Honda gave its best-selling SUV, the CR-V, a makeover for the new model year. The CR-V’s redesign spruced up many aspects. Still, one of this compact crossover’s most thoughtful features is its easy-to-use controls. Here’s a look at the 2023 Honda CR-V and why it stands out for its simple controls.

The 2023 Honda CR-V offers an excellent user experience thanks to simple controls

Consumer Reports recently published a shortlist of cars with the most straightforward controls. One of the four entries is the 2023 Honda CR-V. It’s interesting that the CR-V made the list because automakers have been trending toward larger and more complex touchscreens with every redesign. Although Honda expanded the CR-V’s touchscreen, it’s nowhere near the massive screens on other cars.

The previous model had a 5.0-inch touchscreen, but the redesigned CR-V has a 7.0-inch screen. However, unlike many other automakers’ screens, the car’s features don’t rely on the touchscreen for everything. The 2023 Honda CR-V still has plenty of physical controls, such as buttons and knobs, that are intuitive and easy to use. That’s especially true for the gear shifter, which is now easier to use without having to look for it.

Overall, by redesigning the CR-V’s controls, Honda helped make the SUV safer for drivers. Complex touchscreens can take drivers’ eyes off the road too long, increasing the risk of accidents.

Overview of the 2023 Honda CR-V: Price, specs, and updates

In addition to the simpler controls, the 2023 CR-V has more standard safety features. For example, blind-spot monitoring is now standard equipment, which Honda also upgraded with better radar and camera views. The automaker also gave the rest of the interior major updates. One of the more significant upgrades is the CR-V’s improved cargo capacity.

The 2023 model provides a generous 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear row. With those seats folded down, the capacity is 76.5 cubic feet.

However, Honda didn’t change much about the standard 1.5-liter engine. It still makes 190 hp for 31 mpg combined.

However, one of the biggest changes involves the CR-V’s powertrain options. The 2023 model now offers a hybrid version, starting at about $31,500. The hybrid powertrain harnesses 204 hp and gets about 40 mpg combined.

Another major update is the vehicle’s exterior. It boasts bolder body styling, including a larger grille. 

On top of all the updates, the 2023 Honda CR-V also has a higher starting price of about $28,500.

Other cars Consumer Reports picked for their easy-to-use controls

If shoppers aren’t interested in the 2023 Honda CR-V, Consumer Reports lists three other models with easy-to-use controls. The cheapest option is actually an EV — the Nissan Leaf. It starts at around $28,000 but has only 149 miles of range. The longest-range Leaf gets 212 miles and costs about $36,000.

For that price, shoppers could choose the other two cars on the list. The Audi A3 starts at about $35,000 and is the only luxury car in the roundup. The Chevy Traverse goes for $34,500, and it’s the largest SUV on CR’s list.