2023 Honda CR-V: Everything you need to know about the future RAV4 rival [Update]

Update: ‘Exterior,’ ‘Powertrain,’ and ‘Release Date’ sections updated.

The new generation 2023 Honda CR-V will break cover later this year, to give Honda customers in the United States brand new models in the compact SUV segment in addition to the sub-compact (with the new HR-V) and mid-size (with the 2023 Honda Pilot) offerings. Here’s what we know about the future iteration of America’s favorite crossover-SUV.

Exterior

Road-testing of the 2023 Honda CR-V is in full swing in the United States ahead of the launch this year. Prototypes confirm a longer and slightly wider body for the incoming CR-V. Image Source: Mark S./TFLcar

An alleged patent image of the 2023 CR-V has been posted online (view on Facebook/Vanhoe Rage). Inspired by the images, TopElectricSUV previews the final design of the hybrid crossover. We observe that the next-gen CR-V features a more masculine exterior. A taller radiator grille with chunky hexagonal mesh inserts, wider lower air intake, sportier bumper, higher and straighter hood, and slimmer headlamps lend the redesigned model a striking appearance at the front.

A speculative rendering from TopElectricSUV previews the 2023 Honda CR-V that features a mature and more practical design.

On the sides, the all-new CR-V has a more angular greenhouse that helps it look squarer and tougher. It has a more defined shoulder line that starts from the upper corner of the headlamps and stretches all the way to the rear cluster.

At the back, the camouflaged test mule (see the image on TFLcar) has cut-outs that indicate repetition of the signature L-shaped graphic in the rear lights. Regardless of the shape and orientation of the rear lights in the final design, expect them to feature a wide L-shaped light guide on their outer ends that flows out to the shoulder line, similar to the 2022 Civic Hatchback (and maybe even BMW’s 8 Series model). And the license plate? It would be higher, placed on the mid-portion of the tailgate.

Spy pictures from HondaPro Jason offer a clear look at the 2023 Honda CR-V’s hexagonal radiator grille and extended rear. Image Source: Facebook/HondaPro Jason

The next-gen CR-V will be bigger than the current model, as per a report from Autocar. In Europe, this would make it a better rival to the Skoda Kodiaq (the VW Tiguan’s Czech market cousin), which is also available in five- and seven-seat versions. For reference, the current CR-V is 179.4 inches long, 71.6 inches wide, and 64.7 inches (2WD)/65.1 inches tall, and it has a 103.1 inch-long wheelbase.

Interior

The 2023 Honda CR-V will have a simple interior that aligns with the brand’s new philosophy – “Simplicity and something.” Honda should use a slimmer dashboard and clean up the CR-V’s center console, relocating the infotainment system screen and reducing the number of physical controls. The company will likely mount the touchscreen panel atop the dashboard, making it more easily accessible to the driver, while keeping the console clean. Another significant change should be the adoption of a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster. It is safe to assume that wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto will be available.

The 2023 Honda CR-V would borrow interior parts from the new Civic (pictured) and is expected to adopt a cleaner layout. Image Source: Honda

The 2023 CR-V will likely feature a new touchscreen infotainment system with deeper integration of Google services. On September 23, 2021, Honda announced that its future models would integrate Google’s in-vehicle connected service and that it will launch the first of these models in North America in the second half of 2022.

The release date and the global relevance suggest that the debut model for the advanced Google system could be the new CR-V. With Google built-in, customers will get to use Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play directly through native apps installed on the vehicle’s infotainment system.

Safety

Honda will likely offer the new Honda Sensing 360 system, a package of various safety and driver-assistive technologies, in the next-gen CR-V. Honda Sensing 360 should get a better sense of the vehicle’s surroundings compared to 2022 CR-V’s Honda Sensing, as Honda says that it has an expanded sensory range around the vehicle. The company said in 2021 that it will first apply the new omnidirectional safety and driver-assistive system in China in 2022 and that it plans to make it a part of standard equipment in the U.S. by 2030.

Specifications

On the powertrain front, Honda has confirmed it will unveil the all-new CR-V (globally) in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain. The company should upgrade the third-gen two-motor hybrid system for fuel economy and performance gains.

In the current CR-V Hybrid, the powertrain clubs a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine with two motors with flat wire technology for a total power of 212 hp. One is a 181 hp generator/starter motor, and the other a propulsion motor. The vehicle operates the majority of the time as a series hybrid. The propulsion motor drives the wheels while the engine generates electricity for the traction battery and/or the propulsion motor. The system can switch to parallel hybrid operation when it sees the need for more power.

Honda may build the 2023 CR-V in a seven-seat version as well in the United States. The company doesn’t offer a third-row in this market. Image Source: Honda

Like the current version, the sixth-gen CR-V should adopt a plug-in hybrid variant in the lineup globally. Honda sold over 56,000 units of the CR-V Hybrid in the United States in 2021, a new record, implying that more shoppers are looking for electrified options. Honda has announced that it will release a new generation of BEVs starting with the Honda Prologue in 2024. It’s not clear if it will also strengthen the U.S. lineup with PHEVs, as the strategy could be to leapfrog to BEVs.

Honda makes the CR-V in five- and seven-seat versions, but it doesn’t sell the latter in the American market. Citing the prototype’s longer body, American media outlets are speculating that Honda will launch the next-gen CR-V in the U.S. in both five- and seven-seat versions, though we haven’t spotted the third row of seats yet.

There are still some unanswered questions on the seating and powertrain choices of the new CR-V for the U.S., but we’ll get more information in the coming months.

Price & Release Date

The 2023 Honda CR-V should arrive at American Honda dealers this fall. It will likely be available as a hybrid (self-charging) right from the launch. Expect prices to start at around USD 27,000 for the gasoline variant and around USD 32,000 for the hybrid variant, as it aims to catch up to the RAV4.

In Europe, Honda has confirmed that it will launch an all-new CR-V in 2023, and offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.

CR-V retains title of the best-selling Honda

Though the current CR-V is five years old, it continues to be the most popular Honda model in the United States. In 2021, Honda sold 361,271 CR-Vs in the country, marking year-over-year growth of 8.3% (2020: 333,502 units), despite the situation with the semiconductor chips. However, it ranks No.2 in its segment, with Toyota’s RAV4 claiming the lead position. Toyota sold 407,739 RAV4s in 2021, but that marked a year-over-year decline of 5.3% (2020: 430,387 units).

2023 Honda CR-V FAQs

What is the 2023 Honda CR-V release date?

The new Honda CR-V will likely go on sale in the United States in late 2022.

What will be the 2023 Honda CR-V price?

The next-gen CR-V may start at around USD 27,500 for the gasoline variant and around USD 32,000 for the hybrid.

Which SUVs will be the 2023 Honda CR-V alternative?

Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson & Kia Sportage will be some of the many CR-V alternatives.

Keyword: 2023 Honda CR-V: Everything you need to know about the future RAV4 rival [Update]