The Honda CR-V has always set the standard for the compact crossover segment. The current CR-V is known for its spacious cabin, great resale value, and lively-but-efficient engine. But it hasn’t threatened to knock the Toyota RAV4 off its throne as our Best Buy among compact SUVs because of a slightly dated design and cabin tech that shows its 2016 design date.
But last year, Honda introduced an outstanding new Civic so refined it had our reviewer drawing comparisons to German sport sedans.
The CR-V has always been built on Civic bones. So a new Civic inevitably meant a new CR-V. Honda raised the curtain on its new compact crossover today, and millions of RAV4s shook in their tires.
The new CR-V will reach showrooms in summer, with gas models arriving first and hybrid models a month or two later. Honda hasn’t revealed pricing yet. The current model starts at $26,800 plus a $1,245 delivery fee. We expect this new one to cost a bit more, but it will likely need to stay below $30,000 to remain competitive.
Civic Bones, (Probably) Smooth Ride
The new CR-V shares its chassis with that sweet-handling Civic. No one in the automotive press has had the chance to drive the crossover yet. But, Honda says, “Its MacPherson strut front suspension and variable-ratio steering now mount to a new stiffer subframe that repositions the steering rack to improve feel and accuracy.” If our experience of the sedan is anything to go by, that’s almost certainly true.
The Most Powerful Version is the Hybrid
EX and EX-L models get an updated 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 190 horsepower, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Sport and Sport Touring models get a more powerful hybrid system using a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and an electric motor, which combine for 204 horsepower.
Honda says an updated all-wheel-drive (AWD) system improves traction in slippery conditions such as snow and mud, and can send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. It’s available on all trims, and standard on the Sport Touring. Hill descent control and a new snow driving mode appear.
A More Elegant Look
The new CR-V wears a similar grille to the recently updated HR-V. But narrow LED headlights and bigger proportions make it more handsome here. The HR-V looks like it’s in a bad mood. The CR-V looks pleasant and ready for a fun drive. A more steeply raked rear liftgate gives it almost European proportions – a neat trick the Civic also pulls off. Honda’s new designs look refined, and the 2023 CR-V is no exception.
It’s almost 3 inches longer than the model it replaces.
Modern Cabin, Best-in-Class Cargo Space
Inside, Honda’s new signature look is present. But it works well in these proportions. The central touchscreen rises above the dashboard, looking almost like it should retract (it doesn’t). EX and Sport models get a 7-inch infotainment screen. EX-L and Sport Touring models get 9-inch versions, which look better in proportion. They also come with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless device charging.
A honeycomb pattern splits the dashboard horizontally. For the CR-V, Honda has resisted the urge to make it chrome – it fits naturally with the soft-looking dash. The seats are all new. Honda says they “reduce fatigue and improve posture.”
Much of the added length has gone to cargo space. With the rear seats down and the cargo floor lowered, EX and EX-L models get p to 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space – well over the RAV4’s 69.8.
