Top-selling Honda CR-V gets a redesign!

It’s hard to top the Honda CR-V. Month after month it always seems to find its way in the list of the top 10 selling vehicles. And it’s no wonder – the CR-V does everything well, making it one of the top compact-crossover SUVs available. Not about to let the competition catch up, Honda has just redesigned the CR-V, making it even better.

The redesigned CR-V came out for the 2023 model year. Aside from a new trim level added, the 2024 CR-V continues unchanged. A few weeks Honda had me in the new CR-V, and although it’s a 2023 model, my overview of it applies to the current model as well.

This new sixth-generation CR-V is larger than its predecessor, with a wheelbase that is 1.6 inches longer, giving the new CR-V even more rear legroom than before. Both the interior and exterior have been restyled, but it is still easily recognizable as a CR-V. Interestingly, last year’s CRV-Hybrid model is no more, but the hybrid feature is not. For the new CR-V, the top trim levels now simply come with the hybrid system as standard equipment.

Step inside the new CR-V and you’ll find an attractive interior inspired by the Honda Civic and is complemented by modern tech, including an infotainment system with an available 9.0-inch touchscreen that has both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a host of other standard driver assisted features such as adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Keeping with Honda tradition, plenty of storage bins and beverage holders can be found scattered throughout the cabin. One feature that will be missed is the configurable front center console – it has been replaced by a conventional center bin.

The new CR-V is offered with two different engines – a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque and a hybrid powertrain using a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a combined 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The engine fitted in the CR-V depends on the trim level – the LX, EX and EX-L get the turbocharged engine while the Sport and Sport Touring get the hybrid setup.

The base LX comes with 17-inch wheels, push-button start and a 7-inch touchscreen (along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). Move up to the EX and you’ll get a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a power driver’s seat. If you are just wanting the hybrid system, the Sport is the most affordable CR-V equipped with it. It also comes with a sport appearance package which blacks out some exterior trim. If you want the nicest CR-V but don’t want it to be a hybrid, opt for the EX-L. It gets leather interior, a power liftgate and a larger 9-inch touchscreen. The Sport Touring is the highest CR-V available. It gets all the features of the EX-L along with the hybrid powerplant, 19-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting system, heated steering wheel and a Bose sound system. All-wheel drive is optional on all trim levels except the Sport Touring, where it is standard.

The tester arrived as a fully loaded Sport Touring – and came with an MSRP of $39,845.00.

Behind the wheel of the new CR-V feels, like, well a Honda. The ride is very refined, quiet, and smooth. It has plenty of power, with tests showing it can reach 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. The EPA rates the AWD hybrid CR-V at 40 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Front-wheel drive hybrid CR-Vs do even better, coming in at 43 mpg city and 36 mph on the highway.

Like the previous model, the new CR-V is a very well-rounded sport-utility vehicle. And when it comes to pricing, Honda is right with the competition, if not below it. A base two-wheel drive LX starts under $31,000, whereas a fully loaded AWD Sport Touring model will come in at under $40,000. A lot of SUV at a great price and from a company like Honda. No wonder it’s one of the best-selling SUV in America – and will probably continue to be.
– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

Honda CR-V AWD Sport Touring

Base Price: $38,600.00 (2023)
Price as Tested: $39,845.00 (2023)
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.0 liter four-cylinder with electric motors
Transmission: CVT automatic
Horsepower: 204 hp
Torque: 247 ft-lbs
EPA Fuel Economy: 40 city / 34 highway mpg

[Visit me at www.carsbycar.blogspot.com or email me at auto_cran@hotmail.com]