The Honda CR-V cannot possibly be all things to all people, but for a large majority of American families, it fits the bill - possibly now better than ever before.
Honda's first CR-V was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model. The vehicle has gone through six iterations, leading to the sixth-generation 2023 Honda CR-V. It has been America's best-selling crossover since 1997, besting the popular Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, and Mazda CX-5.
For the latest version of the CR-V, Honda focused on the crossover's design, utility, power, dynamics, technology and user experience, pulling in equipment and features from other Hondas while building on what has made the CR-V a favorite for so long.
The CR-V is virtually all new. Its face foregoes the bulldog-like bottom lip design of the fifth-generation for an upright grille, elongated hood, and sleek headlamps. The rear sports the SUV's trademark taillight design in a fresh way with the typical Honda "H" at the center below the glass.
Honda has changed the overall shape of the CR-V, veering away from a bulbous body style and more toward the look of its forthcoming all-electric SUV, the Prologue.
Buyers are able to choose from two power plants, with Honda doing away with the name "CR-V Hybrid" and instead just offering a hybrid engine as one of the options. The fourth-generational two-motor hybrid system is stronger than the outgoing version, with 15 pound-feet (lb-ft) more torque and three additional horsepower (hp).
A new, turbocharged 1.5-liter engine is also an option, delivering 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque.
Mechanical evolutions in powertrain combine with sound deadening insulation to deliver power in a quieter fashion than the last CR-V did.
Two- and all-wheel drive is available with each engine. CR-V models equipped with the hybrid engine and two-wheel drive achieve an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated 43 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 40 mpg combined. Opting for all-wheel drive decreases those numbers to 40 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined.
New engineering makes the car capable of a 50-50 torque split for the front and rear, enabling better drivability.
Drivers have the choice of four drive modes: Sport, Normal, Econ and Snow. Sport mode makes the accelerator more responsive while Normal, the default setting, is tuned for daily drivability. Econ smooths accelerator inputs and decrease the operation of air conditioning. Snow mode smooths those inputs even more.
Honda's team has engineered the CR-V to be able to tow up to 1,000 pounds. That's not as much as many SUVs, but it is enough for a family to be able to take dirt bikes to the trailhead on a trailer.
The interior has undergone as many changes as the exterior from a dramatic shift in design language to increased seating comfort and expansive storage space. CR-V's new dashboard takes its cues from the Civic. The crossover retains physical controls for climate and radio controls.
Redesigned seats have additional lumbar, thigh, and pelvis support. Rear legroom is improved, as is access to and operation of lower anchors on the back seats.
Storage improvements start at the front where there's enough cubby space for two smartphones. It continues throughout the cabin with best-in-class console storage, eight cupholders, 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats up and 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded (up 3 cubic feet from the fifth-generation model).
The Honda's tailgate is now quieter and quicker than ever with reduced gear noise and increased motor speed.
A 7-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on CR-V Sport while a 9-inch is available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard with wireless connectivity coming with the 9-inch screen. Wireless phone charging is also available. Up front are USB Type-A and USB Type-C charging ports.
Changes to the Honda infotainment operating system have resulted in fewer menus for easier operation.
New CR-V comes loaded with new and updated safety and driver assist technology. The Honda Sensing suite of technology was introduced in 2015. For the 2023 model year it includes collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor.
The highest grades of CR-V come with low speed braking control and a parking sensor system as well.
Honda is selling the 2023 CR-V in four grades: EX, Sport, EX-L and Sport Touring. CR-V EX and EX-L come exclusively with the gasoline engine. CR-V Sport and Sport Touring vehicles are hybrids.
The starting price of the 2023 Honda CR-V is $31,110. It tops out at $38,600, before destination and delivery fees.
2023 Honda CR-V Review
Top to bottom the new CR-V is better than any previously sold Honda crossover.
The looks of the sixth generation are a massive improvement over the fifth. With modern proportions and sophisticated style, no longer do CR-V owners have a reason to feel as if their vehicle is merely a compromise mommy-mobile as they approach it in a parking lot.
The difference between the CR-V powertrain options is larger than the numbers make it look on paper. The gasoline power plant is less than zippy, but still worlds better than any of the turbos General Motors is pushing out in its modern crossovers. That powertrain is also noisier than the hybrid option, which delivers smooth and better-than-expected acceleration.
With the fuel efficiency of the hybrid and its competitive pricing, opting for a CR-V in that configuration is a no-brainer.
Steering inputs are less numb than expected with engagement being more on par with the CX-5 than the Rogue.
Honda's interior improvements are welcome changes to a cabin that was, at best, a value proposition in the previous generation. The seats are worlds more comfortable. Four adults easily fit in the SUV thanks to the spacious rear seat.
CR-V retains its excellent cargo capacity, and builds on it in this generation, another welcome change. It's downright cavernous, and thanks to its low load floor loading up from the latest Costco run is an easy proposition.
Changes to the infotainment system have greatly improved it, though it's not flawless. Still less sophisticated than those from Jeep or Mercedes, the changes do move the system to be on par with Toyota and worlds ahead of what Subaru, Mazda and Nissan deliver in usability, appeal, and layout.
The CR-V's lane centering and keeping technology, driver attention monitor, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring work as advertised without any of the onerous nanny-like reminders of their capabilities.
Overall, the Honda CR-V is a home run. It puts the model on a level playing field with the impressive Kia Sportage, one of Newsweek's Editor's Picks for 2022.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull leads the Autos team at Newsweek. She has written extensively about the auto industry for U.S. News & ... Read more
