The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V has debuted with an updated design, along with a new, more advanced 4th-generation hybrid-electric system, the automaker announced.
CR-V hybrid models will be positioned as the top of the CR-V lineup and will launch later this year, following the new model’s debut this summer.
The 2023 CR-V features all-new rugged styling that further advances Honda’s exterior design direction for its light trucks, taking inspiration from the recently redesigned Ridgeline and Passport TrailSport, Honda designers said. A strong horizontal beltline highlights its increased overall length (2.7 inches longer), while a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase and 0.4 inches of additional width give it a stronger, more aggressive presence.
The new model also features repositioned windshield pillars for improved visibility. The base of these A-pillars has moved 4.7 inches rearward, 2.8 inches outward and 1.4 inches lower, and are paired with new door-mounted side mirrors.
A highlight of the new styling is a large, upright grille, a long hood and standard LED headlights. EX and EX-L feature a gloss black grille mesh with a chrome trim, body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals and standard 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. A body-color roof spoiler and a new, all-LED interpretation of signature vertical taillights are also new for 2023.
The Sport and Sport Touring hybrid models feature more aggressive styling with front and rear facias and grille mesh highlighted with a gloss black accent. The Sport and Sport Touring trims also offer rectangular exhaust finishers. The lower bumper design is gloss black on Sport and platinum on Sport Touring. The underside of the rear spoiler is matte black on Sport, and gloss black on Sport Touring.
CR-V Sport rides on grade-specific Berlina Black 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, while Sport Touring features black 19-inch split 5-spoke alloys.
The new CR-V offers more space than previous models, Honda said, with a larger front-to-rear-seat couple distance and more rear seat legroom (plus 0.6 inches). The rear seats also now feature eight angles of recline. The SUV offers 36.3 cu.-ft. of cargo room, while In EX and EX-L, the rear load floor can be lowered, expanding the cargo space to 39.3 cu.-ft. With the 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded flat, cargo space expands to 76.5 cu.-ft.
The top of the instrument panel has been designed with minimal cutlines to reduce windshield reflections and other potential visual distractions. A metal honeycomb mesh spanning the dash conceals the air vents.
New front Body Stabilizing Seats aim to reduce fatigue over long drives, designers said, and the steering wheel angle is more sedan-like for a more comfortable, sportier driving position. Between the front seats is a center console bin with nine liters of space.
CR-V EX features gray or black cloth upholstery with an 8-way power driver’s seat and black trim on the dash. EX-L adds gray or black leather seating surfaces, a 4-way power passenger seat and piano black dash trim.
CR-V Sport comes with exclusive black cloth upholstery and black dash trim, while the Sport Touring comes with either black or gray leather seating surfaces and piano-black dash trim. Both Sport and Sport Touring come standard with a black headliner and orange contrast stitching on the seats (black leather or cloth), console, steering wheel and shifter.
The CR-V’s new cabin includes a digital instrument display and a larger standard touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 7-inch digital instrument panel features an all-digital tachometer on EX and EX-L, or a digital power flow meter on Sport and Sport Touring, on the left and a physical speedometer on the right side. The 7-inch multi-information display features user-selectable functions such as Honda Sensing settings, vehicle information and more.
A new 7-inch touchscreen audio system is standard on EX and Sport with physical knobs for volume and tuning, and a simplified menu structure. The storage area in front of the shifter is wide enough to accommodate two smartphones side-by side, accompanied by two illuminated USB ports, a 2.5A USB-A and 3.0A USB-C that are standard. For rear seat passengers, two illuminated 3.0A USB-C charging ports are standard on Sport and Sport Touring.
CR-V EX-L and Sport Touring have a standard 9-inch touchscreen with a physical volume knob, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a simplified navigation structure with fewer menus. Qi-compatible 15W wireless smartphone charging is also standard.
CR-V Sport Touring comes with a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system custom-engineered for the new interior. Featuring Bose Centerpoint technology and SurroundStage digital signal processing, the new system places all passengers in the middle of the music, regardless of their seating position, with a clear and spacious listening experience.
Suspension and steering updates include a MacPherson strut front suspension and variable-ratio steering mounted to a new stiffer subframe that repositions the steering rack. Handling is further improved with a stiffer rear subframe for the retuned multilink suspension, which features 15-percent higher spring rate for the upper spring mount.
The new CR-V Sport and Sport Touring feature an all-new 4th-generation two-motor hybrid-electric system with a newly refined 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine that adds direct fuel injection and is mated to a pair of electric motors that are now mounted side-by-side. This new configuration allows for the use of a larger propulsion motor with increased torque output. Combined system output is 204 hp (a 3 hp increase, ISO net), while the traction-motor peak torque rises to 247 lb.-ft. of torque (up 15 lb.-ft.). The hybrid-electric system is more refined at highway speeds and for the first time offers up to 1,000 pounds of towing capacity. The new hybrid-electric system also allows for a substantial increase in continuous maximum speed—which climbs from 86 mph to 115 mph.
Under the hood of the CR-V EX and EX-L is an updated 1.5-liter turbo engine with additional refinement, improved emissions performance and 190 horsepower, Honda said. Enhancements include a new high-efficiency, high-response turbocharger and 4-2 exhaust port cylinder head that help the 4-cylinder engine maintain peak power over a broader range of rpm.
The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for the 1.5-liter turbo has been updated to reduce noise and vibration, and Step-Shift programming simulates gear changes at full throttle.
An updated Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System improves traction management and is available on all grades. Standard on Sport Touring, the system can now send up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels.
