The Honda CR-V, one of the best-selling SUVs in America, enters its 6th generation, aiming to thrash its only real competitor, the Toyota RAV4. To achieve this, Honda not only made the new CR-V bigger and more luxurious but also introduced an even more advanced and sportier hybrid system. Moreover, its already rugged design gets super bold, giving it a mean, handsome-hunk type look. Thankfully though, you can still recognize it as the CR-V in one go!
Honda stated the CR-V’s new look was inspired by the recently redesigned Ridgeline and Passport TrailSport models. However, we also notice a hint of the Civic in the front fascia, but that’s about it, as the rest is all signature CR-V. Nonetheless, the new model features a strong horizontal beltline, hosting the 2.7-inch longer and almost half-inch wider body than the outgoing model. In addition, it now also rides on a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase, adding to its strength and stability.
Meanwhile, the front end gets a large, upright grille, a longer hood, standard LED headlights, and 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. However, if the standard features don’t look bold enough to you, consider buying the EX or EX-L trims equipped with a gloss black grille mesh with chrome trim, and body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Jump higher on the trim levels and get exclusive rectangular exhaust tips and an even more aggressive front mesh.
Most importantly, Honda has repositioned the windshield pillars to improve the driver’s overall visibility while maintaining the sporty look. To accomplish this, Honda moved the base of the A-pillar almost 5 inches rearward, 2.8 inches outward, and 1.4 inches lower and mounted the mirrors to the doors instead.
Coming to the interior, the manufacturer went for a standard 7-inch touchscreen surrounded by a honeycomb-pattern insert along with a 7-inch digital instrument panel (similar to the Honda Civic). However, the infotainment system is upgraded to 9 inches on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims, but for a 12-speaker Bose audio system, you’ll have to opt for the CR-V Sport Touring.
Unsurprisingly, the bigger size also means more cabin and cargo space. Precisely, 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space is available in the back, and with rear seatbacks folded, this number increases to 76.5 cubic feet.
Under the hood, you get a couple of options. First, the internal combustion-only EX and EX-L come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 190 HP and 179 lb-ft (243 Nm) of torque, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and Honda’s Rear Time AWD system. Then, the hybrid CR-V Sport and Sport Touring trims are equipped with a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder supported by two electric motors, producing a combined 204 HP and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque.
The new CR-V EX and EX-L are expected to hit markets this summer, while the hybrid trims will be out by the year-end. Judging by the current crossover craze, they should fare pretty well once they do — but will they be able to dethrone the RAV4? Only time will tell!
Gallery: 2023 Honda CR-V
