When the CR-V debuted in America in 1997, we didn’t know what to call it. Although it promised precise, sedan-like handling and efficiency, it was significantly larger—and yet not nearly large enough to be classified as a full-size SUV. Instead, the “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle” joined its rival, the Toyota RAV4, to create a new breed of SUV: the crossover.
The CR-V has defied convention since its debut, blending its practicality and its engaging driving demeanor with its affordable price tag and an exceptional suite of features. This potent combination makes finding a Honda CR-V for sale an exciting endeavor and a worthwhile investment—especially if you’re looking at a 2023 model.
Why? Well, Honda has introduced the sixth-generation CR-V for 2023, stretching the legendary crossover to give it a broader, rugged stance that matches its modern interior, loaded with cutting-edge technology that keeps you connected, informed, entertained, and aware of your surroundings. With hybrid trims like the CR-V Sport and CR-V Sport Touring delivering 204 hp and an all-wheel drive fuel economy of 40 MPG in the city, there’s no question that the 2023 CR-V is all about scratching your itches. Here’s a closer look at the 2023 CR-V and how its features are engineered to enhance your experience behind the wheel.
1) Expansive Digital Displays
The 2023 CR-V ushers the crossover into a new era of innovation with its modern cockpit putting everything you need within reach or view. From the driver’s seat, you have a quick view of an all-new seven-inch color display that, depending on your trim, includes a digital tachometer, digital power flow meter, and speedometer. While this display gives you vital data about the CR-V’s performance, the seven-inch or nine-inch center touchscreen keeps you connected by offering smartphone integration, navigation, and an expansive view behind the CR-V via the rearview camera.
2) Wireless Smartphone Integration and Wireless Charging
Smartphones are integral to everything we do, making our iPhones and Androids potential distractions when we’re behind the wheel. Honda mitigates those distractions by equipping the CR-V with smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By opting for top-tier trims like the EX-L and Sport Touring, you can reap the benefits of seamless connectivity via wireless smartphone integration and wireless charging. So go ahead, and leave those charging cables at home because the CR-V can handle it all.
3) Bose Premium Sound System
Honda adds incredible value to the 2023 CR-V by outfitting trims like the Sport Touring with a Bose premium sound system—a first for the CR-V. Designed by Bose and Honda engineers, the sound system delivers an immersive listening experience. It equips the crossover with 12 high-performance Bose speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin. Moreover, Honda heightens the experience by outfitting the CR-V with Dynamic Speed Compensation technology that automatically adjusts the tone and volume of the system according to the CR-V’s speed. As a result, you don’t have to make frequent adjustments to the system, allowing you to focus on the road.
4) Body Stabilizing and Reclining Seats
Honda expands the CR-V’s footprint for its 2023 model, giving it a broader stance and extending its cabin size. This expansion adds more legroom in the second row, which passengers can thoroughly enjoy with the updated reclining rear seats that recline at eight angles. In addition, the front Body Stabilizing Seats are new for 2023 and offer outstanding comfort by molding to the rider’s body to minimize fatigue. While heated seats are standard, adding Honda’s premium leather interior makes the seats plush, supportive, and luxurious.
5) Versatile Storage and Cargo Space
The CR-V’s expansion for 2023 also means more cargo room, starting with the center console that offers a class-leading volume of 0.38 cu.ft. The rear cargo area also sees a significant upgrade and offers one of the largest capacities in its class—and the largest in CR-V history—at 39.3 cu.ft. Honda makes it easy to maximize this space by equipping the CR-V with configurable rear seats in a 60/40 split-folding design. When the seats are folded flat, you can lower the load floor and take advantage of the CR-V’s impressive 76.5 cu.ft. of total cargo space.
6) Engaging and Dynamic Powertrains
The CR-V is renowned for its engaging driving demeanor, and the 2023 model continues that tradition. The sixth-generation CR-V introduces the fourth generation of Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain, which relies on a 2.0L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors to deliver 247 lb-ft of instant torque and 204 hp. This combination is remarkably efficient, with trims like the Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid averaging 40 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
For drivers looking for a traditional gas-powered CR-V, Honda answers with its proven 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission. The combination is updated for 2023, with the CVT delivering improved responsiveness for a more engaging driving experience. The result is impressive, as the engine produces 190 hp, 179 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
7) All-New Drive Modes
Honda makes history in 2023 by equipping the CR-V with its first-ever selectable drive modes. The multiple modes let you harness the CR-V’s power and tailor its performance to your driving preferences or conditions. Normal Mode balances fuel efficiency with performance, while ECON Mode prioritizes efficiency. Snow Mode optimizes traction in slippery situations by finetuning the transmission, softening the throttle response, and increasing engine braking. Finally, hybrid models offer Sport Mode, which gives the CR-V a dynamic, sport-like handling by enhancing the throttle’s response and optimizing the Active Sound Control system to deliver a sportier sound to match the driving demeanor.
8) Real-Time AWD with Intelligent Control System
One of the most appealing features of the CR-V is that you can outfit the crossover with Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System. Available on every trim, the system improves how the CR-V handles in slippery conditions without compromising its performance, efficiency, or your confidence behind the wheel. The Real Time AWD system monitors conditions and can send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels to improve traction. At the same time, the Intelligent Control System actively minimizes the potential for wheel spin or traction loss by sending the ideal amount of power to the wheels.
9) Honda Sensing
The 2023 CR-V is all about you—prioritizing your safety so you can confidently navigate the road. The Honda Sensing suite is standard across the lineup. It outfits the CR-V with advanced safety and driver assistance features that optimize your focus and awareness to reduce the risk of collisions or hazardous situations. The suite includes Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, a Lane Keeping Assist System, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition are all-new for 2023. Traffic Jam Assist works with the CR-V’s Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist System to help you navigate the road at speeds under 45 mph. Since it works even at a standstill, this technology is exceptional in rush-hour traffic. Low-Speed Braking Control also helps in these conditions and is standard on the EX-L and Sport Touring. This technology relies on eight sonar sensors at the front and rear of the CR-V to detect objects and adjust braking and power output to minimize the chance of low-speed collisions.
