Honda CR-V EX-L 2023

Sep 13, 2022 at 12:43pm ET

Honda dropped the LX trim from the CR-V lineup, making the EX the entry-level model for 2023. This comes with a price increase as Honda has released pricing information for the redesigned compact crossover. The 2023 Honda CR-V will start at $32,355 (all prices include the $1,245 destination charge), up from the $28,045 starting cost of the 2022 CR-V LX.

The entry-level EX trim is available with either front- or all-wheel drive, with the AWD starting at $33,855 over the two-wheel-drive variant. The two trims get their power from Honda’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which pairs with a continuously variable transmission. It produces 190 horsepower (141 kilowatts) and 179 pound-feet (242 Newton-meters) of torque.

The Sport trim overlaps with the EX, starting at $33,695 for the front-wheel-drive variant. Those who want AWD will have to pay $35,195, with both Sport trims packing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. The setup produces 204 hp (152 kW) and 247 lb-ft (334 Nm) of torque. The Sport models also receive gloss black exterior accents, rectangular exhaust finishers, and 18-inch wheels. Inside, Honda dresses up the interior with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Honda will also offer the CR-V in a pair of EX-L trims. The front-wheel-drive version starts at $35,005, while the AWD commands a $36,505 starting price. Sitting at the top of the CR-V lineup is the Sport Touring trim, an all-wheel-drive hybrid that starts at $39,845. It comes with 19-inch wheels, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, and WiFi hotspot capability.

Every new 2023 CR-V goes on sale with Honda Sensing, the company’s suite of driver-assistant technologies, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the first time, Honda will also pack hill descent control into the CR-V.

The sixth-generation 2023 Honda CR-V will go on sale later this month, with the turbocharged models hitting dealer lots on September 22. Sales for the hybrid-powered CR-V will begin sometime in October.

Gallery: 2023 Honda CR-V

Source: Honda

What are the CR-V interior and in-car technology like?

With a whole new exterior comes a whole new interior. Or at least, new to the CR-V. If you've been in a new Civic, its layout and design will look extremely familiar. It's also very similar to the also new HR-V. Fortunately, it's a very good interior. The look is clean and uncomplicated. The dash is also low and aids in both visibility and making the cabin feel spacious. All the switchgear feels high-quality with tight, solid action whether it's a turn signal stalk or the highly welcome climate control dials. Though there are many plastics, they have attractive finishes and patterns. It's not quite up to the premium feel of the Mazda CX-50 or CX-5, but it's comparable to Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. It's also much nicer than what you'll find in a Ford Escape or Chevy Equinox.

As for instruments and infotainment, the CR-V features an analog speedometer combined with a 7-inch screen that can display the tachometer and other information. The standard infotainment display is a 7-inch touchscreen with volume and tuning knobs and a couple of physical menu buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. On the higher EX-L and Sport Touring trims, the CR-V gets a larger 9-inch touchscreen with just a volume knob and menu buttons, and both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus wireless charging. With either screen size, this infotainment system now uses the operating system and interface from the Accord and other Hondas rather than the slow, buggy and ugly system used by the previous CR-V. It's far more attractive; features large, attractive and easy-to-press icons; there are fewer layers of menus and far faster reactions. It's a system that's actually competitive with its competitors, though we still prefer the Hyundai/Kia system.

How big is the CR-V?

The CR-V has grown significantly with this generation. It's 2.7 inches longer with a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase, and it's 0.4 inch wider. That also makes it a few inches longer than its key rival, the Toyota RAV4. All this stretching pays dividends in all aspects of interior space. Honda hasn't released specifications on passenger volume, but sitting in the SUV's cabin, it certainly seems more spacious and comfortable. The front passengers have lots of leg, knee and shoulder room. Head room isn't quite as generous, but there's still enough for most people to be perfectly comfortable. The front seats themselves don't have a huge amount of shape, but they have thick padding and a welcome amount of side bolstering. There's a good amount of adjustment, too, so a comfortable seating position should be easy to find. That hasn't always been a given in the CR-V.

