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The Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tucson are rivals in the highly competitive compact crossover SUV segment. Both vehicles have many strengths, but for the 2023 model year, the CR-V has something that gives it an edge. The 2023 Honda CR-V has one huge advantage over the 2023 Hyundai Tucson: a superb redesign. 

Unlike the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, the 2023 Honda CR-V is redesigned

The Honda CR-V is one of the top-selling compact crossover SUVs, but it was starting to get overshadowed by other models in the segment, including the Hyundai Tucson. However, this all changes for the 2023 model year with the impressive redesign for the 2023 Honda CR-V. If you want the newest and freshest look for a crossover SUV, then the CR-V could be a good choice for you. Conversely, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson is a carryover model with only minor changes. 

The CR-V, now in its sixth generation, has a stylish exterior design that fuses ruggedness with sophistication. Notable exterior design features include a large upright grille, a sleek roofline, and a long hood. It also has a strong horizontal beltline that stretches from the LED headlights to the rear of the vehicle to meet up with the attractive vertical LED taillights. 

Additionally, to improve visibility, the CR-V has repositioned A-pillars and door-mounted mirrors. Plus, the redesigned crossover SUV offers new wheel designs, with a choice of either 18-inch or 19-inch versions. 

The cabin of the 2023 CR-V is more upscale than the 2023 Tucson

The stylish design of the 2023 Honda CR-V extends into the interior. Overall, the cabin of the CR-V is more upscale than in the 2023 Hyundai Tucson. It’s more luxurious and has a premium look and feel that one might not expect to see in a mainstream crossover SUV.

Also, the CR-V offers comfort and convenience features that are not available in the Tucson. For a comfortable ride on long trips, it has front stabilizing seats. There’s also an entry and exit system that slides the driver’s seat back. Plus, the automatic rear folding seats make it easy to change the cargo and seating configuration.

Honda CR-V has better driving dynamics than the Hyundai Tucson

Another benefit of the redesign for the 2023 CR-V is its improved driving dynamics. Car and Driver, which ranks the CR-V as the best compact crossover SUV, states that it “delivers a comfortable ride and confident road manners.” The CR-V also offers an upgraded turbocharged engine and an all-new hybrid system, as well as a more capable all-wheel drive system. 

Conversely, the driving dynamics of Tucson are one of its weak points. It lacks the driving excitement of other crossover SUVs, particularly with the pokey base engine. U.S. News states that the Tucson has “modest passing power.”

With its superb redesign, the 2023 Honda CR-V made a big leap forward in the compact crossover SUV segment. This gives it a huge advantage over the 2023 Hyundai Tucson. When trying to determine which crossover SUV is a better choice for you, the redesign, and all the benefits that come with it, is an important consideration.

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Staff Writer, Producer - SUVs

Mark Putzer

With seven years of experience writing in the automotive industry prior to joining MotorBiscuit in 2021, Mark’s work can be found on dealership websites across North America. A Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison sent Mark into the wilderness for environmental studies. Here, he discovered a passion for driving off-road trucks and SUVs off the beaten path.

During his extensive international travels, Mark developed an affinity for foreign cars and international automotive markets. Inspired by the industry-wide push toward environmentally-friendly EVs and hybrids, Mark covers topics about recent advances in the automotive industry, in addition to everything from off-road concepts to emerging EV technology.