The 2023 Honda CR-V Is an Even Better Hybrid SUV Than Before
The Honda CR-V is one of the most beloved vehicles in the history of the world. Grated, the Honda CR-V isn’t the most exciting vehicle ever made. Still, they consistently, generation after generation, are reliable, fuel-efficient, comfortable, and affordable, and they continue to improve on each of these highlighted strong points, except maybe the affordable part. The 2023 Honda CR-V continues this trend by being an even better hybrid SUV than ever before.
Updated: 6/30/23
The 2023 Honda CR-V’s new powertrain makes it one of the coolest hybrid SUVs
Hybrid SUVs are the hottest thing on the block at the moment. Americans love big trucks and SUVs. However, with high gas prices continuing to cripple many Americans, the big V8s are taking a back seat to the little four-cylinder hybrids.
The introduction of the Honda CR-V Hybrid has proven to only improve one of the best SUVs in the game. Now, Honda has updated that already great hybrid system to be more powerful and more fuel efficient.
Leaps like this are more significant than they may seem at first. Aside from Honda just making a better hybrid SUV for people who want to buy that car, it adds to the cultural conversation of gas vs. hybrid vs. electric cars. While American infrastructure and economics still haven’t caught up enough to make owning electric cars practical enough, the hybrid SUVs and cars must step up to fill the gap. The 2023 Honda CR-V seems to understand this need clearly.
This new powertrain makes an impressive 204 hp and 247 pounds-feet of torque. If that weren’t juicy enough, the new hybrid system also allows the top speed of the hybrid to increase from 86 mph to 115 mph and to increase its tow rating up to 1,000 pounds for the first time ever.
What’s new for the Honda CR-V?
Honda is giving extensive updates to the 2023 Honda CR-V. More than anything else, Honda wants to focus the CR-V on improved hybrid options. According to Cars.com, the hybrid 2023 Honda CR-Vs are getting a new dual-motor electric system. This change will not only improve fuel economy, but Honda hopes the increase in performance will bring even more buyers to the new hybrid platform. Honda estimates by 2023, over half of the CR-V customers will opt for the hybrid. With specs like this, who could blame them?
Aside from the new hybrid powertrain, the trim levels have moved around a bit. Also, an all-wheel drive system is now available on all CR-V trims and is standard on the top Sport Touring model; it now can send up to 50% of available torque to the rear wheels.
The CR-V is also growing a bit with its plethora of updates. According to Motor1, the CR-V added 2.7 inches of overall length, rides on a 1.6-inch-longer wheelbase, and is almost half an inch wider than the outgoing model. The windshield pillars have also moved backward by 4.7 inches, outward by 2.8 inches, and lower by 1.4 inches, changing the overall styling of the CR-V.
What are the best trims for the new Honda CR-V?
The 2023 Honda CR-V comes in four trims. The lower two trims are the EX and EX-L, which will both feature a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 190 horsepower and 179 pounds-feet of torque. Both trims come with a continuously variable automatic transmission with “step-shift” programming that simulates the gear changes in a traditional automatic transmission.
If you want to step up to the two top trims, you’ll want to look at the Sport and Sport Touring. Both come with Honda’s all-new hybrid system, which combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a pair of side-by-side electric motors, one of which is a new, larger motor.
