’23 CR-V gets welcome makeover
It’s now forgotten that small sport utility vehicles were once dubbed “cute utes,” implying that these vehicles weren’t true SUVs. However, they’ve since become the most popular vehicles on the market because of their spacious interiors, compact footprints, exceptional fuel economy and reasonable prices.
One such cute ute, the Honda CR-V, is Honda’s most popular vehicle in 2021, and the fifth-bestselling car in America.
And for 2023, the Honda CR-V receives a total makeover. The sixth generation of the Honda CR-V comes with a conventional gas-power in EX and fancier EX-L trim, or as a gas-electric hybrid in Sport and top-of-theline Sport Touring trim. All come with front-wheel or all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission except for the Sport Touring, which gets standard all-wheel drive.
The sixth-generation model possesses a simple, square-jawed, clean design that is the hallmark of classic Honda design. And if it looks bigger, that’s because it is.
The boxy styling and larger size bring with it more cabin space. But front seat passengers aren’t the only ones to get more space; rear seat legroom is noticeably more generous. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even for long stretches behind the wheel.
The instrument panel can be fitted with a 9-inch touchscreen, although a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster are standard. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are also standard, while wireless charging is available. The infotainment system is simpler to use than in the past. But the software
still doesn’t have a direct tuning feature or knob.
When it comes time to tackle traveling, you’ll find that EX and EX-L CR-Vs come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 190 horsepower and 179 poundfeet of torque. It returns an EPA-rated 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving with frontwheel drive, 29 mpg with all-wheel drive. Sport and Sport Touring Hybrids get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a traction motor to assist the engine and a generator motor to recharge the battery pack. It produces 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while returning an EPA-rated at 40 mpg with front-wheel drive, 37 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Having had a chance to drive the Sport Touring Hybrid, I can say it’s easily the better driveline, as the conventional gas driveline lags its hybrid sibling in power and fuel economy. Because the CR-V is a conventional hybrid and not a plug-in hybrid, it cannot travel long distances on electricity alone.
The CR-V lacked the instantaneous, seamless torque that is typical of electrified drivelines, and switching into the Sport driving mode makes it livelier, but not noticeably quicker. Also, the engine gets extremely vocal when pushed hard. Notably, the Hybrid lacks the indecisive power delivery typical of continuously variable transmissions, making it surprisingly enjoyable to drive. It’s modestly athletic, with well-controlled body lean in corners and good bump absorption. The steering ratio is perfect, enhancing the driving feel. Still, some may wish for more power.
The 2023 Honda CR-V is a welcome upgrade with additional interior space, a more fuel-efficient drivetrain and a classic Honda design aesthetic, making it more alluring than ever. Although it isn’t as enjoyable to drive as Honda’s sportiest models, it demonstrates sufficient proficiency to be engaging without sacrificing usefulness.