2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Sport Touring
Redesigned for 2023, the Honda CR-V Hybrid is one of the best small hybrid SUVs. It has peppy handling, good fuel economy, an upscale cabin, lots of standard features, and plenty of cargo space.
Base Price: $38,600
As tested: $39,845
PS: 203
Mileage: 40mpg city/34mpg highway/37mpg combined
Launched for the 2020 model year, the CR-V Hybrid has received minimal changes so far. The 2023 model gets an updated exterior and interior design, additional driver assistance technologies and a better infotainment system.
It is available in two trim levels: Sport and Sport Touring. Starting prices are $32,450 and $38,600, respectively. These are in the segment average. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available on the Sport, and AWD is standard on the Sport Touring trim.
Both trims get the same powertrain: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a combined output of 203 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a continuously variable automatic.
The CR-V Hybrid has brisk acceleration from a standing start and, even at higher speeds, plenty of momentum for merging and overtaking. The CVT shifts smoothly and promptly, but can whine if you want aggressive acceleration. steering reacts. You can tune the regenerative brakes to go from a normal feel to almost a pedal ride.
Fuel economy is good, but other compact hybrid SUVs fare better. EPA ratings for my AWD tester are 40 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with a combined rating of 37. I got 36 mpg during my week of mixed city and highway driving.
When properly outfitted, the CR-V Hybrid can tow up to 1,000 pounds.
The cabin is attractive and upscale, with a modern, clean design. Materials are nice, including plenty of soft-touch finishes. Front seats are supportive and comfortable. The second-row seats are slightly less padded, but still comfortable. Two adults can easily be accommodated in the second row, even on longer journeys. The rear seats recline so you can stretch out in the back.
Standard features include remote start, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, cloth upholstery, 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, leather steering wheel, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, four USB ports, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic high beams and a power sunroof.
Available features include leather upholstery, four-way power passenger seat, heated leather steering wheel, infotainment system with 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, HD radio, Satellite radio, interior LED ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers and universal garage door opener.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a rear seat reminder.
Available driver assistance technologies include front and rear parking sensors.
The infotainment system is user-friendly whether you get the standard 7-inch or the optional 9-inch touchscreen. However, many vehicles now have larger screens, making them look a bit small. The graphics are sharp and the system responds quickly to touch and voice commands. Physical controls make it easy to adjust audio and climate settings.
Cargo space is good for the class. There’s 39.3 cubic feet when both rows of seats are in place and 76.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. A manual tailgate is standard and a hands-free power tailgate is available.
The good:
Lively acceleration
Pleasant ride
Decent fuel economy
Upscale and spacious interior
Many standard functions and tech
User-friendly infotainment system
The not so good:
Drivetrain may howl when pushed
Price information:
My tester starts at $38,600. The destination fee is $1,245, bringing the total to $39,845.
bottom line:
With the redesign of the CR-V Hybrid, Honda has taken a good thing and made it better. The 2023 CR-V offers refined handling, brisk acceleration, reasonable fuel economy, a spacious and upscale cabin, and many standard features and technologies. If you want a small hybrid SUV, you should stop by.