning knob, but it does have a volume control for the integrated navigation system, two USB-C connections for the passengers in the backseat, and wireless smartphone charging. The top-tier CR-V Sport Touring must be purchased if you want the 12-speaker Bose audio system.

2023 CR-V: Pricing

For the segment, the 2023 CR-V has a high starting price. However, it has a tonne of basic features that (perhaps) make up for the greater price. The MSRP for the entry-level EX model with front-wheel drive is $31,110, while the price for the sport touring hybrid is $39,840.

Which one to Purchase?

For 2023, Honda has simplified the CR-V lineup into four trim levels. Models EX and EX-L can only run on gas. We would recommend the Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid the most because they are the only models available with a hybrid powertrain. It's hard to resist the front-wheel-drive CR-V Hybrid Sport. With a starting price as low as $33,695, it outperforms the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in the city with an EPA-estimated 43 mpg.

It also has elegant black exterior elements, black 18-inch alloys, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Although the Sport Touring Hybrid is more expensive, it includes all-wheel drive as standard and several other upscale features that significantly improve the driving experience.