Amy Plemons is the Executive Producer of CarPro and an experienced car reviewer.
This week I bring you Honda's most popular SUV, currently the 2nd best-selling SUV of all sizes in America so far in 2023. Yes, I'm talking about none other than the Honda CR-V. All-new for 2023, the 6th-generation CR-V features a number of significant enhancements, improvements that will no doubt make it an even stronger force in the segment. It must also be said that hybrid models are the flagship models of the new CR-V lineup. There are two hybrids for 2023, with an added third hybrid trim joining the lineup in 2024. My test vehicle is the range-topping Sport Touring Hybrid.
2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid
Exterior
Designers did a fantastic job of giving the CR-V a more rugged, modern appeal following in the footsteps of Honda's other recently redesigned models.
The front-end is no longer ho-hum, but bold, and stylishly sporty. In the back you'll easily spot dual chrome exhaust finishers. The CR-V's dimensions are different too. It's longer and wider than the outgoing model which also adds appeal.
And here's a fun fact: the new CR-V has the longest hood in product history as it takes on Honda's new rugged light truck design direction.
My test vehicle features unique sporty black-accented styling, and can I just say I love the moody Canyon River Blue hue and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Exterior features include LED headlights and daytime running lights along with LED taillights, rain sensing wipers, heated power door mirrors, a tailgate spoiler and roof rails.
Powertrain
The new CR-V is powered by Honda's fourth-generation hybrid system which has a lot of mechanical updates. For our purposes, let's just say they really enhance the system. The new two-motor hybrid system is paired with a newly refined Atkinson-cycle engine which together produces 204-horsepower. The hybrid powertrain is standard on the Sport Touring model and it's impressive. Shifting was smooth and acceleration was great. Fuel economy is terrific as you'd imagine. The Sport Touring hybrid is also equipped with an available, updated, all-wheel drive system that includes a new Snow mode.
Interior
The only time I can recall being this impressed with a Honda interior is the all-new Pilot TrailSport I reviewed recently. Honda is really stepping up its game with its top-end interiors.
The Blue Canyon River exterior hue is matched with a Sport Black interior.
The Sport Touring model features unique sport styling and nice leather-trimmed and heated front seats, a leather-trimmed and heated steering wheel along with a leather-wrapped gear shift knob. Other design features include Honda's hallmark honeycomb patterned trim across the dash. Honda doesn't go overboard on the glossy black but you'll find some on the door panels and across the dash. Silver interior door handles and hardware add style.
A 10-way power driver's seat is extremely comfortable and certainly a highlight. (The passenger must make do with 4-way power.) The seats are very nicely crafted and cushiony with just the right amount of support and orange contrast stitching looks great.
Honda did a really nice job with its digital driver display. It's bright with nice graphics and I was really impressed with the drive mode graphics as well as the navigation and safety info graphics displayed on the left side.
The CR-V is roomy with a lot of headroom in the front row. You lose a bit of headroom in the back due to slightly stadium seating. The 60/40 split reclining second row is very comfortable for passengers. A drop-down armrest offers two cupholders.
You'll have to spring for the Sport Touring if you want a hands-free power lift gate. It opens up to an impressive amount of cargo space. However if I had to be picky, I'd say Honda could elevate the cargo space a bit more on the Sport Touring with more premium material.
The Sport Touring is also equipped with a power moonroof, floor mats, push-button start, and dual zone climate.
One complaint is that "automatic brake hold" seems to engage, well, automatically. Something I wish I'd known when I went through the car wash. Typically you have to enact this feature yourself. There could be a way to customize that setting, but I'm not sure.
Technology
On paper, admittedly my first instinct is to bemoan the smaller 9-inch multimedia screen as well, small. It's certainly not my favorite multimedia set-up out there, as it's a bit busy for lack of real estate, but looking back at the photos, the resolution, color, mapping and graphics are actually great. It's also very responsive. However, a larger screen with a higher resolution multi-view camera would be welcome.
The good news is that with the 9-inch screen on the hybrid models you'll get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include Bluetooth, along with Sirius XM. The Sport Touring's 12-speaker Bose premium audio system is definitely a highlight.
The Sport Touring is also equipped with a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition. The lineup's two hybrid models also feature a standard wireless charger and the Sport Touring benefits form WiFi hotspot capability.
Ride and Drive
I love what Honda is doing with its driving dynamics of late. The CR-V delivers a really fantastic and more refined ride and drive than in the past. It's definitely sportier and more engaging (and more fun to drive) with a better steering feel than I expected. There are four drives modes, including a new Snow mode, and Sport gives you the most driving engagement. The suspension feels great and and the CR-V is fairly quiet for its size. The 204-horsepower matched this SUV's size.
Safety
Honda Sensing is standard across the lineup. Features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigating Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation and Traffic Jam Assist.
Outside of Honda Sensing, the Sport Touring is also equipped with Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Information system, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and Driver Attention Monitor. Rear Seat Reminder is standard across the lineup.
What You'll Pay
This is one of the rare vehicle's I've reviewed with no added options. Price as equipped is just shy of $40K. The $1,245 hits me as a little high for destination, but overall I consider this compact SUV to be a great value.
Verdict
Way to go Honda! The all-new purposefully redesigned 2024 CR-V elevates the automaker's best-selling SUV as it should, in an increasingly competitive segment.
- What I liked most: Looks, Interior quality, seats, Bose sound, Driving dynamics.
- What I would change: Upgrade the cargo area materials.
- MSRP: Base price: 38,600/As equipped with destination: $39,845.
- Fuel Economy: 40 city/34 highway/37 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 3,602 miles.
- Weight: 3,926 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Tire Repair Kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 184.8"/73.5"/66.5". (AWD).
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 gallons with a capless fuel filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Canyon River Blue Metallic.
- Towing Capacity: 1,000 pounds.
- 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid in a few words: A fantastic redesign that elevates Honda's most popular vehicle to a more premium status.
- Warranty: 3-Year 36,000-Mile Limited Vehicle Warranty,5-Year/60,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty,5-Year Unlimited-Miles Corrosion Limited Warranty
- Final Assembly Location: Alliston, Ontario, Canada.
- Manufacturer's website: Honda
