It’s wise to make evolved rather than radical changes when upgrading a bestseller. That’s precisely what happened with the 2023 Honda CR-V. The CR-V continues to offer the features that customers have enjoyed about it in past generations, even if it is practically new for 2023. Honda’s best-selling compact SUV has almost all the practical requirements covered. We typically understand their designs as quite functional. But it’s difficult to dodge noting how much more balanced and aesthetically pleasing this iteration is than its predecessor. The design evokes the heyday of Honda in the 1980s and 1990s with simple artistry.
The 2023 Honda CR-V is the sixth generation, and it is bigger, broader, and roomier with more technology and a modernized interior. It also receives an upgraded hybrid powertrain that ought to make driving more enjoyable. Honda has capitalized on what has made the CR-V a success for so long, while also mixing machinery and features from other Hondas. Here are some of the qualities that make the 2023 Honda CR-V worth your money.
The 2023 Honda CR-V Delivers Excellent Value
The fact that it has consistently been the best-selling small SUV would suggest that Honda’s way of thinking is supported. In light of this, an upgraded CR-V over the EX trim seems to be worth the little price boost.
Without destination charges, the 2023 Honda CR-V will now start at $31,110. That represents an increase of almost $1,800 over the 2022 EX model. The CR-V Hybrid models, which start at $32,450 for the Sport with front-wheel drive and $35,195 for AWD, offer the best value. The leather-trimmed EX-L raises the original EX price by $2,650 to $33,760 if you’re interested in a little extra opulence. While the most expensive Sport Premium variant, which comes with AWD, costs $38,600.
The price difference between the Sport Touring and the EX-L is $3340. But in this case, we also need to account for the 19-inch wheels, 12-speaker Bose stereo, heated steering wheel, hands-free power tailgate, and other perks of the Touring model. That’s besides the CR-V enhanced interior, appealing cockpit, friendly infotainment, and other enhancements that Honda bestowed on it generally. Although all-wheel drive is standard on the Sport Touring AWD Hybrid, it is optional on other versions and costs an extra $1,500.
If the new Honda could accommodate six or seven seat, it would be on an equal footing with the VW Tiguan and Mitsubishi Outlander. The price range for the Toyota RAV4 series is between $27,000 to $38,000, with hybrid models making up the more expensive half of that number. The CR-V can also gain a crucial advantage over the RAV4 as a result.
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Powertrain Is Very Efficient
The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powers the base engine, available in the EX and EX-L model. It produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and two electric motors make up the upgraded hybrid powertrain. Which has a combined output of 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The torque increase, from 232 lb-ft to 247 lb-ft, is a modest increase in power compared to the previous hybrid. Hybrid vehicles may now tow up to 1,000 lbs for the first time. This is because there is no longer a single axis shared by the internal combustion engine, electric motor, and generator.
Look for the Sport or Sport Touring badge if you desire your 2023 CR-V to be a hybrid. These two variants not only offer the best fuel economy of the bunch but also the sportiest and smooth driving of all, with the Sport Touring being the vehicle with the most luxurious interior. Essentially, the hybrid is more economical and responsive, averaging 40 MPG combined with all-wheel drive and 37 MPG combined with front-wheel drive. That’s a reduction of 1 combined MPG from before, although it hardly affects.
The 2023 Honda CR-V Has A Spacious Cabin
Due to its greater dimensions, the CR-V can carry more passengers and cargo. The previous CR-V was already one of the roomiest vehicles in its class. Another nice adjustment is that the CR-V maintains and improves its superb load capacity. The steadily increased space is most notable for allowing 6-footers to sit in the back seats, which offer more than 40 inches of legroom. The back seat does not fold down, but the maximum load volume is now the best-in-segment at 76.5 cubic feet.
There are essentially no driver-assist options because Honda includes so many basic safety measures in the SUV. It stands as a pioneer in terms of safety performance, which now includes upgraded and expanded Honda Sensing driver assistance technology with a new front sensor camera and radar system. New front knee, rear side impact, and next-generation front airbags are all included as standard equipment. The newest model year of the Honda CR-V has the capability to be the best one ever.
Source: Honda