The 2023 Honda CR-V is a versatile and reliable SUV that excels in style, performance, and safety. With its range of advanced features, engine options, and spacious interior, it’s an excellent choice for a diverse set of drivers. Whether you seek a fuel-efficient commute or a stylish family vehicle, the Honda CR-V is a top contender in the compact SUV segment, even in the face of strong competition from the Mazda CX-50, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Kia Sportage. It’s more than a vehicle; it’s a lifestyle choice. In this article, we’ll look at the Honda CR-V’s essential features, performance, and why it’s a top pick in its class.
The CR-V’s Immediate Success
The Honda CR-V was an instant smash when it arrived last year, garnering the renowned 10Best Trucks and SUVs award. This award recognizes the CR-V’s continually outstanding performance. The CR-V has it all: adequate capacity, agreeable driving dynamics, front- or all-wheel drive options, a 190-hp turbocharged engine, and even an optional 204-hp hybrid version. Notably, the hybrid powertrain achieves an impressive 40 mpg combined, making it an environmentally aware pick.
What’s New for 2024?
The Honda CR-V has exciting updates for 2024. It introduces a Sport-L trim level, bridging the gap between the Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims. The Sport-L is exclusively offered as a hybrid and features standard front-wheel drive with an optional all-wheel drive. This trim level includes several enhancements:
- Leather seats
- A four-way power passenger seat
- Front and rear parking sensors
- A wireless charging pad
- Satellite Radio
- Driver’s-seat memory
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
- A generous 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (2.0 inches larger than the Sport’s)
- An eight-speaker audio system that surpasses the Sport’s six-speaker setup but falls short of the Sport Touring’s Bose-branded 12-speaker system.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Honda CR-V offers a variety of engine options to suit different preferences and driving needs. The standard engine is a 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive. This setup is available in the LX, EX, and EX-L models.
For those seeking a hybrid experience, the Sport and Sport Touring trims exclusively come with a hybrid powertrain. This hybrid setup combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined total of 204 horsepower. The Sport offers the option of front- or all-wheel drive, while the Sport Touring includes all-wheel drive as standard. During testing, the Sport Touring Hybrid reached 60 mph in a respectable 7.9 seconds.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Honda CR-V showcases versatility with a towing capacity of up to 1500 pounds. However, it’s important to note that the Honda CR-V Hybrid has a slightly lower towing capacity of 1000 pounds when equipped with optional towing accessories.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The CR-V’s powertrain options offer choices between a 190-hp 1.5-liter gas engine and a 204-hp hybrid unit that combines a 2.0-liter engine with two electric motors. The front-wheel-drive Honda CR-V with the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder provides impressive EPA estimates of 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. For the eco-conscious, the front-wheel-drive Sport Hybrid is an excellent choice, achieving 43 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, outperforming the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid‘s city rating.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside the Honda CR-V, you’ll find a handsome interior design featuring a honeycomb-textured insert spanning most of the dash. This insert discreetly hides the air vents, adding a touch of sophistication to the cabin. The steering wheel frames a partially digital gauge cluster with an analog speedometer and a 7.0-inch display that allows the driver to swap between different informational menus.
Honda has designed the front seats for long trips, aiming to reduce driver fatigue. The Honda CR-V offers an improved driving position, making it even more comfortable. There’s ample space between front-seat passengers, with a large center console bin. Reclining back seats provide an extra 0.6 inch of rear legroom compared to the outgoing model. Cargo space is generous, with 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 39 cubic feet on gas-only models, thanks to the adjustable load floor.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The CR-V’s infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive. On the LX, EX, and Sport trim levels, it operates through a 7.0-inch touchscreen and features physical volume and tuning knobs. The system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
For those who prefer a larger screen, the EX-L and Sport Touring models come with a 9.0-inch touchscreen. This larger display includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although it lacks a tuning knob. Additionally, it offers two USB-C ports for rear-seat passengers and wireless smartphone charging. Audiophiles will appreciate the 12-speaker Bose sound system, which is standard in the Honda CR-V Sport Touring.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is a top priority for Honda, and the Honda CR-V reflects this commitment. Every CR-V comes equipped with a wide range of standard driver-assistance technology. This includes forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning.
Newly added features include blind-spot monitoring, a driver-attention monitor, traffic sign recognition, and a back-seat reminder. For comprehensive information about the CR-V’s safety performance, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
