NEW 2023 HONDA CR-V

Honda recently revealed the 2023 6^th generation Honda CR-V in America. This latest  iteration of the Honda SUV looks to build upon the success of its predecessors by  homing in on the CR-V’s strong and sporty design, whilst remaining conscious of the  company’s electrification commitments.

The new CR-V comes in 4 trims: EX, EX-L, Sport, and Sport Touring. The EX and EX-L  are powered by a 190 horsepower 1.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine. Honda states  that this engine has improved emissions performance and reduced vibrations, the  latter a result of the updated CVT. Conversely, the Sport and Sport Touring variants  come equipped with a new 204 horsepower 4^th generation 2-motor hybrid system.

Despite also offering petrol options, hybrid models will be the new crown jewel of the CR-V line. Honda plans for hybrid CR-V models to play a major role in their  electrification strategy, with 50% of 6^th gen CR-V sales to be hybrid. 

The 2023 CR-V has increased in body and wheelbase length by 2.7 and 1.6 inches  respectively. The longer wheelbase results in a broader, more imposing look whilst  promoting improved smoothness and ride stability. The windshield pillars have been  shifted, which, alongside new door-mounted side mirrors, contributes towards  improved outward visibility.

Inside, the CR-V generally maintains the sporty, modern aesthetic. The EX and Sport  come rigged out with a 7-inch touchscreen audio system, coupled alongside physical  volume and tuning knobs and a pair of illuminated USB ports. The EX-L and Sport  Touring better this with a 9-inch touchscreen, 15W wireless charging and a 12- speaker Bose audio system, the last-mentioned feature reserved solely for the Sport  Touring. Behind the steering wheel sits a 7-inch instrument panel, which is home to  contrastingly outdated part-digital dials. It could be argued that these disrupt the  contemporary aesthetic ever so slightly.

The 2023 CR-V has approximately 36 cubic feet of cargo room, the most in the line’s  history. Those sitting in the front seats will benefit from new ‘Body Stabilising Seats’,  which are said to minimise fatigue over long journeys. Whilst back-seat riders won’t  be granted this luxury, they will get to enjoy 0.6 inches of additional rear-seat  legroom, as well as 8 different reclining angles. That seems fair, right? There is also  said to be a ‘notably larger’ front-to-rear-seat couple distance. Exactly how much  larger is ‘notably’? That we aren’t told. 

As part of Honda’s commitment to building products closer to the customer, the 6^th generation CR-V will be built across three different locations in North America. The  2023 CR-V is scheduled to launch in the States this summer, with the hybrid variants launching later in the year.

We have yet to receive any information regarding the new CR-V’s UK release,  however, Honda has said that a hybrid CR-V offering will be made available across  Europe in 2023.

Images: hondanews.com

Credit: Wasim U