We knew this was coming. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda in the SUV/crossover class. To keep up with the competition, the Japanese carmaker wanted to update this model. But, the COVID-19 outburst slowed down the development and spoiled plans. So, we will see it as the 2023 Honda CR-V.
Nevertheless, it will be worth waiting. Since the new model is coming so soon, the company can expect a sales drop in the 2022 season. The competition is also following what is going on in Honda’s factories and they will react too. But, the new CR-V is more the response to the Toyota Rav4 and Ford Escape.
It was not hard to predict that the 2023 Honda CR-V will be redesigned. Five years in the market without changes is a long period for the compact crossover. Meanwhile, Honda added a hybrid drivetrain, which also turned the attention to the CR-V. Now, the manufacturer will do that with fresh styling.
Finally, we might see another dose of updates under the hood. CR-V already offers an efficient hybrid. In the future, the plug-in system is something that will be more than needed to stay competitive.
2023 Honda CR-V Test Mules Spotted – What’s New?
Fans of the popular crossover are finally getting some feedback about the redesign. Prototypes are rolling on the streets, but Honda still keeps everything hidden from the eyes of spectators. Heavy camo is covering the upcoming 2023 Honda CR-V, so it is hard to spot and predict details. But, the sharp eyes of true fans noticed that vehicle could be slightly bigger. Designers are updating the front fascia, where a revisited grille is taking place. Such a modern look received positive critics.
Honda is not going to show all the details and unveil plans for the CR-V. A larger body is bringing more space inside as well. We expect the company to keep the main trim levels. After the first redesign season, the crossover is going to introduce a few unique models, like it was the Special Edition.
2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid and PHEV
When the CR-V introduced the hybrid drivetrain, it immediately became one of the most popular configurations in this world. For reason, since the gas mileage introduced the crossover into the club 40. Not too many models can return such a great performance. The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is going to keep a 2.0-liter inline-four engine as the main source of power. The carmaker is using this Atkinson cycle mill in most of its hybrids. With 212 hp and 232 lb-ft, the system delivers enough power and torque for the crossover. A CVT gearbox is pairing the engine and sends power to all wheels. On the highway, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid will return more than 40 mpg, while the combined fuel economy is 38 miles per gallon.
The plug-in hybrid is a possible upgrade for the upcoming 2023 YM. But, there are no details about the PHEV configuration. Honda has to respond to new challenges. Toyota Rav4 Prime is a beast with a lot of power and great gas mileage. Escape is not at the same level, but Ford introduced the PHEV system, which is going to evolve in the future. Do not be surprised if the CR-V goes all-electric. Prelude is an interesting EV concept. Honda partnered with GM and the US automotive giant is about to deliver a wide range of electric vehicles, starting already in 2022.
Standard Engine, Packages
Under the hood of the base crossover, you will find a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It can produce 190 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque on the current edition, but engineers are about to boost outputs a bit. A larger vehicle is going to need more juice. A CVT is there again to transfer power to front wheels by default. The gas mileage of the base configuration is pretty good, returning 31 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is harming the rating a bit.
We can confirm already that four trim levels are going to be available for the 2023 Honda CR-V. The LX is the base one, EX and EX-L are the mid-range offer, while the premium Touring package will bring top of the class features. Fans hope to see the Elite model, or even Type R. Both are possible, but not so certain from this point of view.
Prices
The redesign is affecting the price of the 2023 Honda CR-V. But, the company is not going to increase the MSRP significantly. The base version should be available for around $26,000. Buyers can keep the price under $30k and still build a cool configuration. Touring model sits above $36,000. A hybrid system is a $2,000 upgrade. Have in mind it will bring you AWD as well, which is a $1,500 addition to other trims.
Source: Motor1
