Honda’s sixth-generation made-in-Canada 2023 CR-V compact crossover is greater, sportier and can characteristic a hybrid trim positioned on the high of the Canadian lineup that the Japanese automaker hopes will entice half of all patrons to go inexperienced.
Along with a brand new fuel-sipping hybrid, the newest CR-V represents a serious advance over the outgoing mannequin by way of model, ruggedness, tech and driving dynamics, in accordance with Mike Kistemaker, assistant vice chairman of Honda gross sales at American Honda. Kistemaker says the CR-V, the No. 2 compact crossover final 12 months in Canada after the Toyota RAV4, has performed an essential position for Honda prior to now and can proceed to take action within the future.
Honda is boosting output of gasoline-electric variations of the 2023 CR-V considerably as a result of the corporate expects the brand new hybrid trim — the CR-V Touring — will characterize about half of all gross sales.
The hybrid push with the CR-V is the primary tangible signal of a “severe electrification effort on Honda’s half,” in accordance with Ed Kim, president and chief analyst of AutoPacific. “Going 50 per cent hybrid on Honda’s high vendor is aggressive, and by sheer numbers, the carbon emissions financial savings for its … lineup can be vital,” Kim mentioned.
The hybrid trim shouldn’t be solely geared toward luring new patrons at a time of file gasoline costs, they’re additionally designed to maintain the CR-V aggressive with the RAV4. The 2 rivals dominate the compact crossover section, now the biggest within the trade.
“RAV4 has a really robust hybrid combine and that is one of many attributes that has propelled it to the higher ranks of the gross sales charts,” Kim mentioned.
Gross sales of the RAV4 topped 61,934 in 2021. CR-V notched 50,935 gross sales final 12 months.
“With an excellent stronger combine and presumably extra aggressive pricing to assist it, CR-V needs to be much more aggressive than the present mannequin and extra aggressive in opposition to RAV4,” Kim mentioned.
The CR-V Touring hybrid trim can be powered by a brand new, fourth-generation two-motor hybrid-electric system. The two.0-litre, inline four-cylinder delivers 204 hp and 247 pound-feet of torque.
Horsepower drops from 212 on the outgoing mannequin, however torque will increase greater than 10 pound-feet, giving the CR-V a 1,000-pound towing capability. That is an improve from the present mannequin, which isn’t rated to tow.
The CR-V Touring comes solely with awd.
The gasoline-powered LX, EX-L and Sport fashions additionally get an up to date front-wheel drive, turbo 1.5-litre engine refined for higher emissions efficiency. Awd might be added to all fashions.
Output for the gasoline fashions stays the identical at 190 hp and 179 pound-feet of torque. Peak torque arrives 300 rpm earlier, between 1,700 and 1,500 rpm, which improves response. Engine noise additionally has been decreased.
Honda didn’t disclose fuel-efficiency scores for the 2023 mannequin.
Similar to the just lately launched, second-generation HR-V subcompact crossover, the CR-V will characteristic normal Hill Descent Management, giving the driving force management on slippery or steep roads when driving between three and 20 km/h. A Snow mode joins the Regular and Econ modes, and the top-shelf Touring provides a Sport mode.
Customers will discover beneficiant house enhancements within the new CR-V. General size is elevated by 6.8 cm (2.7 inches) with a 4-cm (1.6-inch) longer wheelbase. A barely wider monitor provides the crossover a broader look.
Styling on the brand new CR-V aligns with Honda’s new design route discovered on the Civic and HR-V that features a low horizontal beltline, lengthy hood and LED headlights. The 2023 CR-V’s giant, upright grille will also be seen throughout Honda’s light-truck lineup and is more likely to be featured on an replace approaching the three-row Pilot. The LX trim comes with 17-inch metal wheels whereas the EX-L and Sport have 18-inch alloys and the Touring comes with 19-inch enable wheels.
The bottom of the A-pillars have been pushed practically 13 cm (5 inches) rearward, seven cm (2.8 inches) outward and three.5 cm (1.4 inches) decrease. The facet mirrors even have been moved beneath the window panel to the door, growing visibility.
The CR-V inside undergoes an entire redressing with higher-quality supplies and fewer floor reflection within the instrument panel to cut back visible distraction. A honeycomb mesh that conceals the air vents spans the sprint for a sleeker, much less cluttered look.
The brand new proportions enable for extra space between the entrance and rear seats in addition to a tad bit extra legroom for rear passengers, and the seats supply eight angles of recline.
Behind the again seat of each the gasoline and hybrid fashions is 1112.8 litres (36.3 cubic ft) of cargo house. That’s an enchancment for the hybrid fashions, which beforehand solely provided 33.2 cubic ft of house. The rear load flooring additionally might be lowered, growing stowage to 39.3 cubic ft, and the 60/40 break up within the seatbacks add extra loading flexibility. With the rear seats folded flat, cargo house expands to 2166.2 litres (76.5 cubic ft).
The LX will get fabric upholstery, and the EX-L and Sport each supply leather-based. Honda says new “physique stabilizing” seats cut back fatigue over lengthy hauls and that the steering wheel’s angle is now extra sedan-like.
The 2023 CR-V LX will get a bigger 7-inch contact display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility in addition to a 7-inch data show behind the wheel with a digital tachometer. The speedometer stays analog. A USB-A and USB-C port are constructed into the entrance storage space. The 2 Sport trims provides two rear USB-C ports.
The CR-V EX-L, Sport and Touring get a bigger 9-inch contact display screen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a wi-fi charging pad. The CR-V Touring provides a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
Security is also a big consideration for the brand new CR-V. The motive force and passenger entrance airbags have been reengineered and redesigned to attenuate mind trauma in angled frontal collisions. Honda additionally added normal knee and rear-passenger facet airbags, growing the variety of airbags from six to 10.
Honda’s Sensing suite of superior driver-assistance applied sciences is normal and includes a new digital camera and radar which have a wider area of view that Honda says improves the system’s potential to acknowledge objects and subsequently enhances the efficiency of the collision mitigation options.
The CR-V lineup now will get normal blind spot monitoring, visitors jam help, low-speed braking management and visitors signal recognition. Honda additionally made enhancements to the prevailing adaptive cruise management with low-speed observe and lane-keeping help programs. Driver consideration monitoring and reminders for rear seat belts and rear passengers or cargo are also new to CR-V.
The 2023 CR-V LX, EX-L and Sport gasoline-powered trims will go on sale this summer season. Honda says the hybrid fashions will observe later within the 12 months.