This summer saw the introduction of the 2023 Honda CR-V, with the Hybrid variant coming later in the year. A crucial milestone in Honda’s electrification ambition, CR-V hybrid versions are positioned at the top of the CR-V range and will account for around 50% of sales for this generation.

The 6th generation CR-V highlights

The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V comes with a tough and sophisticated look, as well as a new, more advanced 4th generation hybrid-electric powertrain, for a fuel-efficient, sporty, and more competent driving experience. This raises the stakes for America’s best-selling SUV of the previous 25 years.

2023 Honda CR-V: new looks, fuel efficiency and more fun

There are four different CR-V trim levels, with the new hybrid-powered and more obnoxiously designed Honda CR-V Sport and Sport Touring serving as the new CR-V model line’s flagship model. They are the most potent CR-Vs ever with 247 lb.-ft of torque from the next-generation two-motor hybrid powertrain.

“As America’s outright best-selling SUV of the past 25 years the Honda CR-V has played acritical role in our past, but what’s significant about the all-new CR-V is the important role it will play in our future – with the CR-V hybrid to represent about 50 percent of sales. More stylish, more rugged, more tech and more fun-to-drive, this 6th generation CR-V will be best in class in a large segment where that really matters,” said Mike Kistemaker, assistant vice president of Honda sales at American Honda.

Technology at the forefront

With the driver in mind, technology has been thoughtfully incorporated into the new Honda CR-V cockpit, featuring a digital instrument display and a noticeably bigger standard touchscreen with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The 7-inch digital instrument panel has a physical speedometer on the right side and an all-digital tachometer on EX and EX-L models, or a digital power flow meter on Sport and Sport Touring models. User-selectable options on the 7-inch multi-information display include Honda Sensing settings, vehicle information, and more.

On EX and Sport, a new 7-inch touchscreen audio system with real volume and tuning knobs and a streamlined menu layout are standard. The storage space in front of the shifter has two lit USB ports, a 2.5A USB-A and a 3.0A USB-C, which are both standard, and large enough to fit two cell phones side by side. On Sport and Sport Touring models, two LED 3.0A USB-C charging connections are included as standard.

2023 Honda CR-V: new looks, fuel efficiency and more fun

A standard 9-inch touchscreen with a physical volume knob, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, and a streamlined navigation system with fewer menus are all features of the 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L and Sport Touring. Additionally standard is 15W Qi wireless smartphone charging.

A 12-speaker Bose premium audio system designed specifically for the redesigned cabin is included with the CR-V Sport Touring. The new system, which includes Bose Centerpoint technology and SurroundStage digital signal processing, puts all passengers, regardless of where they are seated, in the center of the music and provides a crisp and roomy listening experience.

2023 Honda CR-V’s new design features

The 2023 Honda CR-V’s brand-new, tough and slick style, which draws influence from the newly updated Ridgeline and Passport TrailSport light trucks, furthers Honda’s robust external design philosophy for its light trucks. Its increased total length (+2.7 inches) is highlighted by a strong horizontal beltline, and its 1.6-inch larger wheelbase and 0.4-inch wider body give it a stronger, more aggressive look.

The new CR-V’s sportier proportions and enhanced visibility are directly related to the drastic relocation of its windscreen pillars. These A-pillars’ bases have shifted 4.7 inches in the rearward direction, 2.8 inches outward, and 1.4 inches below. These modifications significantly increase visibility when coupled with the new side mirrors that are positioned on the doors.

A big, vertical grille, a tall hood, and standard LED headlights highlight the bold new appearance. EX and EX-L come standard with 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, a gloss black grille mesh with a chrome accent, and body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

2023 Honda CR-V: new looks, fuel efficiency and more fun

The new, all-LED version of the CR-V’s trademark vertical taillights and a svelte roof spoiler in the vehicle’s body color make it easy to identify the sixth-generation Honda CR-V from the back.

Space is the defining feature of the inside

The brand-new sporty and contemporary interior draws on the new Honda design approach with clean surfaces, high-quality materials, and upmarket details. The CR-V is also more roomy and comfortable than ever, with an increase of 0.6 inches in rear seat legroom and a noticeably bigger front-to-back seat pair distance. For greater comfort, the back seats now recline in eight different directions.

