Honda’s best-selling SUV has always been one of the key players in the segment of the compact crossover. it is also one of the most important models for the company. So, it’s no wonder that the expectations for the 2023 Honda CR-V are big. This model will receive a complete overhaul and we expect it to continue to be one of the class leaders. At this point, we are waiting for the officials to come with a more precise launch date, but we are pretty sure that the new generation will hit the market sometime in the next summer.
This model is way too important for Japanese manufacturers. That’s why we don’t expect radical changes. The company will stick to the proven recipe and offer a crossover that is excellent all-rounder, a crossover strong in all fields, particularly in terms of practicality. Things under the hood shouldn’t change drastically, at least not in the initial model years.
2023 Honda CR-V Redesign
The 2023 Honda CR-V will receive a complete overhaul and the expectations from the new model are big. That’s why we don’t expect to see radical changes. Honda engineers will stick to the familiar design approach and when it comes to mechanics, we presume that most of the parts will be shared with new recently introduced 11th generation Civic. This refers to the platform, while we also don’t expect to see bigger changes regarding the size.
This leads us to the conclusion that the ride quality should remain similar. The current model is mostly about comfort, but it offers a decent level of engaging handling as well. Still, if the driving experience is your top priority, you should probably check models like Mazda CX-5, which are sportier but way less practical.
Exterior
As we’ve just mentioned, the new model shouldn’t be much bigger. The overall size will remain similar, though we can notice a little bit longer hood on the test mule. Such a design should make the SUV look sportier, while the new design language will make it look more upscale. Speaking of the new design language, things like headlights and grille should be designed in a similar fashion as the new HR-V.
The rear part of the SUV shouldn’t change too much. This model has always been about practicality and large cargo hold, so we don’t expect things like sloping roof line etc. Also, the latest reports suggest that the 2023 Honda CR-V could also come in a stretched version, with a longer wheelbase and three rows of seats.
Interior
On the inside, we expect to see a similar approach to the new Civic. This means a fancier dashboard design, with a combination of modern and retro styling elements. We like such a layout, while there is no doubt that the overall quality will be very good. That’s so typical for Honda cars.
Besides nice materials and good build quality, the CR-V has always been known for excellent sound insulation, so the new generation shouldn’t be any exception.
When it comes to the interior space, things shouldn’t be much different compared to the current model. The current model is already among the most spacious models in the class, with plenty of passenger space and leading cargo volume.
So far, the three-row version hasn’t been available in North America. On the other hand, such models were offered in Europe and other parts of the world. However, they feature the same wheelbase so the third row wasn’t particularly spacious. This will change with the 2023 Honda CR-V, as such a version is about to feature a longer wheelbase. We also expect to see it in North America.
2023 Honda CR-V Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, the initial model will bring no changes. Base versions will continue with a 1.5-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 190 horsepower and comes in pair with a CVT gearbox. The driving dynamics are very good, while we particularly like the refinement of Honda engines.
The hybrid version should continue in the same way too. This version uses the same system as the Accord Hybrid, which combines a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which comes in a combination with two electric motors, for a total output of 212 horsepower.
The future should bring novelties. We expect that Honda will continue to improve hybrid powertrain, while some sources also speculate about the all-electric version of this compact crossover.
2023 Honda CR-V Release Date and Price
The 2023 Honda CR-V should hit the market sometime in the next year, probably in summer. We expect that the starting price will go around 27.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester etc.
