2023 Honda CR-V – First Drive
The Perfect All-In-One Cross-Over SUV
The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V continues its status momentum in reliability, fuel efficiency and a spacious interior. Better yet; this year’s new generation offers better looks inside out with loads of tech features and a generous set of standard driver assist, adaptive cruise control and safety tech features. Standard models get a 190 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the upgraded hybrid powertrain more power at 204 hp.
The all-new 2023 sixth generation Honda CR-V is larger in overall size; giving more room for all passengers. Refreshed styling also makes its way to the exterior with a more simplified and modern while the interior borrows the new contemporary design from the recently all-new Honda Civic. Honda also claims the base four-cylinder engine along with its hybrid CVT transmission and all-wheel drive system performances have been improved for the all-new sixth generation models.
Pricing
Base EX trim starts at just $32,905 while the highest Sport Touring Hybrid trim at $40,395. The latter hybrid model is attractive for fuel-cost savings and overall efficiency. Hybrid models are also offered in the Sport Hybrid, which is attractively priced in at just $34,245.
| EX | $32,900 |
| Sport Hybrid | $34,245 |
| EX-L | $35,600 |
| Sport Touring Hybrid | $40,425 |
Powertrain
Base non-hybrid models get a 190 horsepower turbocharged 1.5L engine paired with a CVT transmission. US buyers have the option to configure the CR-V in either FWD, or all-wheel drive while North American buyers are limited to just AWD. Hybrid models get an upgraded 2.0L non-turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors making a combined 204 horsepower.
Regardless of hybrid, the CR-V promises great fuel economy. Base 1.5L four-cylinder FWD models get an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 and 34 mpg on both city and highway driving while the hybrid all-wheel drive trims get a very respectable 43/36 mpg. That said, city drivers will benefit the most with the hybrid model that gets excellent fuel economy when off the highways.
Interior, Tech and Features
Most of the interior design elements are borrowed over from the recently released all-new Honda Civic from last year with a simple and functional all-digital cluster display, a unique honey-comb HVAC vent grille pattern and leatherette seats on our Sport Touring Hybrid tester model. A conventional gear lever is used in the center console in which we prefer Honda’s flat-button gear shifter button panel though.
Both front and rear seating room proved to be adequate for all our occasions thanks to the redesigned interior and roomier cabin space. Additional cargo space is made available thanks to its easy 60/40 folding rear seats via a simple pull of a spring lever on the rear seats. Rear cargo trunk capacity has also been improved for the sixth generation model, making the CR-V more practical for everyday use.
The Honda CR-V comes equipped with a standard 7″ infotainment touchscreen , but EX-L trims and up get an upgraded larger 9″ screen. Both systems are compatible with Android Auto for Apple Carplay for seamless samrtphone connectivity. Latter upgraded trims also get an improved 12-speaker Bose audio sound system.
Test Drive and Final Thoughts
Although the CR-V’s drive is boring, it is overall very functional, practical and very easy to drive. Visibility is great thanks to its large front and rear windows and an upright seating position and the ride-height is pretty good for ground clearance as well. There are a few minor performance quirks such as the slower throttle response and the need to punish the engine at higher-revs for acceleration, but the CR-V was overall capable with decent handling and comfort.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2023 Honda CR-V
- Model : EX-L
- Vehicle Type : 5-Passenger SUV
- Seating Capacity :2+3
- Engine : 1.5L Turbocharged (Non-Hybrid_
- Transmission : CVT
- Price as tested: $35,625
Pros
- Excellent fuel economy
- Great modern design
- Practical, clean and simple interior
- Great visibility and overall easy car to drive
Cons
- Unremarkable driving characteristic
- Sound isolation in cabin space can be improved