2023 Honda CR-V Review

The 2023 Honda CR-V EX is easily the best entry-level package ever.Honda set out to make this SUV as comfortable and modern as possible.

For the first time, special Body Stabilizing Seats are on board to reduce fatigue. Plus every edition has a 10-way driver’s chair and heated front seats.Dual-zone automatic climate controls guarantee the air conditioning we need for our hottest Phoenix AZ days.

The driver’s cockpit has a digital driver’s display, a touch screen, USB ports, and illuminated steering wheel controls.A center console bin offers class-leading interior space as well as cushy armrests. Cloth upholstery is offered in black or gray.

Ambient lighting and a moonroof dress up this entry-level SUV. An electric parking brake and push button start are smart, space-saving features. Walk Away Auto Lock makes the Smart Key especially helpful.

Second-row passengers are sure to be more comfortable in reclining seats with dedicated HVAC ducts and a soft center armrest. Even better, rear legroom is now 41 inches in this Honda compact SUV.

Active noise cancellation is another valuable EX standard. As part of the model’s makeover, extensive measures were taken to reduce overall noise and vibrations.

Honda Sensing now includes more than 11 driver aids. This is the first year that blind spot information is standard.

To improve responsiveness across the lineup, the 2023 CR V body and chassis have been improved.This provides a stronger platform for other changes that include revised powertrains and an upgraded all-wheel drive system. The final result is more fun behind the wheel.

EX and EX-L trim levels have an enhanced 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a newly tuned automatic transmission. This continuously variable unit works seamlessly with the turbo’s power output for more effective acceleration and smoother deceleration.

Output is 190 horsepower at rpms as high as 6,000.The torque rate of 179 lb ft now arrives earlier at 1700 rpm.Front-wheel drive is standard, but the new AWD system is available.

The 2023 CRV Sport and Sport Touring have the most power in the line-up. These new Honda CRV Hybrids have been updated with side-by-side electric motors and a more refined four-cylinder engine.

Maximum speed jumps from 86 mph in 2022 to 115 mph this model year. Output is 204 horsepower, an increase of 3 horses.Even better, the 247 lb-ft torque rate is higher by 15 lb-ft compared to the 2022 Honda CR V hybrid.

All-wheel drive is standard on the Sport Touring and available on the Sport.With Earnhardt fair pricing, you don’t have to wait for a Honda CRV sale to get a good deal.

Real Time AWD has been updated for capability. Engineers also managed to make it quieter.The Intelligent Control System moves torque between the front and rear wheels. New for 2023, this system can transfer a full 50 percent of that torque to the rear wheels.

AWD models have three modes, including Normal and Econ. The Snow mode has been updated to improve traction when the roads are slick and snowy. The hybrid models add a special Sport Mode to make driving more fun.

Honda utilizes a new Descent Control system which operates from 2 to 12 miles per hour.Adventure drivers will appreciate the improvement in off-road capability.

Compared to the base edition, Sport models have bolder exterior styling and a fun trim-specific upholstery. All hybrids have orange contrast stitching to liven up the seats and other cabin features.Dual illuminated USB ports are added for rear seat passengers.

Stepping up from the EX trims, EX-L models are more luxurious with leather seats and a high quality piano black trim.Front row passengers gain a 4-way adjustable power chair.Top-notch entertainment tech includes the 9-inch touch screen, a wireless charger and a more advanced audio system.A power liftgate makes it easy to access cargo.

Stepping up from the Sport trim level, CR-V Sport Touring editions wear 19-inch alloy wheels. This trim has luscious black or gray leather seats like the EX-L trim, but it has the fun orange stitching found in Sport trim level cabins.

In addition to the many EX-L amenities, Sport Touring models have a 12-speaker Bose system. Surround Stage processes the digital signal for true clarity.Bose Centerpoint helps optimize the final surround sound.

The standard 7-inch touchscreen is actually all new.It is easier to use with simpler menus. Plus it has physical knobs to keep volume and tuning simple.Also standard, the 7-inch digital instrument panel features an all-digital tachometer, digital driver’s display and analog speedometer. Hybrid models replace the tachometer with a digital power flow meter.

EX-L and Sport Touring Models have a 9-inch high-definition touch screen. Like the 7-inch touchscreen, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Programmers have come up with some smart shortcuts that make this system easier than ever before. Owners can opt for a Wi-Fi Hotspot for smart devices.

The bigger build allowed Honda engineers to claim more space than ever before in this compact SUV.Passenger volume has grown to 103.5 cubic feet.

Cargo volume is excellent at 36.3 cubic feet. That grows to 39.3 cubes with the turbo’s dual-level floor.Folding the second row, the owner can claim up to 76.5 cubic feet of hauling space.

If you are looking at rivals such as the Subaru Forester or RAV4 Hybrid, make sure to drive the new CR-V first.You can schedule a test drive with your Earnhardt Honda dealer serving Phoenix AZ.

The new build includes improvements in structural protections from crash force, side impacts, and angled frontal collisions. Front airbags were improved with a donut-shaped structure to cradle the head. Knee bags and rear airbags raise the count from 6 to 10.

Camera and radar systems have been upgraded to make Honda Sensing features even more effective and precise.A new wide angle camera improves everything from the forward collision warning system to the lane keeping assist.

Drivers benefit from special systems such as traffic jam assist, road sign recognition, and low-speed braking assistance.Low-speed follow is an essential part of Adaptive Cruise Control, allowing it to operate in more situations.

Two new features assist parents. Before travel, a rear safety belt reminder helps ensure tweens and teens have buckled up. After parking, a rear-seat reminder warns caregivers to check for sleeping kids before departing the area.

The Honda CR-V started leading the way toward better SUV fuel efficiency some years ago.Assisted by an active grille shutter, today’s CRV turbo earns 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.An idle-stop system reduces waste at long redlights.

Sport Hybrid models earn 43 miles per gallon in the city.The combined rate is 40 miles per gallon. That’s some serious savings at the pump.

Please check out the CR-V inventory and let our staff know if you need any assistance. You can find us with online chat, a phone call, or a visit to our Avondale Honda dealership.