- The 2023 Honda CR-V is a Car and Driver Editors’ Choice
- The 2023 Honda CR-V is a bit boring
- These CR-V alternatives boast better style and a fun driving experience
- 2023 Honda CR-V: The verdict
The 2023 Honda CR-V arrives with incremental improvements over the previous version. It has a slightly larger interior with more passenger space. It includes more standard features, such as an infotainment system with a 9.0-inch touchscreen and a suite of driver assists like adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. And it’s better-looking, with bolder styling inside and out. The only problem is the 2023 Honda CR-V still suffers from the same (yawn) boring problem.
Oh, sure, it’s comfortable, capable, and easy to drive. Indeed, it’s the ideal vehicle for most people’s needs. But it’s like fat-free, sugar-free, taste-free frozen yogurt. It looks good and is better for you than other options on the dessert menu. But it lacks pizazz.
The 2023 Honda CR-V is a Car and Driver Editors’ Choice
2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring | American Honda Motor Co., Inc
The 2023 Honda CR-V landed on Car and Driver Editors’ Choice list again this year. It’s the straight-A student who makes the honor roll four years in a row. This year, C/D recognizes it for its fresh exterior styling and roomier interior. Honda also tweaked the standard turbo-four engine and continuously variable transmission, making slight gains in efficiency and responsiveness. But the model C/D recommends is the Sport Hybrid or Sport Touring Hybrid, boasting 43 mpg in the city.
Pick a non-hybrid model, and you’ll get the standard 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder. It provides sufficient motivation to reach 60 mph in under eight seconds. Most models ride on 18-inch wheels, but 19-inch wheels are an option. Configured either way, the CR-V provides a smooth, comfortable ride and decent handling. But it lacks the Volkswagen Tiguan’s feel or the Mazda CX-5’s fun-to-drive spirit.
The 2023 Honda CR-V is a bit boring
It’s not that there isn’t anything wrong with the 2023 Honda CR-V. It’s the perfect four-wheeled conveyance to make your life easier and less stressful. The worst thing Car and Driver could say about the CR-V is it’s “not as exciting as some rivals.”
You could chalk that lack of excitement up to the modest acceleration. It’s not as quick as some rivals. But C/D sums up its assessment of Honda’s compact SUV thus: “The redesigned CR-V is made to maintain its place on the bestseller list, with a smooth ride, practical cabin, and fuel-efficient powertrains.”
And that’s where the problem lies. It’s redesigned to “maintain its place on the bestseller list.” That means Honda went to great lengths to develop a CR-V that would please the most people and be the least offensive vehicle in its class. Therefore, the CR-V is homogenized and a bit dull.
These CR-V alternatives boast better style and a fun driving experience
Four other SUVs in the CR-V’s class also made Car and Driver’s 2023 Editors’ Choice list. Starting with the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, C/D praises both SUVs’ styling and near-luxury cabins on the top trims. Reviewers found the powertrains responsive and worth the extra money. Plus, both vehicles provide a good dose of style and the right mix of attributes to compete with any model in the small SUV category.
Moving on to the Mazda CX-5, Car and Driver reviewers like the “artful” exterior design, refined handling, and rich interior. Though cargo room and rear seat space weren’t quite as generous as the Honda CR-V, the CX-5 is one of the most fun-to-drive vehicles in this segment.
Finally, the Volkswagen Tiguan made C/D’s list for its roomy cabin, European styling, and crisp handling. The editors thought Tiguan could use more power, but its handling “is a breath of fresh air.”
2023 Honda CR-V: The verdict
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The small SUV segment is one of the most crowded and competitive. So it offers plenty of excellent vehicles to choose from. The top models include the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Toyota RAV4. All are excellent choices and offer years of reliable service.
As for the CR-V, it has long been the gold standard and the target for every other automaker. And though it might not be as exciting to drive as the Tiguan and CX-5 or as futuristic-looking and feature-laden as the Tucson and Sportage, it still offers all-around goodness.
Keyword: The 2023 Honda CR-V Still Suffers From the Same Boring Problem