It’s now forgotten that small sport utility vehicles were once dubbed “cute utes,” implying that these vehicles weren’t true SUVs. However, they’ve since become the most popular vehicles on the market because of their spacious interiors, compact footprints, exceptional fuel economy and reasonable prices.
One such cute ute, the Honda CR-V, was Honda’s most popular vehicle in 2021 and the fifth-bestselling car in America. It was outsold only by its archrival, the Toyota RAV4, and the full-size Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford pickups.
And for 2023, the Honda CR-V receives a total makeover.
The sixth generation of the Honda CR-V comes with a conventional gas-power in EX and fancier EX-L trim, or as a gas-electric hybrid in Sport and top-of-the-line Sport Touring trim. All come with front-wheel or all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission — except for the Sport Touring, which gets standard all-wheel drive.
The sixth-generation model possesses a simple, square-jawed and clean look that is the hallmark of a classic Honda design.
Courtesy of Honda
The 2023 Honda CR-V is modestly athletic, with well controlled body lean in corners and good bump absorption.
Banished are the soft forms and convoluted snout that plagued the 2022 model. And if it looks bigger, that’s because it is. It is 2.7 inches longer overall with a wheelbase that’s 1.6 inches longer and 0.4 inch wider.
The boxy styling and larger size bring with it more cabin space. The new model sports an instrument panel accented in a honeycomb texture that recalls those in the smaller HR-V and Civic.
Its horizontal orientation and lower center-console height gives the interior an airier feel than the claustrophobic 2022 model. But front seat passengers aren’t the only ones to get more space; rear seat legroom is noticeably more generous. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even for long stretches behind the wheel.
The instrument panel can be fitted with a 9-inch touch screen, although a 7-inch infotainment touch screen and digital instrument cluster are standard. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are also standard. The infotainment system is simpler to use than in the past, especially with the addition of a volume knob. But the software still doesn’t have a direct tuning feature or knob, so you have to repeatedly press the up or down tuning buttons to find your desired radio station.
Courtesy of Honda
Apple Car Play and Android Auto come standard with the 2023 Honda CR-V interior.
Having had a chance to drive the Sport Touring Hybrid, I can say it’s easily the better driveline, as the conventional gas driveline lags its hybrid sibling in power and fuel economy. Because the CR-V is a conventional hybrid and not a plug-in hybrid, it cannot travel long distances on electricity alone. Honda decided against designing a plug-in because of the additional weight and expense the driveline brings.
The CR-V lacked the instantaneous, seamless torque that is typical of electrified drivelines, and switching into the “sport” driving mode makes it livelier but not noticeably quicker. Also, the engine gets extremely vocal when pushed hard.
Notably, the hybrid lacks the indecisive power delivery typical of continuously variable transmissions, making it surprisingly enjoyable to drive. It’s modestly athletic, with well controlled body lean in corners and good bump absorption. The steering ratio is perfect, enhancing the driving feel.
The 2023 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid I tested starts at $39,845 including destination charge, while the Sport Hybrid starts at $33,695 with front-wheel drive. Conventional gas models start at $32,355.
The 2023 Honda CR-V is a welcome upgrade with additional interior space, a more fuel-efficient drivetrain and a classic Honda-design aesthetic, making it more alluring than ever. Although it isn’t as enjoyable to drive as Honda’s sportiest models, it demonstrates sufficient proficiency to be engaging without sacrificing usefulness.
2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid
Base price: $39,845
Powertrain: 2.0-liter Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine and dual electric motors
Horsepower: 204 pound-feet
Torque: 247 pound-feet
EPA fuel economy (combined): 37 mpg
Observed fuel economy: 36 mpg
Fuel required: 87 Octane
Length: 184.8 inches
Width: 73.5 inches
Height: 66.5 inches
Ground clearance: 8.2 inches
Cargo capacity: 36.3 to 76.5 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
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Honda
Never like the Acura Integra that it replaced, the ILX always seemed like a pretender to the throne. A half-hearted effort on Acura's part dating to 2013, the Acura Integra thankfully takes its slot for 2023.
