Honda’s CR-V compact SUV is an industry favorite. Now in its sixth-generation form, this larger model boasts an updated exterior design.
Fuel efficiency and cargo space are also impressively impressive features of this vehicle.
This model features an electric motor to increase efficiency further. It boasts 204 total system horsepower and can come equipped with all-wheel drive.
Powertrain
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid crossover represents an exciting new era of Honda crossovers, featuring luxurious interiors, cutting-edge infotainment features, advanced safety technologies, and more. This sixth-generation model outdoes its predecessor in nearly every way; more room is offered inside while fuel economy has increased thanks to hybrid technology.
The secret behind the Honda CR-V Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy lies within its electric motor and battery pack, which produce more power and torque than previous generation SUVs. This allows it to accelerate off of stop lights even with passengers aboard quickly; its 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder unit does most of its work; when required, it’s supplemented by its motor-based drive system for extra boost.
To reduce the workload on the gas engine and maximize performance, the hybrid uses an onboard generator, which converts extra electricity into energy that can be stored in its electric-drive battery pack. When driving at higher speeds or when changing operating modes, this energy is then utilized by using acceleration or deceleration energy to assist. This also ensures a seamless driving experience when switching operational modes.
Sport and Sport Touring Hybrid models both include a Sport mode that utilizes electric motors to produce extra torque for a lively driving experience. Pressing the accelerator allows drivers to feel immediate acceleration; press it again for electrifying thrust! This mode also activates Econ mode, which utilizes motors in order to maximize energy usage from battery storage by planning and using more of it when required.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) models of the CR-V Hybrid are estimated to achieve 43 mpg city and 36 highway mileage; all-wheel drive ratings fall slightly short at 40/34, respectively.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is also the first CR-V ever with an impressive towing rating of 1,000 pounds, thanks to its electric motors assisting its gasoline engine with pulling loads or hauling trailers. Please keep in mind, however, that towing can only occur in FWD mode with either Sport or Econ operating modes enabled on your SUV.
Technology
Honda’s fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system maximizes efficiency without compromising performance or packaging, adding another element of versatility to this version of CR-V.
One motor serves as a generator to charge the battery, while another propels the drive wheels. This system works smoothly and predictably during most acceleration scenarios, providing quick responses even with gentle touches on the accelerator pedal. There are multiple driving modes in a CR-V Hybrid: Econ, Normal, and Sport that customize throttle sensitivity and engine behavior to meet personal tastes; however, at startup time, all systems default back to Normal mode.
This system also boasts superior fuel economy than its predecessor, with EPA ratings of 43 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on highway travel – making the FWD hybrid stand out in its class, while the AWD model comes close with 40/34 ratings in city/highway travel respectively.
Honda has made significant upgrades to their 2023 CR-V crossover vehicle, including improving suspension and increasing cargo space, to create an ideal choice for families who wish to save on fuel costs while getting all of the capabilities they require from an SUV. A stiffer body enhances handling, while its CVT transmission generally runs smoothly with only occasional issues when accelerating from a stop or driving uphill.
Honda Sensing technology comes standard on every CR-V Hybrid to help ensure maximum safety. This suite of safety features includes a collision mitigation braking system and a road departure mitigation system that work together to help avoid accidents or reduce their severity if they do occur.
Safety
The 2023 Honda CR-V hybrid comes equipped with an array of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers, such as blind-spot monitoring. This feature helps detect vehicles you might miss when looking in side mirrors and warns you using both auditory and visual indicators; furthermore, it also features adaptive cruise control, which enables drivers to maintain a preset distance from vehicles ahead of them when driving on highways.
Other safety functions in the Honda CR-V include lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow traffic jam assist and road departure mitigation, as well as traffic jam assist, road departure mitigation HondaLink connected services (remote locking/unlocking, vehicle locator/theft tracking/engine start), among others. It also offers an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rear seat reminder to remind you to check for children or pets back there, and a power-folding tailgate.
Driver and passenger front airbags have been specifically engineered to reduce the potential for brain trauma during an angled frontal collision by deploying in such a way as to cradle rather than force the head upward. Furthermore, the CR-V Hybrid provides standard hill descent control that allows drivers to select and maintain their preferred downhill speed on slippery roads.
Honda’s CR-V features an improved driver attention monitor to detect drowsy driving and alert the driver and also features a newly designed rear seat belt reminder with an adjustable load floor that increases cargo capacity to 39.3 cubic feet for EX and EX-L models.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid comes equipped with a multi-information display that is customizable, showing fuel economy, Honda Sensing settings, and more. Furthermore, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow smartphone connectivity. Plus, an 8-inch color touchscreen – more prominent than before! You can opt for an upgraded audio package, including a SiriusXM Satellite Radio subscription and a 10-speaker sound system complete with a subwoofer! Furthermore, this model also boasts dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat!
Value
Honda’s CR-V is one of the top-selling SUVs in America. Now in its sixth generation and featuring an innovative hybrid powertrain, its increased size, cargo space, fuel efficiency, and tech upgrades bring it closer to more advanced rivals while remaining an exceptional value remain key factors of appeal for customers.
The 2023 Honda CR-V features an attractive exterior and luxurious interior, including a distinctive horizontally oriented dashboard design featuring honeycomb mesh dividing it from door to door and concealing adjustable air vents for an appealing post-industrial aesthetic. Meanwhile, its electric powertrain delivers plenty of torque for everyday driving, although hills can present challenges; its hybrid mode enhances regenerative braking strength to give more responsive responses when necessary.
Honda provides standard driver assistance features and a redesigned rear-view camera in their top Sport Touring trim model, including adaptive cruise control with traffic signal recognition to maintain safe distances on highways; autonomous emergency braking detecting pedestrians and stopping the car in case a collision is imminent is also included in this trim level.
Though Honda has yet to reveal official EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2023 CR-V Hybrid, expectations are that it will surpass its outgoing model’s 30 mpg combined rating with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with all-wheel drive (AWD). Including a battery pack and motor in this new hybrid vehicle, could increase those figures to match the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s 40 mpg combined rating.
The 2023 Honda CR-V is an outstanding compact crossover for buyers seeking an upscale interior, advanced infotainment and safety technology, impressive fuel economy, and an array of standard features. While it may not possess the agility of the Mazda CX-5 or venture as far off-road as Subaru Forester models, its reliability and practicality will garner long-term brand loyalty from you as a consumer.
