2023 Honda CRV photos

With the new 2023 Honda CR-V, the company aims to enhance the core competencies of MotorTrend's current top-ranked compact crossover while not drastically remixing the formula that's made the CR-V its best-selling model. So although this sixth generation CR-V doesn't quite reinvent the segment, it poses fresh challenges for competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Subaru Forester. The CR-V is a rare repeat winner of MotorTrend's SUV of the Year contest, so it's fair to wonder if Honda's latest version will make it the first three-time SUVOTY champion.

No Softie in Styling

Bolder design won't let the 2023 Honda CR-V be mistaken for its predecessors, but some familiar cues return. The upright grille expands on the hexagonal shape seen previously. Likewise, the accent strip that runs across the front is straighter and finished in chrome or black. A subtle kink accents the slim LED headlights.

In profile, the creased shoulder line and angular window surround give the new 2023 Honda CR-V an edgy stance. From behind, the L-shape taillights recall those of the prior CR-V, but the new ones are pointier and contain additional LED details. Wheels measuring 18 or 19 inches are fitted depending on trim.

Honeycomb All the Interiors

If you've seen the Civic's or HR-V's dashboards, the CR-V's will look familiar. A honeycomb-mesh air vent runs across it, but here it's uniquely accented by textured trim below. The HVAC control panel with its three dials looks identical to what's used in those other Hondas.

Likewise, the 2023 Honda CR-V is equipped with a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display, supplemented by a 7.0- or 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are present, with wireless capability accompanying the larger screen. Front-row USB-C and USB-A ports are standard; higher-end trims add a wireless charging pad and two second-row USB-C ports. An available 12-speaker Bose setup is the first branded audio system Honda has offered in a CR-V.

The center console isn't quite as copy-and-pasted as the dashboard. It encloses the gear selector within a binnacle that contains toggles like the drive mode selector and parking brake. Cubbies and cupholders around it are smartly placed, and Honda says the armrest bin's 9.0 liters of capacity makes it the largest in the CR-V's segment.

A new internal frame gives the front seats more lateral support; two-way lumbar adjustability is standard. The rear doors open nearly perpendicular to the body, aiding access to the rear seats, which gain 0.6 inch of legroom and eight adjustable backrest angles. There's a little more cargo space in this CR-V: 36.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, 76.5 cubic feet when those are folded down. An adjustable cargo floor adds versatility in non-hybrid models.

Platform Shared with Civic and HR-V

Honda's global architecture, which also underpins the latest Civic and HR-V, promises improvements for the new CR-V's composure and handling. It rides on a 1.6-inch-longer wheelbase, and it's 2.7 inches longer overall, with minor increases in width and height. The body structure is allegedly 15 percent stiffer torsionally, which allows for suspension calibration targeted at better ride comfort and steering responsiveness.

To improve outside visibility, Honda moved the side mirrors from the A-pillar to the top of the front doors. The A-pillar base is located 1.4 inches lower, 2.8 inches outward, and 4.7 inches rearward to provide a better view through the windshield.

Small but Mighty Base Engine Returns

As before, the CR-V's standard engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter I-4 that produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. Revisions to the turbocharger and cylinder head yield a broader torque band that peaks earlier. After a CVT automatic, front-wheel drive is standard, and an available all-wheel-drive system can now split torque evenly between the axles. As Honda made no mention of weight reduction, it's possible this generation is heavier and less fuel efficient, as was the case with the new HR-V.

Reworked Hybrid System Likely Bound for Future Accord

Given gas prices these days, Honda's projected 50 percent take rate for the 2023 CR-V's majorly revised hybrid powertrain seems feasible. Still centered around a 2.0-liter I-4, it now features two electric motors, devoted separately to propulsion and regeneration instead of one tasked with both duties. The drive motor's torque rises to 247 lb-ft, the most ever in a CR-V. Combined horsepower from the engine and motor, however, drops to 204 from 212, but Honda says changes in ISO testing standards are to blame for the discrepancy.

Whatever the case, this setup allows for series or parallel hybrid operation. The lockup clutch between the two electric motors remains, with different locking points for regular driving and for towing. Yes, the CR-V Hybrid now has an official tow rating for the first time: 1,000 pounds. Although the powertrain cannot provide EV-esque one-pedal driving, steering-wheel-mounted paddles control regen strength to mimic engine braking.

2023 CR-V Trims—TrailSport on the Way?

Honda sees the hybrid powertrain as the performance offering in the range. That's reflected in the 2023 CR-V's trim structure, which pairs the gas engine with the entry-level EX and leather-appointed EX-L trims and reserves the hybrid system for the style-focused Sport and Sport Touring trims. Thus, every new CR-V Hybrid will have black wheels, an intake-accented front fascia, and rectangular exhaust outlets. A slightly quicker steering ratio is found in the 2023 Honda HR-V Sport, a potential feature that could make new CR-V Sport trims feel livelier in addition to their lump of electric torque.

Silence spoke volumes when we asked Honda's reps about a potential 2023 CR-V TrailSport. Such a trim would be a natural addition to the burgeoning off-road-inspired subbrand. A hint lies in the CR-V Sport and Sport Touring's orange interior stitching—a signature detail on the Passport and Pilot TrailSport models. Honda would only divulge the fact the CR-V's stiffer structure provides a more solid basis for various potential suspension setups. We can't imagine the company will dawdle as ruggedized rivals like the Subaru Forester Wilderness, Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, and Kia Sportage X-Pro fly off dealer lots.

Safety Improvements

Driver assist and active safety features within the standard Honda Sensing suite are expanded and improved. Blind-spot monitoring is now included on all trims, and sensors for the adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist get a wider field of view. Already very good, Honda says the reactions of these systems have been made to feel even more natural. New hill descent control and a snow mode ease drivability in tricky conditions.

The IIHS has deemed the CR-V a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ every year since 2015, and we can't imagine Honda will let that streak conclude with the new CR-V. It gains new front airbags specially designed to protect occupants' heads, front knee airbags, and rear side airbags.

North American Made

Every sixth-generation Honda CR-V will be built in the manufacturer's plants in the U.S. and Canada. Official pricing is forthcoming, but expect it to start around $30,000 for the CR-V EX; the previous value-oriented LX trim has been nixed. The new CR-V Hybrid should go for a few thousand dollars more. Deliveries to dealer lots will commence shortly, and we'll find out soon if the 2023 Honda CR-V is a simple contender, impressive finalist, or unprecedented three-time winner of our SUV of the Year competition.