Honda
Never like the Acura Integra that it replaced, the ILX always seemed like a pretender to the throne. A half-hearted effort on Acura's part dating to 2013, the Acura Integra thankfully takes its slot for 2023.
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AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
The second-generation NSX proved that hybrids didn't have to be boring. Yet as the world's exotic carmakers are planning to release hybrids, Acura is killing theirs despite the contemporary demeanor of the NSX.
AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
The second-generation NSX proved that hybrids didn't have to be boring. Yet as the world's exotic carmakers are planning to release hybrids, Acura is killing theirs despite the contemporary demeanor of the NSX.
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Buick
Seemingly, there will be no encore for the Encore, a diminutive subcompact SUV that once accounted for half of Buick's U.S. sales. Now it's outsold nearly 3-to-1 by the larger, cheaper Encore GX.
Buick
Seemingly, there will be no encore for the Encore, a diminutive subcompact SUV that once accounted for half of Buick's U.S. sales. Now it's outsold nearly 3-to-1 by the larger, cheaper Encore GX.
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AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
Diminutive in both size and price, this was the cheapest car in America. No, it wasn't speedy or sizable, but it was thrifty. A decent small car in a nation in love with large ones.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
Diminutive in both size and price, this was the cheapest car in America. No, it wasn't speedy or sizable, but it was thrifty. A decent small car in a nation in love with large ones.
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AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Tall and narrow, a new Chevrolet Trax is reportedly arriving for 2024. So maybe it's not dying so much as taking a very long nap.
AP Photo/David Zalubowski
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AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
This $500,000 Ford was an homage to its Le Mans-winning race cars of the 1960s. But as Ford shifts to an electrified lineup, an electric GT could always be a possibility. A gas-powered one? Evidently not.
AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
This $500,000 Ford was an homage to its Le Mans-winning race cars of the 1960s. But as Ford shifts to an electrified lineup, an electric GT could always be a possibility. A gas-powered one? Evidently not.
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AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
With the launch of a new Civic Hybrid, the need for a separate but same-size hybrid seems as if it came from the Department of Redundancy Department. But its visual eloquence will be missed.
AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
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AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Still popular, this handsome little sedan is being replaced by the Venue SUV as Hyundai's cheapest model, although the Venue starts more than $2,300 higher.
AP Photo/David Zalubowski
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AP Photo/Mark Lennihan
These Hyundai hybrids are being shown the door as Hyundai offers a number of hybrids across its lineup. But its name is being repurposed for an all-electric sub-brand, starting with the Ioniq 5.
AP Photo/Mark Lennihan
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AP Photo/Tony Ding
With more versatile vehicles like the Elantra N and Kona N introduced into the Hyundai lineup, this unique model has seen its popularity plummet in the past two years. Arrivederci.
AP Photo/Tony Ding
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AP Photo/David Zalubowski
The Q60 coupe receives the coup de grâce this year as Infiniti continues to suffer from a lack of a clear identity. This is the most fun of all its vehicles to drive, so its loss doesn't help Infiniti's image.
AP Photo/David Zalubowski
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Lamborghini
Still sexy despite its age, this is the last year for this 12-cylinder supercar, which will replaced by an electrified model within a couple years. While it will be good, it won't be the same.
Lamborghini
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Daimler AG
This was Mercedes-Benz's least expensive model in 2022, starting at less than $34,000. That honor now falls to the GLA crossover, at less than $37,000.
Daimler AG
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Jeremy Cliff/Business Wire
Filling the spot between the Rogue and the Kicks, the Rogue Sport appears absent from Nissan's 2023 lineup. The question is: Will anyone miss it?
Jeremy Cliff/Business Wire
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AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
The car that wears the name of the island where King Arthur's body was taken upon his death is now joining the legendary king in eternity.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
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Volkswagen
This American-built Passat bore little resemblance to its European counterpart, with little character or superb handling. Unsullied and faultlessly ordinary, it never captured the imagination.
Volkswagen
This American-built Passat bore little resemblance to its European counterpart, with little character or superb handling. Unsullied and faultlessly ordinary, it never captured the imagination.
