The 2023 Honda CR-V gets a fresh redesign that brings an equipment shuffle and commitment to hybridization.
The original CR-V was one of the first models in the market to bring SUVs into the mainstream without a body-on-frame chassis. Five generations later, it outsells just about anything else Honda currently builds.
Honda is capitalizing on that success with the launch of the sixth-generation 2023 CR-V. The updated model brings it in line with its platform-mate, the Honda Civic, which also received a redesign recently. Similarities are obvious, as are equipment levels, with one big caveat. More on that in a sec.
Styling
The biggest change concerns the exterior, which does away with a lot of the funky details of the previous generation. Replacing the oddball cues is a design that’s a more streamlined, rugged appearance with a hint of premium, particularly on the rear side of the car. The floating L-shaped tail lights remain, receiving a sharper LED style reminiscent of the Volvo XC60.
Inside, the 2023 CR-V is effectively a mirror image of the Civic that it’s based on. This means the dashboard and features carry over to the bigger sibling. Sadly but unsurprisingly, the manual transmission won’t make a return here.
What the CR-V gains instead is hill descent control as standard, as well as blind-spot monitoring that supports the Honda Sensing system, which itself includes traffic-jam assist, low-speed braking control, and traffic-sign recognition system.
Performance
The 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder returns, making the same 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, with peak torque at lower RPMs than before. Further refinements mean the engine should be smoother. A continously-variable automatic transmission is standard. Sport and Sport Touring variants will be available.
In addition to having a blacked-out visual package, both the Sport and Sport Touring models are hybrids. A 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder is bolted to a two-motor hybrid-electric setup which replaces the CVT. The EPA hasn’t rated the new CR-V yet but anticipate improvements in fuel economy. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet.
The 2023 CR-V EX and EX-L will be released for sale during the summer months with the hybrid Sport and Sport Touring coming later toward the end of 2022.
[Images: Honda]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
I won’t be interested until either a) they put the 2.0T in it or b) the hybrid power train can give it a mid 6 second 0-60.
Yeah I don’t get it. Most of its competition in that class offer a 2.0T. They have a 2.0T in the Accord, just slap it in the CR-V damn it.
Edit……ah, that’s what the RDX is for.
I was going to say something about new models always getting bigger but I guess if you still want something sized like a vintage CRV, Honda still makes that but now it’s called an HRV.
1998 CRV – 178″ L x 69″ W x 66″ H 103.2″ wheelbase
2023 HRV – 180″ L x 72″ W x 63-64″ H 104.5″ wheelbase
Beat me to it.
First-gen 2003 Pilot vs 2023 CRV:
2003 Pilot – 188″ L x 77.3″ W x 71.7″ H, 106.3″ wheelbase
2023 CRV – 184.8″ L x 73.4″ W x 66.5″ H, 106.3″ wheelbase
I guess the same thing is happening with all vehicles. It’s shocking to see an old pickup parked next to a new one.
The growing size of pickups is a major reason I ordered a Maverick. I have for the past 30 or more years had the older sized compact pickups and then midsize but midsize trucks keep growing and are close to the size of full size pickups of the late 90s and early 00s. Bigger is not always better and bigger is not for everyone.
Sort of I bought the 03 pilot because it was one of the few vehicles available that could fit three child seats in the 2nd row.
> Sadly but unsurprisingly, the manual transmission won’t make a return here.
Sheesh; it’s a generic grocery-getter lifted wagon… you might as well lament that supercharging isn’t available as an option, and that it’s not really suited for an afternoon on the autocross course or drag strip.
The take-rate for such a thing would be pretty much zero; it’s time to join the 21st century already and stop complaining about things pretty much nobody wants not being available to buy.
Dude, that’s harsh. I wont be buying another Honda because I don’t trust their direct injection system based on my own experience with it. But if they offered a manual in the CRV it would make it more attractive because a. I like manual transmissions and b. honda has had issues with their automatics in the past and I don’t care for CVT’s.
I thought Honda discontinued the manual on CRVs in the US over a decade ago. I know when my wife got her 2013 CRV new you could not even get a manual in the CRV (not even listed by Honda as a option). In Asia and Europe you could still get a manual. Will the manual on the CRV be discontinued globally?
Limited edition with 2.0T, AWD and manual. Look at what is happening with the used market and the prices people are paying for manuals.
Let people order it and see what the take rate is. Engineering for such a thing is done. Make it easy and only offer black or red to reduce costs.
Car companies would be served to think more creatively about how to attract new customers. Honda enthusiasts haven’t had much to get excited about, save the Type R. This could be a halo offering and get people excited about what normally is a rolling refrigerator.
What years were the Limited Edition with the manual AWD available? Never saw that on the Honda website for 2013. Honda makes one of the best manuals. Even though I would never buy a Type R I am glad Honda offers it because as you said most Hondas and vehicles in general are rolling refrigerators offered in white, black, silver, and various shades of gray.
The take rate on a CRV manual in North America would probably amount to a ’rounding error’ on total CRVs sold.
When I purchased a 6th generation Sonata with a manual transmission it had to be source from a dealership over 200kms away. And nobody in our dealership knew whether or not it came with a handbrake. It did. But what we also did not know is that the handbrake deleted the heated seats.
It had also been sitting on the lot for well over 6 months.
Regarding CRVs it never ceases to amaze me how many 1st and 2nd generation CRVs I still see on the road. A testament to Honda engineering/build quality?
Just about nobody bought the Accord 2.0t with a stick. I test drove one and it wasn’t even all that good.
A new huge CRV with a 6 speed is something nobody wants or needs.
It’s not just the engineering it has to go through all the testing and certification as a separate model.
I hope they fixed the tire noise. These things are loud AF on the highway.
My brother dumped his 19.
Uncomfortable seats.
The cleaner exterior styling is a huge step in the right direction. Hopefully we have reached and passed Peak Origami.
Interesting that there is an actual shift lever and not the four buttons in the current CR-V. I had a rental Accord from SFO last weekend, and the buttons were terrible – maybe you get used to it, but it seemed like it took too much effort compared to the traditional lever. Also, based on my experience with the Accord, I can see why sedans are dying in favor of crossovers like the CR-V. The Accord felt huge and was hard to see out off, the trunk was huge but had a small opening, and the rear seat had huge amounts of leg room but a severe lack of headroom. And the CVT was awful at droning on as it would also be in the CR-V.
I didn’t know Honda sold to rental companies I thought it was one of few who did not.
New CRV looks like an improvement although thought they might upgrade engine a bit. I find it interesting that Ford/GM are now phoning it in here like did with midsize sedans in the 90s. Equinox sold well in Q2 on supply but its a 5 year old bland design with a limp engine. Escape is too small, Edge is too big/old, Bronco Sport small and more niche. Stellantis is also dead here with an outdated and unpopular Cherokee.
It looks much much better.
“Hey, do you know the difference between Honda and Subaru?”
“Neither does Honda.”