With the goal of minimizing windshield reflections and other possible visual distractions, the instrument panel’s top has been built with a few cutlines. The air vents that would otherwise disrupt the simple and harmonious design are hidden by a stunning metal honeycomb mesh that spans the dash.

New body stabilizing on the front Long-distance driver weariness is reduced by the seats, and a more sedan-like steering wheel angle provides a more relaxed, sportier driving posture. With nine liters of room, the center console bin between the front seats is the biggest in its class.

2023 Honda CR-V: new looks, fuel efficiency and more fun

With 36.3 cu. ft. of space accessible behind the back seats in both the turbocharged (+1.2 cu. ft.) and hybrid (+3.1 cu. ft.) variants, the 2023 Honda CR-V offers the largest cargo space in the model’s history. The rear load floor of the EX and EX-L models may be lowered to increase the payload capacity to 39.3 cu.-ft. The cargo area increases to 76.5 cu. ft. when the 60/40 split rear seatbacks are folded flat.

Top hybrid powertrains

With a newly improved 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine that adds direct fuel injection and is coupled to a pair of electric motors that are now mounted side-by-side, the CR-V Sport and Sport Touring feature an entirely new 4th generation two-motor hybrid-electric system for a sportier driving experience.

With this new arrangement, a bigger propulsion motor with more torque may be used. The combined system power is 2041 hp (an increase of 3 hp, ISO net), and the peak torque of the traction motor is 247 lb.-ft (up 15 lb.-ft.).

At highway speeds, the hybrid-electric system is more refined and now has a towing capability of up to 1,000 pounds. By simulating the vehicle speed-linked rev sensation associated with a traditional powertrain moving gears at wide open throttle, Linear Shift Control improves the driving experience.

The new hybrid-electric powertrain also enables a notable rise in maximum sustained speed, from 86 mph to 115 mph.

The Honda CR-V EX and EX-revised L’s 1.5-liter turbo engine has 190 horsepower, greater emissions performance, and enhanced refinement (SAE net at 6,000 rpm). A new high-efficiency, high-response turbocharger and cylinder head with a 4-2 exhaust port are two improvements that enable the 4-cylinder engine to sustain peak power over a wider rpm range.

The 179 lb.-ft. of torque, it produces peaks 300 rpm sooner, from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm, which improves responsiveness. Additionally, engine noise has been greatly decreased.

2023 Honda CR-V: new looks, fuel efficiency and more fun

Enhanced safety features

Thanks to cutting-edge active and passive safety technology that is standard on every CR-V, the 6th-generation CR-V leads the small SUV segment in terms of safety features and performance. This incorporates the most recent iteration of the ACE design, which has been improved for even greater interoperability with bigger vehicles.

This was accomplished by building new top A-pillar, side, and lower firewall structures that were all intended to distribute crash energy throughout the cabin. Additionally, side impact safety has been enhanced thanks to a sturdier roof, side sill and B-pillar, door, and rear wheel arch and C-pillar constructions.

The 2023 Honda CR-V is intended to fulfill present criteria, including Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star ratings, as well as expected future standards.

A new wide-angle camera and millimeter-wave radar are integrated into the Honda Sensing portfolio of safety and driver assistance technologies. The radar has a 120-degree field of vision, whilst the new camera has a 90-degree one.

Through a better capacity to distinguish between different types of things, such as cars or pedestrians, white lines, road borders like curbs, other cars, bikes, motorbikes, and pedestrians, this broad angle enhances accident avoidance effectiveness. The broad angle also gives the CR-V an increased range of control at crossings.

Today, blind spot information (BSI) is required. Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Low-Speed Braking Control, and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) are additional new capabilities. Additionally, current functions like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist now respond in a more natural manner (LKAS).

The new Honda CR-V has a Driver Attention Monitor that flashes a warning when it detects the driver is about to lose focus. Rear Seat Reminder, a brand-new feature for the CR-V, alerts drivers to check the space behind the rear seats for children, pets, or other valuable items before getting out of the car.

Prices and availability

The turbocharged variants are available in dealerships since September 22 and are followed by hybrid models in October.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the CR-V EX is $31,110. The base price of the 2023 CR-V Sport, an electric hybrid, is $32,450.




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