The rear seats are the real showstopper, though. They're a bit firmer and flatter than those up front, but they're comfortable enough and the space is incredible. There's loads of room in all directions, particularly for the legs. There's also lots of space under the front seats for feet, effectively adding more space and allowing rear occupants to really stretch out. The rear seat backs recline, too, up to 10 degrees. As such, passengers could be comfortable for many, many hours in the back of a new CR-V.

Cargo space is now the same regardless of powertrain. The official figure of 36.3 cubic-feet is basically right in between the old hybrid and gas-only volume specs, meaning the new CR-V has both more and less cargo space than before. It also puts it behind the massively enlarged Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, as well as the Toyota RAV4. Ultimately, though, we're talking degrees of huge here. With the seats down, the CR-V is the new maximum cargo space king, measuring 76.5 cubic feet.

What are the CR-V fuel economy and performance specs?

Two powertrains are available for the 2023 CR-V. As before, the standard turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder makes 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Power goes through a continuously variable transmission and on to either just the front wheels or all four with the optional all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is the same as the previous model. The front-drive version is 28 mpg in the city, 34 on the highway and 30 combined. All-wheel drive brings those numbers down to 27 in the city, 33 on the highway and 29 combined.

The other powertrain is the hybrid. It uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors. Under most circumstances, it operates as a series hybrid with the gas engine producing electricity and the larger of the two motors turning the wheels. There are some situations where the gas engine can provide drive power directly. Combined power is 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. That's less 8 horsepower less than the 212 horsepower listed for the previous CR-V Hybrid, but 15 more pound-feet of torque. Unlike before, the hybrid can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. The front-drive version bests the old hybrid in fuel economy with 43 mpg in the city, 36 on the highway and 40 combined. The all-wheel-drive version does slightly worse with 40 mpg in the city, 34 on the highway and 37 combined.

What's the CR-V like to drive?

The new CR-V is a fairly average SUV to drive in its non-hybrid form. The engine is smooth, but can be noisy, in part due to its CVT that still has some rubber-band characteristics and also makes the powertrain feel somewhat unresponsive. Power is perfectly adequate, but not inspiring. The chassis is stiff and the suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride that doesn't feel floaty. It also feels light and responsive. But slow, numb and imprecise steering keeps the CR-V from being much fun in corners. And while comfortable, the CR-V could still use some improvement in regards to noise, as the tire noise and engine noise make it louder than much of the competition.

We haven't had an opportunity to try out the hybrid model yet. With more power and a reliance on electric motors, there's a solid chance that it will feel more responsive and be quieter than the non-hybrid version. It will certainly be more efficient, too, so will likely be the version to get.

What other Honda CR-V reviews can I read?

2023 Honda CR-V First Drive Review: Bigger, better, pricier

The CR-V has improved in many ways with a better and more spacious interior. But the competition is starting to leapfrog the CR-V, and with better pricing.

What is the 2023 CR-V price?

Pricing has increased notably over the old model's starting point of starting point of $28,045. Part of this is because Honda has eliminated the entry-level LX trim, instead opting for just EX and EX-L for the non-hybrid, and Sport and Sport Touring for the hybrid. The EX now starts at $32,355 with destination. All-wheel drive is an extra $1,500 on the EX and with other trims. Only the Sport Touring trim comes with standard all-wheel drive. Pricing for the line-up is listed below.

• EX: $32,355
• Sport (Hybrid): $33,695
• EX-L: $35,005
• Sport Touring (Hybrid): $39,845

What are the CR-V safety ratings and driver assistance features?

The 2023 CR-V once again comes with many standard safety and driver assist features. It features forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. These have all been upgraded from the last CR-V, which is good news, as their predecessors were comparatively rudimentary in performance compared to rivals. Judging by the similar updated systems in the new HR-V and Civic, the CR-V's driver assistance systems should be greatly improved.

The new CR-V hadn't been crash tested by a third party at the time of this writing.

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