Honda is introducing the all-new 2023 CR-V - the most powerful CR-V ever thanks to a new hybrid powertrain. The sixth generation model gives off a sportier vibe, taking its rugged cues from Honda new design direction that we first saw on the recently redesigned Ridgeline and Passport TrailSport. Honda also says the SUV is also more fun to drive with refined driving dynamics, more torque and capability.
The new CR-V will be available in four trims, including the new hybrid-powered and more boldly styled CR-V Sport and Sport Touring as the new top of the CR-V model line. With 247 lb.-ft of torque from the new generation hybrid system, they are the most powerful CR-Vs ever. Honda says CR-V hybrid models will represent about 50 percent of CR-V sales.
Design
The new CR-V is longer and wider with a broader stance and powerful front end with standard LED headlights.
EX and EX-L feature a gloss black grille mesh with a chrome trim, body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals and standard 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. A sleek body-color roof spoiler and a new, all-LED interpretation of signature vertical taillights make the 6th-generation CR-V instantly recognizable from the rear.
2023 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid. Credit: Honda.
On the Sport and Sport Touring hybrid models, more aggressive front and rear facias and grille mesh are highlighted with a gloss black accent and both are equipped rectangular exhaust finishers. The unique lower bumper design is gloss black on Sport and platinum on Sport Touring. The underside of the rear spoiler is matte black on Sport, and gloss black on Sport Touring.
CR-V Sport rides on grade-specific Berlina Black 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, while Sport Touring features black 19-inch split 5-spoke alloys.
Interior
Honda says the driver-centric cabin features clean surfacing, high-quality feel of materials and upscale touches. The lineup offers either cloth and leather upholstery depending on the trim. Honda also more comfortable and roomier than ever - and that includes the largest center console bin in its class.
2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid. Credit: Honda.
New front Body Stabilizing Seats reduce fatigue over long drives and the steering wheel angle is more sedan-like for a more comfortable, sportier driving position. The 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats now feature eight angles of recline for increased comfort.
Technology
Technology includes a digital instrument display and a larger standard touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.
The 7-inch digital instrument panel features an all-digital tachometer on EX and EX-L, or a digital power flow meter on Sport and Sport Touring, on the left and a physical speedometer on the right side. The 7-inch multi-information display features user-selectable functions such as Honda Sensing® settings, vehicle information and more.
2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid. Credit: Honda.
A new 7-inch touchscreen audio system is standard on the two lower trims along with USB-A and USB-C ports. The hybrid models get a larger 9-inch touchscreen with a physical volume knob, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility and a simplified navigation structure with fewer menus. Wireless smartphone charging is also standard for the top two trims.
Audio wise, you'll want the CR-V Touring if you're a music fan. It features a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system Honda says was custom-engineered for the new interior.
Powertrains and Capability
Honda says the CR-V is also sportier and more engaging to drive thanks to chassis updates and a significantly stronger structure along with suspension and steering updates.
For the sportiest driving feel you'll want a hybrid (CR-V Sport and Sport Touring) with Honda's all-new 4th-generation two-motor hybrid-electric system. It produces a combined system output of 204- hp (a 3 hp increase, while torque increases 15 lb.-ft to rises to 247.) Honda also says the new hybrid-electric system is more refined at highway speeds and for the first time the CR-V offers up to 1,000 pounds of towing capacity.
The other engine option (EX and EX-L) is an updated 1.5-liter turbo engine with improved emissions performance and 190-horsepower. Honda says it's also reduced engine noise significantly. The turbo engine is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with Step-Shift programming that simulates gear changes at full throttle.
The CR-V's available AWD drive system is also updated with improved traction in slippery conditions like snow or mud. It's available on every trim, and standard on the top range Sport Touring. New for 2023: Hill Descent Control, standard across the lineup, which increases off-road capability with more control on steep, slippery declines.
As far as drive modes go, in addition to Normal and Econ modes, a new Snow mode maximizes available traction and performance is slick snowy conditions. Sport and Sport Touring models add a Sport mode.
Safety
Notable safety updated include new driver and passenger airbags that were introduced on the new Civic. They are designed to minimize the potential for severe brain trauma associated with angled frontal collisions. Also, for the first time, CR-V features standard knee and rear-passenger side impact airbags.
Standard Rear Seatbelt Reminder and Rear Seat Reminder are also welcome new standard additions to the CR-V and it also gets a Driver Attention Monitor.
A new Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver assistive technologies integrates a new wide-angle camera and millimeter-wave radar. The new camera features a 90-degree field of view, while the radar has a 120-degree field of view. This wide angle improves collision prevention performance via improved ability to recognize attributes of objects, such as a vehicles or pedestrians, as well as white lines, road boundaries like curbs, other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, and road signs. The wide angle also enables expanded control range for CR-V at intersections.
Blind spot information (BSI) is now standard. Also new are Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Low-Speed Braking Control and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), as well as more natural responses for existing features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS).
The 2023 CR-V is launching this summer, with the Hybrid model launching later in the year.
Photo Credit: Honda.