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2023 Honda CR-V review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Honda CR-V highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Spacious interior
  • Intuitive infotainment
  • Smooth ride

Cons

  • Limited cabin storage
  • Noisy hybrid powertrain
  • Hybrid only on upper trims

Mileage (EPA estimate)

27 city, 32 highway, 29 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

The 2023 Honda CR-V is one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs in America

The Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling SUVs in America and has topped Honda’s sales charts for years. Not one to rest on its laurels, Honda has introduced an all-new CR-V for the 2023 model year. The updated 2023 CR-V is longer and wider than its predecessor, with fresh styling, an updated interior with a high-tech style, and a host of new features. Slotting between the entry-level HR-V and midsize Passport and Pilot, the CR-V has room for five passengers with good space for cargo. Honda offers the CR-V in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Sport, and Sport Touring. All variants come standard with front-wheel drive and have the option of all-wheel drive. While the three lower trims get a turbocharged engine, the Sport and Sport Touring come exclusively with Honda’s fuel-efficient two-motor hybrid powertrain. While the hybrid powertrain can be noisy under load, it does deliver more power and better fuel economy estimates than the turbo engine.

All Honda CR-V years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Honda CR-V generation from 2011 to 2024

What is new for the 2023 Honda CR-V?

  • The Special Edition and Touring trims have been discontinued for 2023.
  • CR-V trims have been upgraded with Cruise Control and Parking Sensors as standard equipment this year.
  • The LX trim now comes with Smart Key, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.

2023 Honda CR-V trims

Curious how Honda CR-V trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

LX:

  • 190-hp, 179-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Smart Key

EX:

EX-L:

Honda CR-V photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Honda CR-V

What We Like

Performance: The Honda CR-V isn’t going to win any races, but both powertrains deliver reasonable acceleration on a level expected of a compact crossover. The steering provides good response, and the CR-V remains composed when the road gets twisty. The hybrid powertrain gets the job done, even when climbing mountain grades, but it does have to work hard. According to the EPA, the hybrid can deliver up to 40 mpg combined with front-wheel drive — about 10 mpg better than the turbocharged engine.

Interior: The updated CR-V’s larger dimensions translate to a cabin that provides good room for both front and rear seat passengers. The front seats are heated and are quite comfortable with good support. The large windows give the whole cabin an airy feeling while providing good visibility for the driver. While the hybrid powertrain can get loud under load, for the most part, the CR-V’s cabin stays quiet with very little road or wind noise creeping in.

Technology: The CR-V’s infotainment system is intuitive and responsive with either the standard seven-inch display or the optional nine-inch version. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay® connectivity comes standard, as does a wireless phone charger, and two USB ports can be found up front with available ports for rear passengers. The CR-V comes with a long list of advanced driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and a lane keeping system, which work quite well.

What Needs Improvement

Storage: The CR-V offers plenty of space in the cargo area for larger items, but the compact crossover is lacking when it comes to cabin storage. What used to be a large space in the center that could handle large bags or purses is now a smaller conventional center storage cubby.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Honda CR-V an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Honda CR-V 6th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V features and specs

EX-L 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.5L

Horsepower

190

Torque (ft-lbs)

179

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

14

Wheelbase

106.3"

Overall length

184.8"

Width

73.5"

Height

66.2"

Leg room

F 41.3"/R 41"

Head room

F 38.2"/R 38.2"

Front tires

P235/60HR18

Rear tires

P235/60HR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

150/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Honda CR-V FAQ

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