The Honda CR-V has been a consistently strong seller since its U.S. introduction 25 years ago, and Honda is betting it will gain even more momentum this coming year when it gets a complete makeover for the 2023 model year.
The sixth-generation CR-V grows longer, wider and roomier, with additional technology and an upgraded interior. It also gets an updated hybrid powertrain that should make it more fun to drive, according to Honda, even as it delivers the sort of mileage motorists will appreciate at a time when gas prices remain near record levels.
“As America’s outright best-selling SUV of the past 25 years the Honda CR-V has played a critical 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,” said Mike Kistemaker, assistant vice president of Honda brand sales at American Honda.
By the numbers
The 2023 Honda CR-V gains 2.7 inches in overall length and 0.4 inches in width. The 2023 model’s wheelbase has been stretched 1.6 inches. Meanwhile, one of the more “radical” changes to the crossover’s design sees the base of the windshield moved 4.7 inches rearward, 2.8 inches outward and 1.4 inches lower — a shift that improves visibility, said Honda in a statement.
The new dimensions also translate into a roomier cabin. Rear seat passengers, for example, now get another 0.6 inches of legroom and, said Honda, “There’s more cargo space, at 36.3 cubic feet, than any previous version of the CR-V. Fold down the back row and that more than doubles, at 76.5 cf.”
In keeping with the design language it’s introduced with other recent light truck updates, such as the Ridgeline pickup and Passport TrailSport SUV, the 2023 Honda CR-V has a more rugged appearance. That includes a more upright grille, a longer hood and a strong, horizontal beltline. There’s also an integrated roof spoiler, one of several touches meant to improve aerodynamics.
Two powertrain options
The 2023 Honda CR-V will be offered in four trim packages, the EX, EX-L, Sport and Sport Touring, and each will feature distinct exterior tweaks, starting with their grilles, front fascia and wheels. The Sport, for example, gets 18-inch 10-spoke Berlina black alloy wheels, with the Sport Touring shod with black 19-inch split 5-spoke alloy wheels.
The EX and EX-L, meanwhile, will be powered by a 1.5-liter turbo-4 making 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Power comes on at lower RPMs than the outgoing model to give it a sportier response, while Honda claims to have also reduced engine noise. The engine is mated to a revised CVT transmission that is programmed to replicate step shifts at full throttle.
But Honda’s hopes are primarily riding on the upgraded hybrid offered as standard equipment in the Sport and Sport Touring versions of the CR-V.
Sportier hybrid
This “newly refined” system pairs two electric motors with a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine, the package now producing 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. That’s up 3 hp and 15 lb-ft respectively and, Honda claims, gives the crossover a more sporty feel. The hybrid now can handle up to a 1,000-pound trailer for the first time, while the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid’s top speed climbs from 86 to 115 mph.
An ”Intelligent” all-wheel-drive system is available on all trim packages — and standard on the Sport Touring. Otherwise, the EX, EX-L and Sport send power to the front wheels.
There are a number of new tech features on the 2023 Honda CR-V. Among other things, it introduces Hill Descent Control for the first time. This functions as a low-speed cruise control, letting a driver set a speed of anywhere from 2 to 12 mph when negotiating a steep hill.
New technology
The Honda Sensing system is standard on all trim packages and offers a variety of advanced drivers assistance systems, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The 2023 model adds features such as Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Low-Speed Braking Control.
The CR-V EX and Sport models feature a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The higher trim EX-L and Sport Touring models get an upgraded 9-inch high-resolution touchscreen, as well as standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They also get a navigation system and Qi wireless smartphone charging. The Sport Touring also adds a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
Price, mileage TBA
Honda hasn’t released pricing for the 2023 CR-V yet. The current version of the crossover starts at $26,800. Also yet to be announced are fuel economy numbers. The current crossover gets up to 28 mpg City and 34 mpg Highway with its gas engine, and 40 City, 35 Highway with the hybrid.
Production of the sixth-generation CR-V will be spread out over three North American assembly plants, two in the U.S. and another in Canada. About five million have been assembled in North America since 2006, half in the U.S. facilities.
Look for a staggered rollout, the gas-powered versions of the 2023 Honda CR-V reaching showrooms later this summer, the hybrid to follow later this year.