What is going on with the incredibly popular Honda CR-V? It’s one of the most popular options available, and it’s the toughest rival against the Toyota RAV4. But something is off because 2022 Honda CR-V sales took a significant tumble. 

Updated on 06/15/2023 for freshness.

Why aren’t more people buying the 2022 Honda CR-V? 

Ford some reason, interest in the 2022 Honda CR-V took a massive hit. According to Car Scoops, the 2022 CR-V is one of the biggest losers of the year because of its massive drop in sales. 

The CR-V managed to move 238,155 models in 2022, which is pretty good. But it experienced a 34.1 percent reduction in sales compared to 2021. In 2021 the CR-V sold about 361,271 models, so what caused the 123,116 decline? 

Of course, 2021 and 2022 were tough on all automakers. Only the Tesla Model Y managed to increase sales. Popular models like the Ford F-150 and Toyota RAV4 each took a tumble.

Factors such as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the semiconductor chip shortage, supply chain constraints, and rising inflation hit hard. Honda Production was scaled back by 40 percent at one point. 

But on a positive note, Honda recently shared that the semiconductor chip shortage is starting to ease up. It can produce more vehicles in 2023, but things aren’t expected to get fully back on track until the end of the year.  

So, the sales decline could be because there weren’t enough CR-V models available. Plus, people could have been waiting for the new 2023 model. The 2023 Model moved 132,538 models in 2023 from January to May. That’s an epic start.

2022 Honda CR-V vs. the 2023 Honda CR-V

The 2022 Honda CR-V was the lost model year from the fifth generation. It pretty much had the same style, tech, and specs since it was introduced in 2017, so it was starting to show its age. Despite being a little older, it’s still spacious, comfortable, advanced, and pretty intuitive. 

It was just time for an overhaul. That’s why the 2023 Honda CR-V started the sixth generation with a more confident look and advanced tech. It has an attractive, rugged style to stand out against the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Mazda CX-5. 

The wheelbase was extended by 1.6 inches to improve its ride quality. It also expanded the legroom and cargo space. The 2023 CR-V features 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear with up to 76.5 cubes overall. 

However, the CR-V can still only tow up to 1,500 lbs. Rivals can tow up to 3,500 lbs, making it easier to pull smaller trailers or campers. 

The 2023 CR-V has two carryover engines from the previous generation. The hybrid CR-V is a little faster but has a noisier engine. Plus, the CR-V has new touchscreens and updated safety features. 

Should you buy a 2022 or 2023 CR-V? 

The 2022 Honda CR-V may be the more affordable option if you can find them at your local dealership. It has a lower starting price than the 2023 models. Dealership owners may want to move them to create space for the 2023 model, so you might get a good deal. 

Plus, used Honda CR-V models are legit! They are reliable, low maintenance, and have a low cost of ownership. You can save with something from before 2022.

There are plenty of reasons to upgrade to the 2023 Honda CR-V. It has a little more space, a modern style, an updated interior, and new tech. It also has an improved ride quality. But it doesn’t have any extra speed or towing power. 

Some of the 2023 CR-V trim levels and packages include more standard features to increase value. However, they also have higher prices. Deciding between the 2022 and 2023 models comes down to looks and if you care for updated bells and whistles.