The 2023 Honda CR-V is a five-seat compact crossover sized and styled like a Volkswagen Tiguan. But with a hybrid option it also compares with the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Hyundai Tucson.
Yeah. It hits like soup: Satisfying when you want it, even better when you need it. Loaded with more standard safety and convenience features and an even roomier cabin, the redesigned CR-V earns a TCC Rating of 6.8 out of 10 that could improve once crash testing is completed. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
The CR-V gets a full redesign for the 2023 model year with revised powertrains that emit less emissions and a CR-V Hybrid with more power.
It’s slightly less efficient due to the larger footprint of the CR-V. Wider, longer, and sporting a longer wheelbase, the new CR-V stretches into Passport proportions with vast cargo space and roomy enough seats to fit five adults.
Exterior styling reflects the CR-V’s growth and the sedate LX and EX trims could easily be mistaken for the Volkswagen Tiguan with its high-shouldered hood and simple body panels. A broader front grille channels the mid-size Passport, while thin A-pillars nod to the latest Civic. The Civic’s influence carries over inside, with dark metallic trim and tasteful accents that instill a sense of calm.
The Sport and Sport Touring hybrid models add some pop with black wheels and dark exterior trim elements.
The base 1.5-liter turbo-4 mostly carries over with tweaks to the turbocharger that let it hit peak torque a little earlier and extend the same efficiency on the CR-V’s larger body. It’s never quick off the line, but it’s capable of bursts of passing power when needed. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) does a predictable but slurred job of approximating shifts in shuttling power to the front wheels or available all-wheel drive. Honda introduced standard hill descent control and a new snow mode but we wouldn’t be too daring off-road.
The Sport hybrids make a bigger splash with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors that boost total output to 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid is more responsive, more efficient, and notably more refined, and there’s no sacrifice for the benefits—which loom large, at 37 mpg combined with AWD and 40 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. For the first time, hybrid models can tow up to 1,000 lb.
The CR-V’s larger proportions increase cargo and passenger volume. The big front seats can swallow smaller occupants in comfort, and 6-footers can act their size in rear seats that have more than 40 inches of leg room. Excellent use of small and large item storage, including a tiered cargo floor, extend cargo room to 39.3 cubic feet. Fold down the reclining 60/40-split rear seats and hit Costco, retrieve John from the dog groomer, and pick up Fido from school with 76.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the front seats.
Honda equips the CR-V with so many standard safety features that there are virtually no driver-assist options. The automatic emergency braking system comes with a wider field of view, adaptive cruise control works down to a stop, active lane control and blind-spot monitors help drivers avoid crashes. The IIHS bestowed its highest safety honor with a Top Safety Pick+ designation.
How much does the 2023 Honda CR-V cost?
The base LX costs $29,705, including a $1,295 destination fee. It comes with a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and 17-inch wheels. For heated front seats and a power driver’s seat, as well as dual-zone climate control and more stylish 18-inch wheels, step up to the EX for $32,405.
The $35,005 EX-L adds a 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone compatibility with a wireless charger, and an 8-speaker audio system, but the true value lies in the Sport trim that comes standard as a hybrid for $34,245. All-wheel drive adds $1,500 on Sport and EX grades.
On the range-topping Sport Touring, AWD comes standard. It has the EX-L gear plus a Bose audio system, a wi-fi hotspot, and 19-inch wheels.
Where is the 2023 Honda CR-V made?
In North America at one of three plants, in Ohio, Indiana, or Canada.
