If you’ve ever seen a Honda CR-V you’ve probably guessed that is the new 2023 CR-V. The title of the video might also have given it away. The now 6th-generation CR-V is built on the general architecture that underpins the latest Civic and HR-V. Compared to the former CR-V the new one is 2.7” longer and .4” wider.
As with the latest Civic, Honda has moved the CR-V’s A pillars rearward for improved forward visibility. In fact, the new cabin has a very Civic look to it, what with that honeycomb grille. The CR-V also gets the same body stabilizing seat design introduced on the HR-V. Oh, and look. The center console bin has grown huge. 9-liters. Power lumbar comes standard.
The new CR-V offers more cabin space and one place you see that is in the rear seats. Reclining rear seats with 8 angles. Rear vents come standard, too.
Rounding out the CR-V’s increase capaciousness is the cargo area. It’s a huge 36.3 cu-ft. Non-hybrid features a dropable load floor that adds 3 cu-ft.
The way Honda has divided up the CR-V lineup is interesting. Basically, there are 4 trims. The EX and EX-L get a 1.5 Turbocharged engine (190hp, 179 lb-ft) married to a continuously variable transmission. If it functions like the CVT in the HR-V, and I’m guessing it will, then I won’t have much to complain about. Honda has a knack for tuning CVT’s without the groaning, rubbery acceleration feel. Completing the CR-V lineup are the Sport and Sport Touring trims both featuring an updated hybrid powertrain that merges an efficient 2.0L gasoline engine with 2 electric motors. (204hp, 247 lb-ft) You’ll notice that 204 horsepower is more than 190 horsepower. Honda noticed that too, which is why they’ve included the Hybrid in their more elite trims.
On that note, Honda expects half of all 2023 CR-Vs they sell to be hybrids. I’m also told the hybrid mimics feel of a traditional automatic transmission and can tow 1,000 pounds.
So far, we don’t have details on fuel economy figures for either the 1.5L engine or the hybrid, which explains my speedy segue into the update all-wheel drive system that can now send up to 50% of the engine’s power to rear wheels. And if you’d rather not press the brake pedal when descending a dirt hill, you’ll be pleased to know that the 2023 CR-V new includes hill descent control.
Stylistically the new CR-V looks unmistakably like a CR-V but there is a sharpness to the design that gives the 2023 model presence.
All CR-V’s get standard LED head and taillights, and the smallest wheels you’ll find are 18-inch alloys. I like that the Sport and Sport Touring trims receive somewhat sportier facias, dark trim, and these rectangular exhaust finishers…though only the right one actually surrounds an exhaust outlet.
Moving back inside I can copy/paste from my HR-V video, noting that there’s a new 7” digital gauge cluster that standard on all trims. Infotainment comes via a standard 7” screen on the EX and Sport trims or, on the EX-L and Sport Touring Trims trim, this optional 9” screen. With either screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, though both are wireless with the 9-inch screen. And, as observed in the HR-V, the CR-V’s infotainment interface is simple with physical buttons for sub menus, and a place to anchor your thumb for steady inputs when driving.
Another CR-V strong suit is safety. The Honda Sensing suite of active driver assists comes standard and has been updated with a wide-view camera and radar for more effectively mitigating our human tendency to drive terribly. I’m also excited that blind spot warning is now standard and, if worse comes to worse, there are 10 airbags ready to deploy including rear passenger side impact and front driver and passenger knee airbags. Yes, I get excited about safety equipment. Don’t you?!?!
So far Honda hasn’t revealed pricing on the 2023 CR-V but the 2022 starts right under $27k and the new one almost certainly cost somewhat more than that. If you want a 2023 CR-V it goes on sale in the summer of 2022 with the hybrid arrive sometime later this year.
00:00 2023 Honda CR-V
0:24 Exterior
0:47 Interior
3:16 Engine
6:21 Safety Features
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