2023 Honda CR-V

　　

Honda CR-V Video Shorts

by zzdcar Test Team

　　

2023 Honda CR-V Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　, rating written byKurt NiebuhrContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　The Honda CR-V is Honda's compact crossover, and it's been a stalwart in the segment since it was introduced all the way back in 1997. We've regularly recommended the CR-V because it's spacious, great to drive, easy to use, and frugal enough to make sure you don't feel too much pain at the pump. For 2023, the CR-V gets a from-the-ground-up overhaul. A lot is new, from the bodywork to the interior, but it keeps plenty of what makes the CR-V great.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$125/mo  for CR-V LX

　　CR-V LX

　　LX 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $28,410 MSRPLX 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $29,910 MSRPEX 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $31,060 MSRPEX 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $32,560 MSRPSport Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $32,400 MSRPSport Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $33,900 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $33,710 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $35,210 MSRPSport Touring Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) (Most Popular) - $39,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Size matters even in a compact SUV, so it's no surprise that Honda has made this new generation larger than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been stretched 1.6 inches, giving the new CR-V even more rear legroom than before. Cargo capacity is similar to before. Notably, the hybrid version of the CR-V is no longer at a deficit compared to the regular model; they both now offer a substantial maximum of 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats or 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered.

　　Interestingly, Honda isn't marketing a "CR-V Hybrid" anymore. The CR-V's top trim levels now simply come with the hybrid system as standard. Honda has revised the hybrid this year, and we've found it provides slightly quicker acceleration and better overall road manners. But it can still be noisy at times, and our as-tested real-world fuel economy was underwhelming. The CR-V's regular engine, a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, continues unchanged.

　　Overall, we're pleased with how the 2023 CR-V turned out. It's a recommended pick alongside other all-stars such as the value-packed Kia Sportage, stylish Mazda CX-50 and evergreen Toyota RAV4. Check out the Expert Rating below to get our test team's full report on the new CR-V's performance, utility and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the CR-V drive? The CR-V is no track star, but it feels responsive and composed when compared with other small SUVs. The hybrid Sport Touring model we tested accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds. That's typical for the class, and you can expect a similar time for the regular 1.5-liter engine.

　　The brakes work well in emergency situations and make it easy to stop smoothly. We also like the hybrid system's smooth operation in city driving, though climbing long mountain grades can take a heavy foot. Around corners, the CR-V stays composed and under control. The responsive steering offers enough feedback to give you a good sense of what's happening on the road.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the CR-V? The CR-V rides well. Its suspension is soft without feeling floaty. You will feel bumps and cracks in the pavement, but it does a superb job of recovering quickly and returning to its normally smooth ride without too much intrusion.

　　The sophisticated theme continues inside. The standard heated front seats feel plush and comfortable, though Honda still doesn't offer a ventilated option. You won't notice much noise from the road; the CR-V is well insulated and feels airtight as you're driving. Our one objection is that the hybrid powertrain can get loud and unpleasant sounding, particularly if you're going up an incline.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below